COVID-19 Coronavirus Update

Provincial and Federal Health Authorities are the lead agencies for COVID-19.

The British Columbia government has declared a provincial state of emergency to support the provincewide response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The CVRD is continuing to follow the advice of the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Provincial Health Officer.

COVID-19 is spread by an infected person through droplets in the air when a person coughs or sneezes, close personal contact such as touching or shaking hands and touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands.

The British Columbia Centre for Disease Control is the best source for COVID-19 health information. For more information please visit the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC).

About COVID-19

Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Updates

The Comox Valley local governments have activated a level two regional emergency operations centre in response to COVID-19. Representatives from the DND/19-Wing Comox, K'ómoks First Nation, CVRD, City of Courtenay, Town of Comox, Village of Cumberland, Fire Chiefs Association, and many other external agencies and organizations are working together to collaborate on response measures and best practices for the region. The regional EOC spokesperson regarding all COVID-19 matters within the region is CVRD Board Chair and Cumberland Councillor, Jesse Ketler.

The CVRD is also following the recommendations and guidance of the Province of BC, the BC Centre for Disease Control, and Island Health on communication and general preparations for COVID-19.

Please see the following media releases for more information:

Comox Valley Coalition to End Homelessness Updates

The Coalition to End Homelessness will post any social service agency closures/hour changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic that may impact those experiencing (or at risk of experiencing) homelessness.

COVID-19 Agency Updates from the Coalition

COVID-19 Business Resource Centre

Comox Valley Economic Development & Tourism has compiled resources for businesses.

COVID-19 Business Resource Centre

Vaccinations for Island Health Region

Beginning on March 8th, seniors aged 90+ and indigenous people aged 65+ who don’t currently receive home support services or live in an independent living or a seniors’ supportive housing facility, will be able to call Island Health to book their vaccination appointment in their community.

Visit the Island Health website to learn more about to register for your vaccination and when you maybe eligible.

Island Health Website

Island Health Data, Outbreaks and Public Exposures

Island Health updates the Covid-19 data Monday to Friday and outbreaks/school exposures daily.

Island Health Data, Outbreaks and Public Exposures

Testing and Isolation

Learn about BC's testing strategy and how to be tested if it is required, what self-isolation means and who will be asked to take this precaution.

Community Settings

People who need to engage in regular activities like shopping for food or other items are asked to practice common sense approaches to prevent infection and transmission.

Community Settings

Planning Applications

Planning applications continue to be reviewed and applicants will be contacted about any necessary scheduling changes. Please note that Planning staff are not undertaking site visits at this time. Contact planning@comoxvalleyrd.ca or call 250-334-6006 to discuss submission of new planning applications.

COVID-19 Planning Applications FAQs

Building Permits

Building permits continue to be received, processed and issued but delays should be expected. To respect physical distancing, residents are asked to not be on site during building inspections.

Questions can be forwarded to our building services team at building@comoxvalleyrd.ca or call 250-334-6006.

Bylaw Compliance

Bylaw officers within the CVRD have been tasked by the province to provide education to residents about physical distancing and Provincial Orders that have been put in place to protect the community. Bylaw officers are not empowered to enforce, ticket or detain for public health orders.

CVRD bylaw officers are actively patrolling regional parks and trails, completing spot checks in the community and providing education to residents about physical distancing. Hot spots and gatherings larger than 50 people are reported to the Ministry of Health.

Residents who are aware of gatherings of over 50 people, have concerns with businesses operating contrary to the Provincial Orders, or general social distancing concerns can report to either bylawenforcement@comoxvalleyrd.ca or publichealth@viha.ca.

April 9 News Release: Regional EOC Provides Update on Education and Enforcement of Physical Distancing

Utility Bills

With many residents feeling financial pressures due to COVID-19 impacts, the Comox Valley Regional District would like to reassure CVRD residents that they will not be charged any late payment fees for utility bills paid by December 31, 2020.

Sewage Treatment

The CVRD is pleased to report the number of wipes, rags, paper towels and disinfecting products in the sewer system has been decreasing. Thank you to residents for doing your part to protect our sewer system and avoid creating an additional public health risk.

Flushing anything other than human waste and toilet paper can result in clogged sewer lines and pumps. This could result in blocked up pipes, flooded basements and sewage spills into our environment. Please do your part to protect our sewer system and avoid creating an additional public health risk in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

Remember, even wipes labelled flushable will not break down after they enter the system.

For more information about what not to flush and why, visit: comoxvalleyrd.ca/flush

Regional Parks

Thank you to residents who are following physical distancing requirements in our regional parks. Fresh air, exercise and enjoying the natural environment, while respecting the health and safety of others, is an important part of keeping our community healthy during this time.

Visitors to our parks are asked to continue to follow public health recommendations and follow these important guidelines:

Respect physical distancing practices and stay two metres (six feet) away from others. This distancing measure does not apply to families or household units.
Stay and play in your local neighbourhood.
Respect the natural setting and don’t leave a trace. This includes not leaving behind painted rocks or fairy forest plastic, man-made items and garbage.
No fires are permtted at Goose Spit Park. Beach fire programs have been suspended until further notice at Joe Walker and Little River Crescent Beach.
Before you go, check your local government website to view the latest facility closures and measures being undertaken to contain COVID-19.

For more information visit: comoxvalleyrd.ca/parks

Sports and Aquatic Centres

The Comox Valley Sports Centre located at 3001 Vanier Drive in Courtenay re-opened September 8, 2020. The facility had been closed to the public since March 17 to help limit the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Masks are encouraged within recreation facilities

The re-opening of the facility follows the BC Recreation and Parks Association and WorkSafe BC guidelines. Pool offerings at the facility will be limited to ensure a safe and healthy experience. Available pool programs will include aquacise, rehab swim times, lane swim times, and select swim lessons. At this time the Comox Valley Aquatic Centre will remain closed. More information about CVRD programming at the Sports Centre is available in the Recreation Guide, which is now online.

For more information on the re-opening, or to make a reservation or register for a program, call 250-334-9622 or visit www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/registration.

CVRD Covid-19 Safety Plans

Fire Services

No fires are permitted at Goose Spit Park. Beach fire programs have been cancelled at Joe Walker, Little River Crescent Beach and Goose Spit.

For more information on the beach fire program visit www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/beachfire

Additional Resources

COVID-19 Information Lines

Government of Canada novel coronavirus information line: 1-833-784-4397
BC COVID Information Line for non-medical information on the virus, from travel recommendations to physical distancing:
1-888-COVID-19 (1-888-268-4319) seven days a week 7:30 am until 8:00 pm
or text 604-630-0300

Help prevent the spread by washing your hands and staying home if you are feeling unwell. In cold and flu season it is always respectful to not go to work or in public places when you are showing signs of illness. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing call 8-1-1 or use the COVID-19 BC Support App and Self-Assessment Tool.

Work+ With The CVRD

COVID-19 Coronavirus Update