2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Situation Summary
The Town of Smithers is committed to ensuring citizens are kept informed of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We are taking direction from the Federal Government, Provincial Government, Northern Health, and the BC Centre for Disease Control in order to do our part to help minimize the spread of this virus. This includes recommendations for social distancing, a tactic to minimize close contact with others in the community by avoiding crowding and cancelling public gatherings, among other measures.
The public is advised to report any complaints of social distancing and self-isolation to the Ministry of Health at 1-888-COVID19 (1-888-268-4319).
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF CANADA
Federal Government of Canada - COVID-19 Information
To learn more about Canada’s actions to help Canadians and businesses facing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, refer to Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan.
PROVINCIAL HEALTH OFFICER
The Provincial Health Officer is the senior public health official for British Columbia, and is responsible for monitoring the health of the population of British Columbia and providing independent advice to the ministers and public officials on public health issues.
The responsibilities of the Provincial Health Officer (PHO) are outlined in the Public Health Act.
- For more information about PHO orders and medical-related information, visit bccdc.ca
- For more information about Provincial support and health information, visit gov.bc.ca/COVID-19.
- For a list of orders and notices, the PHO Site.
(Ministry of Health) Joint statements on Province of BC's COVID-19 response, list of latest updates
PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
British Columbia COVID-19 Dashboard click here
Provincial COVID-19 Resources
- BC Government COVID 19 Provincial Support and Information website provides a hub through which you can access critical information as it is updated, including the Provincial Health Officer’s Pandemic Preparedness Page and the BC Centre for Disease Control COVID site.
- Toll-free non-health phone line at: 1 888 268-4319 (1-888-COVID19), is open between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. seven days a week for non-medical information about the emergency (including latest information on travel recommendations and social distancing, as well as access to support and services from the provincial and federal governments).
- Fact Sheet on various renters’ supports. The fact sheet will be translated into multiple languages and those will be posted through this week. You can also find more details on the BC Provincial Government's actions to support renters
Provincial Supports: Below is a rolling list of Provincial announcements to support people and businesses during the COVID19 pandemic. Please visit the COVID-19 Provincial Support and Information website for more information: gov.bc.ca/covid19
BC Government COVID-19 response updates
B.C. Business COVID-19 Support Service Now Live! click here
To help B.C. businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the B.C. government, through the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Competitiveness and the Government of Canada, through Western Economic Diversification Canada, have partnered with Small Business BC (SBBC) to launch a new B.C. Business COVID-19 Support Service.
MINISTRY OF HEALTH
A new app from the Ministry of Health COVID-19 BC Support App and Self-Assessment Tool is availble to download. The app will let you receive the latest updates, trusted resources, and alerts with regards to COVID-19.
Download the self-assessment app at https://bc.thrive.health/
The public is advised to report any complaints of social distancing and self-isolation to the Ministry of Health at 1-888-COVID19 (1-888-268-4319).
MINISTRY OF FORESTS, LANDS, NATURAL RESOURCE OPERATIONS and RURAL DEVELOPMENT, BC WILDFIRE SERVICE
June 18, 2020 Open fire prohibitions to be lifted across the Northwest Fire Centre
April 17, 2020 Information Bulletin regarding a province-wide open burning prohibition that will be implemented at 12 noon Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) on April 16, 2020.
Please continue to refer to our Fire Bans and Restrictions webpage for updated information.
To report unlawful open burning, call the 24/7 Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) hotline at 1 877 952-7277 or dial #7277 on a cell phone.
Since we are all at home but can’t burn, here are some activities from FireSmart Canada that we can do during COVID-19:
- Download the FireSmart Begins at Home app and undertake a structure ignition-zone assessment.
- Rake and remove tree needles and dry leaves within a minimum of 1.5 metres of a home’s foundation. As time permits, continue up to a 10-metre distance around the home. Dispose of collected debris in appropriate trash receptacles.
- Clean tree needles from the roof and gutters.
- Get out your measuring tape and see how close wood piles are located to the home. If closer than 10 metres, relocate and move the pile at least 10 metres from structures.
- Sweep porches and decks to clear them of leaves and tree needles. Rake under decks, porches, sheds and play structures.
- Mow grass to a height of 10 centimetres or less.
- Remove items stored under decks and porches and relocate them to a storage shed, garage, or basement. Gasoline cans and portable propane tanks should never be stored indoors and should be located away from the home.
