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 2
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
FACILITY | STATUS |
Emergency Operations Centre | Activated as of 8:30am March 24th, 2020 |
Airport | Normal Operations |
Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex | Open |
Gym & Swimming Pool | Open |
Sauna, Steamroom & Hot Pool | Open as of September 1, 2020 |
Ice Rinks | Open as of August 17, 2020 |
Programs & Events | Normal Operations |
City Hall | Normal Operations - Open 8:30am to 4:30pm Mon. to Fri. Council Meetings: Live Stream available https://williamslake.civicweb.net/Portal/ |
Central Cariboo Arts Centre | Open for program-specific events daily – please refer to http://www.centralcaribooarts.com |
Fire Hall | Normal Operations, but closed to the public |
Public washrooms | Normal Operations |
Tourism Discovery Centre | Open daily 9am - 6pm |
Scout Island | Trails Open Nature House closed to the public |
Public Works | Normal Operations; public by appointment |
Public Playgrounds | Normal Operations |
Transit | Normal Operations |
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.
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
Mental Health / Substance Use Support
https://www.interiorhealth.ca/YourCare/MentalHealthSubstanceUse/Pages/default.aspx
BC COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool & App
https://covid19.thrive.health/
Healthlink BC
https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-feature/coronavirus-disease-covid-19
BC 211
Isolation support email
COVIDSW@interiorhealth.ca
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 211 : 2-1-1
BC Government Non-Medical COVID-19 Line: 1-888-268-4319
BC Government Non-Medical COVID-19 TEXT Line: 604-630-0300
Small Business BC
BC Economic Development Association
https://bceda.ca/coronavirus.php
BC Employment Standards - Handling Absences
BC Government - Economic Development Resources
WorkSafe BC - COVID-19 Information
https://www.worksafebc.com/en/about-us/covid-19-updates
Canada Revenue Agency - COVID-19 Information
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/campaigns/covid-19-update.html
Federal Government - Temporary Wage Subsidy
Federal Government - Travel Advice
BC Government - Mandatory Isolation for Returning Travellers
Federal Government - Financial Support for those Outside Canada
https://travel.gc.ca/assistance/emergency-info/financial-assistance/covid-19-financial-help
BC Transit - COVID-19 Information
https://www.bctransit.com/covid19
ICBC - COVID-19 Information
https://www.icbc.com/about-icbc/contact-us/Pages/covid-19.aspx
Federal Government - Global Travel Advisory
BC Employment Standards - Taking Unexpected Time Off Work
Canada Revenue Agency - Tax Deadline Extension
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/campaigns/covid-19-update/covid-19-filing-payment-dates.html
WorkSafe BC - Employee Information
https://www.worksafebc.com/en/about-us/covid-19-updates/health-and-safety/what-workers-should-do
Federal Government - Temporary Wage Subsidy
Employment Insurance - Unemployment
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-regular-benefit.html
Employment Insurance - Sickness
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-sickness.html
Federal Government - Canada Emergency Response Benefit
BC Government - Medical Services Plan
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents
BC Government - Mental Health Support
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/mental-health-support-in-bc
BC Government - Safe & Healthy Schools
Federal Government - Canada Students Loans
https://www.csnpe-nslsc.canada.ca/en/what-is-new
BC Government - Student Aid BC
https://studentaidbc.ca/news/general/covid-19-coronavirus-information-bulletin
BC Government - Child Care
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/covid-19-information
Federal Government - Canada Child Benefit
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/campaigns/canada-child-benefit.html
BC Housing - COVID-19 Information
https://www.bchousing.org/COVID-19
BC Housing - Temporary Rental Supplement
https://www.bchousing.org/publications/BCTRS-Simplified-FAQ.pdf
BC Housing - Eviction & Rent Adjustment
BC Government - Renter & Landlord Support
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020MAH0048-000561
BC Housing - Information for Housing Providers
BC Housing - Information for Homelessness Service Providers
Fortis BC - COVID-19 Information
https://www.fortisbc.com/about-us/supporting-british-columbia-during-the-covid-19-outbreak
BC Hydro - COVID-19 Information
https://www.bchydro.com/news/conservation/2020/covid-19-updates.html
Federal Government - Mortgage Support
First Nations Health Authority - COVID-19 Information
https://www.fnha.ca/what-we-do/communicable-disease-control/coronavirus
Federal Government - Indigenous Services Canada
https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1581964230816/1581964277298
Federal Government - RRIF Reduction
United Way - BC 211
Mayor's Message
Previous Messages
April 6th, 2020 UpdateApril 3rd, 2020 Update
April 1st, 2020 Update
March 27th, 2020 Update
March 26th, 2020 Update
March 24th, 2020 Update
Contact Numbers for local Pharmacies and Online Groceries
Pharmacies
Shoppers Drug Mart Pharmacy - 250.392.3333
Save-On-Foods Pharmacy - 250.392.7266
Kornak & Hamm Pharmacy - 250.398.8177
FreshCo Pharmacy - 250.398.6851
Real Canadian Wholesale Pharmacy - 250.305.2158
Online Groceries
Save-On-Foods - www.saveonfoods.com or call 250.392.7225
Real Canadian Wholesale Club - www.pcexpress.ca
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 January 20th, 2021