COVID-19

COVID-19 

Click HERE and sign up to receive regular emailed updates on COVID-19 in B.C.

 

The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to other respiratory illnesses and include: Coughing,  Fever,  Sore throat, Difficulty breathing/Shortness of Breath, Loss of Sense of Smell,  Headache and Fatigue

If you have symptoms you believe could be COVID-19 you can visit the Covid-19 self-assessment tool, call 8-1-1 or your primary care provider. They will determine if you require testing. A reminder that testing is done by appointment only.

If you are sick you must self isolate and avoid contact with others

 

 

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Important Resources

 

 

 

BC Recovery Funding

BC Recovery Benefit

British Columbians are now able to apply for the BC Recovery Benefit. This one-time, tax-free payment of up to $1,000 for families and single parents, and up to $500 for individuals, will help support British Columbians who are dealing with the pressures of COVID-19.

 

To apply you will need your:

✅ Social insurance number
✅ 2019 income tax notice of assessment from the CRA
✅ If applicable, spouse’s 2019 income tax notice of assessment
✅ Direct deposit information

British Columbians can apply through one of the following:

  • Apply online by visiting: gov.bc.ca/recoverybenefit
  • Apply over the Phone by calling 1-833-882-0020, Monday to Friday from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm

 

Read more information and a list of Frequently Asked Questions about the benefit click here

 

Helping Artist Adapt During the Pandemic

The B.C. government has created a new $500,000 Pivot for Individuals program through the BC Arts Council to help professional artists, cultural workers and arts administrators adapt to these challenges.

Through the BC Arts Council’s new program, people can apply for up to $12,000 to learn new skills or adapt their practices. Artists can apply for a grant for things such as modifying a dance piece for a smaller audience or learning new skills, such as video editing. Artists are also able to apply for support for professional development, like mentorship or training.

Applications are open until Feb. 16, 2021

To apply for the Pivot for Individuals program, visit: https://www.bcartscouncil.ca/program/project-assistance-pivot-for-individuals/

 

Work Experience Opportunities Grant

With $10 million from StrongerBC: BC’s Economic Recovery Plan, the Work Experience Opportunities Grant helps eligible, provincial non-profit organizations and federally registered charities provide 12-week work experience opportunities for people with disabilities and multiple barriers.

Organizations can apply for $5,000 per participant, to a maximum of five participants. The grants include a stipend for participants and are projected to help 2,000 British Columbians gain the work experience needed for long-term employment opportunities.

The second intake is open and applications will be accepted until midnight, Feb. 16, 2021. Learn more about the grant and apply here: www.workexperiencegrants.gov.bc.ca

Employment

 

 

Businesses

 

 

Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant

 

This program provides non-repayable grants to small and medium sized businesses in B.C. who have lost revenue due to the current COVID pandemic. There is a total of $345 million in funding available and Grants are up to $30,000 for businesses and up to $45,000 for tourism related businesses. The funds are distributed on a first come first serve basis.

The program is already providing targeted financial support for some of the hardest hit businesses in BC. The program runs until March 31st, 2021, or until the funds are fully allocated, whichever comes first.

More information and a list of frequently asked questions about this grant HERE

 

Other Resources

 

  • Full list of supports available to individuals and families
  • Expansion of BC 2-1-1 services to better support seniors who are self isolating. Seniors who need assistance picking up prescriptions and groceries, with food preparation and delivery or just want someone to talk with can call 2-1-1 or register online here and they will be connected to a volunteer in their community. People wanting to volunteer can also call to be matched up with  a senior who needs assistance
  • BC has invested $5 million to expand virtual mental health services in BC so that everyone can access the help they need during this pandemic and beyond. A full list of virtual mental health services can be found here

 

Vaccinations

Worldwide, there are more than 150 vaccines in development. Canada has agreements with several companies to receive enough doses for the entire population in the coming year. The first vaccine to be approved for use in Canada on December 9, 2020 was the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. The Moderna vaccine was authorized for use on December 23, 2020.

Starting the week of December 21, 2020, vaccines are being delivered regularly to locations in all health authorities in B.C. They will be administered first to high priority populations like seniors and frontline healthcare workers.

Vaccine distribution will be phased and will start with key populations based on Canada’s pandemic plan to reduce severe outcomes and deaths. The scheduling of priority groups for vaccination may be modified as transmission is monitored.
As more vaccine supply becomes available and once priority groups have been immunized, vaccination will begin in the wider population.

More information on vaccines can be found on the BC Center for Disease Control website: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/covid-19-vaccine

 

Utilities Response to COVID

 

Telus 

Shaw

BC Hydro

Fortis BC

ICBC