- Go to firesmartbc.ca and read or watch the numerous resources that are available on the website.
- Take the FireSmart 101 course on firesmartcanada.ca
NORTHERN HEALTH
Northern Health is actively monitoring COVID-19 in Smithers and the Bulkley Valley. To receive up to date information please follow the following link to Northern Health, which links to the BC Centre for Disease Control, COVID-19 on HealthLinkBC and Handwashing on HealthLink BC.'
Northern Health has launched a COVID-19 Online Clinic and Information Line to help answer questions and concerns from Northern BC residents. Northern Health Authority - COVID-19 Online Clinic and Information Line.
The NH COVID-19 Online Clinic and Information Line can be reached at 1-844-645-7811.
Northern Health Resources:
- Resources
- COVID-19 - A Northern Health Guide for your Community - (updated June 4, 2020)
Northern Health Updates:
Monday, January 18, 2021Overdose Alert: Illicit Benzodiazepines or “Benzos” Contaminating Street Drugs
Wednesday, January 13, 2021 Northern Health Community Update - January 13, 2021
Monday, January 11, 2021 LNG Cananda Project Site - Kitimat - Outbreak Declared Over
Friday, January 8, 2021 CGL Work Sites - Update #4
Wednesday, January 6, 2021 Northern Health Community Update - January 6, 2021
Thursday, December 31, 2020 CGL Work Sites - Update #3
Thursday, December 31, 2020 LNG Cananda Project Site - Kitimat Update
Friday, December 25, 2020 LNG Cananda Project Site - Kitimat Outbreak Declared Over
Thursday, December 24, 2020 CGL Work Sites - Update #2
Wednesday, December 23, 2020 Northern Health Community Update - December 23, 2020
Wednesday, December 23, 2020 CGL Work Sites - Update #1
Tuesday, December 22, 2020 Northern Health Administers First COVID-19 Vaccines in Prince George
Tuesday, December 22, 2020 COVID-19 Outbreak Declared - CGL Work Sites - Update
Monday, December 21, 2020 Vaccine Arrives In Prince George
Sunday, December 20, 2020 COVID-19 Outbreak Declared - CGL Work Sites
Thursday, December 17, 2020 LNG Canada Project site - Kitimat Update
Wednesday, December 16, 2020 Northern Health Community Update - December 16, 2020
Friday, December 11, 2020 LNG Canada Project site - Kitimat Update
Thursday, December 10, 2020 Northern Health Case and Contact Management Change
Wednesday, December 9, 2020 Northern Health Community Update - December 9, 2020
Wednesday, December 9, 2020 LNG Canada Project site - Kitimat Update
Friday, December 4, 2020 LNG Canada Project site - Kitimat Update
Wednesday, December 2, 2020 Northern Health Community Update - December 2, 2020
Tuesday, December 1, 2020 LNG Canada Project site - Kitimat Update
Friday, November 27, 2020 LNG Canada Project site - Kitimat Update
Friday, November 27, 2020 Respect COVID-19 rules, ahead of the weekend
Wednesday, November 25, 2020 Northern Health Community Update - November 25, 2020
Monday, November 23, 2020 LNG Canada Project site - Kitimat Update
Thursday, November 19, 2020 LNG Canada Project site - Kitimat
Wednesday, November 18, 2020 Northern Health Community Update - November 18, 2020
Tuesday, November 10, 2020 Northern Health Community Update - November 10, 2020
Wednesday, November 4, 2020 Northern Health Community Update - November 4, 2020
Wednesday, October 28, 2020 Northern Health Community Update - October 28, 2020
Wednesday, October 21, 2020 Northern Health Community Update - October 21, 2020
Tuesday, October 20, 2020 Northern Health Bulletin - Take Flu Out of the Mix - Get Your Flu Shot
Wednesday, October 14, 2020 Northern Health Community Update - October 14, 2020
Wednesday, October 7, 2020 Northern Health Community Update - October 7, 2020
Wednesday, September 30, 2020 Northern Health Community Update - September 30, 2020
Thursday, September 17, 2020 Information Bulletin - NH Online COVID-19 Clinic and Information Line Update
Wednesday, September 16, 2020 Northern Health Community Update - September 16, 2020
Wednesday, September 9, 2020 Northern Health Community Update - September 9, 2020
Wednesday, September 2, 2020 Northern Health Community Update - September 2, 2020
