PORT COQUITLAM, BC – Mar. 16, 2020, 9 a.m. …Effective immediately, the City of Port Coquitlam is closing community facilities including the Port Coquitlam Community Centre, Hyde Creek Centre, Terry Fox Library, Outlet and the Gathering Place. Services are also being limited at City Hall and other city facilities to help stop the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
City services will continue to be available online at www.portcoquitlam.ca.
“In the best interest and safety of our residents, we have made the right decision to close our community facilities,” said Mayor Brad West. “We all have an important role to play to help stop the spread of the virus. We are doing our part. I ask that every Port Coquitlam resident and business follow the advice being provided by health authorities. Together we will get through this.”
Exceptions:
- Spring break camps will continue to be offered at this time with modifications and enhanced measures to reduce the risk to participants and staff, including social distancing, increased cleaning and personal hygiene protocol.
- City Hall and the Annex will continue to be open for limited services. Public is advised to make an appointment for services by calling 604-927-5411 or email info@portcoquitlam.ca.
The residential utility bill deadline has been extended until further notice for property owners who cannot pay online, by mail or through their bank.
Full refunds will be provided for activities or rentals affected by the closures. Library due dates will be suspended during the period. Anyone with questions about a city recreation program can contact recreation@portcoquitlam.ca or 604-927-7529.
What the City is Doing
Port Coquitlam is actively monitoring updates from local, provincial and federal health authorities and is taking immediate action as directed to protect the safety of residents.
Updates will be posted on the city’s social media channels and www.portcoquitlam.ca/covid19, which includes links to health authorities’ websites.
To help prevent the spread of the virus, the city is:
- Providing a clean and safe environment for any facility users with increased daily cleaning of public touchpoints in city facilities.
- Posting signage in all facilities reminding the public of proper hygiene etiquette.
- Activating the City’s Emergency Operations Centre.
- Activating the City’s business continuity plan to ensure we can maintain our core services such as water, sewer, police and fire.
- Providing remote access tools for key staff to work from home.
- Keeping the public informed.
The city is also advising staff and any facility users to follow proper hygiene etiquette as directed by local health authorities. This includes:
- Regularly and thoroughly washing hands with soap and water (use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available),
- Avoid touching your face,
- Not coughing in your hands,
- Discarding tissues into a waste container,
- Not attending public facilities, events or gatherings if you are sick.
Stay Informed
Residents are advised to watch the city’s website and social media channels for updates.
For all health-related concerns, the public is advised to call 811, the Government of Canada novel coronavirus telephone information line at: 1-833-784-4397 or to contact their health-care provider or local public health office.
For more information and updates please contact the following resources:
- Fraser Health Authority – www.fraserhealth.ca
- BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) – www.bccdc.ca
- Public Health Agency of Canada – canada.ca/publichealth
– 30 –
MEDIA CONTACTS
Pardeep
Purewal
Manager of Communications & Admin Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5335 Cel 604.218.0533
Email purewalp@portcoquitlam.ca
This is the right approach and one that I am glad to see Port Coquitlam taking a lead, Surrey and Vancouver made similar announcements later the same day.