COVID-19

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Information

The City of Williams Lake is following measures as directed by the Provincial Health Ministry as we deal with the COVID-19 situation in British Columbia. We understand that this is an evolving situation, and will adapt our response based upon advice from public health officials. As always, the health and safety of the public and City staff remain our top priority.

We are focusing on maintaining services that our citizens rely upon, and agree with the health experts’ direction to exercise an abundance of caution in dealing with this virus, so that we can help curb its spread throughout British Columbia.

At this moment in time, the BC Centre for Disease Control and our local health authority, Interior Health, has said that the risk for transmission in Williams Lake and area remains low. However, we encourage individuals to practice appropriate isolation and hygiene practices.

Emergency Operations Centre - Level 1

On Tuesday, March 24, 2020, the City of Williams Lake activated its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC). This is a proactive measure to ensure appropriate resources and a coordinated local plan to support the PRovince of British Columbia’s emergency response plan. The activation of the EOC also allows the City to access support from Emergency Management BC. The EOC is reachable by phone 8:30am - 4:30pm M-F at 250-392-2364.

What the City of Williams Lake is doing

  • Increasing cleaning protocols at all City facilities.
  • Reviewing all events and programs at City facilities, especially those with 50 or more people.
  • Posting signage at all facilities encouraging both staff and the public to self-isolate if they are feeling ill.
  • Working to ensure that all critical functions and services of the City remain operational.
  • Reminding all staff to follow proper handwashing protocols, and stay home if they feel ill.
  • Providing business-critical staff with the right tools to carry out their functions should they need to work from home.

City Facility & Operations Status

FACILITYSTATUS
Emergency Operations CentreActivated as of 8:30am March 24th, 2020
AirportNormal Operations
Cariboo Memorial Recreation ComplexClosed as of 9:00pm March 17th, 2020
Gym & Swimming Pool
Closed
Sauna, Steamroom & Hot Pool
Closed
Ice Rinks
Closed
Programs & Events
Cancelled
Nutrition Run (April 5th, 2020) - Cancelled
City HallNormal Operations, but closed to the public
Council Meetings: Live Stream available https://williamslake.civicweb.net/Portal/
Central Cariboo Arts CentreClosed as of April 1st, 2020
Fire HallNormal Operations, but closed to the public
Public washroomsNormal Operations
Tourism Discovery CentreClosed as of 3:00pm March 20th, 2020
Scout IslandTrails Open
Nature House closed to the public
Public WorksNormal Operations, but closed to the public
Public PlaygroundsClosed as of 5:00pm March 20th, 2020
TransitFree, only rear door access


What you can do

  • Ensure you are washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, especially with unwashed hands.
  • Practice social distancing/self-isolation to avoid spreading illness to others, and to prevent a chance of catching the virus.
  • Do not purchase more consumable goods than what is necessary for a 14-day period.
  1. Health Information
  2. Small Business Information
  3. Transportation, Travel & Tourism

BC Centre for Disease Control

http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19 

Public Health Canada

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html 

Interior Health

https://www.interiorhealth.ca/YourEnvironment/CommunicableDiseaseControl/Pages/Breaking-News-and-Info.aspx 

BC COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool & App

https://covid19.thrive.health/

Healthlink BC

https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-feature/coronavirus-disease-covid-19

If you believe that you may have been exposed to COVID-19, or are feeling ill,  please contact these numbers before seeking medical treatment to ensure proper protocols are followed.

COVID-19 Federal Government Information Line: 1-833-784-4397

HealthLink BC : 8-1-1

BC Government Non-Medical COVID-19 Line: 1-888-268-4319

BC Government Non-Medical COVID-19 TEXT Line: 604-630-0300 

  1. Employment Information
  2. Children & Education Information
  3. Housing & Rent
  4. First Nations & Seniors

F.A.Q

Will stores run out of food?
No, stores will continue to receive shipments and any items that are currently out of stock will be restocked under regular operating procedures.

Is the City forcing businesses to close?
No, at this time the City is not demanding any establishments to close. Any business that has closed has done so of their own choosing, following the advice of Provincial and Federal Health Authorities.

I need to pay an invoice to the City, how can I?
With the closure of City Hall to the public, we understand that some individuals may be concerned on how they are able to continue to conduct regular business with the City. We have a robust system for online payments, available here. Furthermore, there is a drop box available at the main doors of City Hall for anyone who wishes to pay by cheque, we ask that you include details to identify what your payment is for.

How can I pay a parking ticket if I am under quarantine?
The City understands that travellers returning to Williams Lake from outside the country are required to self-isolate for 14 days. Therefore if you received a Parking Ticket at the Williams Lake Regional Airport, and can confirm that you are self-isolating due to travel, the City will waive the penalty period for late payment.

I believe a business is operating illegally, how can I report them?
Contact the City’s Bylaw department using our online complaint form available here

I am aware of someone who should be self-isolating due to travel or illness but is currently out in public, what do I do?
Contact the City’s Bylaw department using our online complaint form available here

I see someone using a closed public facility, such as a playground, when they should not be, how do I report them?
Do not approach the individual, please contact us between 8:30am - 4:30pm M-F at 250-392-2364 and a member of staff will respond.


Updated April 14th, 2020