Tuesday, September 1, 2020 Northern Health and First Nation Health Authority Public Service Announcement - COVID-19 Alert Northwest BC
Friday, August 28, 2020 Northern Health Public Service Announcement - COVID-19 Alert Northeast BC
Wednesday, August 26, 2020 Northern Health Community Update - August 26, 2020
Thursday, August 20, 2020 Information Bulletin - COVID-19 community outbreak on Haida Gwaii - Case Recoveries Update
Wednesday, August 19, 2020 Northern Health Community Update - August 19, 2020
Thursday, August 13, 2020 Northern Health Community Update - August 13, 2020
Wednesday, August 5, 2020 Northern Health Community Update - August 5, 2020
Friday, July 24, 2020 Information Bulletin - COVID-19 community outbreak on Haida Gwaii
Wednesday, July 22, 2020 Northern Health Community Update - July 22, 2020
Wednesday, July 8, 2020 Northern Health Community Update - July 8, 2020
Tuesday, June 30, 2020 Northern Health Community Update - June 30, 2020
Wednesday, June 24, 2020 Northern Health Community Update - June 24, 2020
Wednesday, June 17, 2020 Northern Health Stakeholders Update - June 17, 2020
Thursday, June 10, 2020 Northern Health Stakeholders Update - June 10, 2020
Thursday, June 4, 2020 Northern Health Stakeholders Update - June 4, 2020
Thursday, June 4, 2020 Northern Health COVID-19 Online Clinic and Information Line: Hours changing June 4
Wednesday, June 3, 2020 Healthier Northern Communities E-Brief June 2020
Friday, May 29, 2020 Northern Health Connections gradual return of service
Thursday, May 28, 2020 Northern Health Stakeholders Update - May 28, 2020
Tuesday, May 26, 2020 Northern Health Sharing your COVID-19 experience – take the ‘BC COVID-19 SPEAK: Your story, our future’ survey
Thursday, May 21, 2020 Northern Health Stakeholders Update - May 21, 2020
Thursday, May 14, 2020 Northern Health Stakeholders Update - May 14, 2020
Tuesday, May 12, 2020 Northern Health Resuming Elective Surgeries - May 12, 2020
Thursday, May 7, 2020 Northern Health Stakeholders Update - May 7, 2020
Wednesday, May 6, 2020 Northern Health - Memo Drug Overdose Alert, Poster Overdose Alert
Thursday, April 30, 2020 Northern Health Stakeholders Update - April 30, 2020
Friday, April 24, 2020 Northern Health Stakeholders Update - April 23, 2020
- Joint statement on Province of B.C.'s COVID-19 response – April 22, 2020
- BC COVID-19 dashboard
- Coronavirus (COVID-19): A Northern Health Guide for Your Community
- Mental Health and Substance Use Resources
- Testing now available more widely: Anyone with symptoms can be tested
Thursday, April 9, 2020 Northern Health Update
Thursday, April 2, 2020 Northern Health Update
Friday, March 27, 2020 Northern Health Update
Monday, March 23, 2020 Northern Health Information Bulletins
- Additional Visitor Restrictions in place at Northern Health facilities
- Changes to protect Seniors receiving care
Tuesday, March 17, 2020 Northern Health Information Bulletins
- Visitor restrictions in place at Northern Health facilities/outpatient clinics
- Non-urgent scheduled surgeries postponed
TOWN OF SMITHERS
News Releases COVID-19 Updates *last update was posted June 5, 2020
Thursday, April 9, 2020 Please click here to view the video Message from Deputy Mayor Atrill, Cormac Hikisch - NHA, Matt Davey, Prevention and Community Safety Officer, and Mark deHoog
Wednesday, April 8, 2020 Please click here to view the video Message from Deputy Mayor Atrill
Monday, April 6, 2020 COVID-19 Compliance and Enforcement Guidance. The Smithers Bylaw Enforcement Officer will also be conducting regular pro-active patrols during the week, engaging with the public in an effort to educate them on proper social distancing requirements.
Friday, March 27, 2020 Please click here to view the video Message from Deputy Mayor Atrill
Thursday, March 19, 2020 The Town of Smithers has cancelled the Tuesday, March 24, 2020, Regular Meeting of Council.
COASTAL GASLINK NOTIFICATIONS
Wednesday, December 30, 2020 - Coastal GasLink COVID-19 Update Regarding the Provincial Health Order for Industrial Projects
