A message from Gary Birch, Executive Director, Neil Squire

March 13, 2020

We want to reassure you that we are closely following the latest developments of COVID-19.  Our priority is ensuring the health and safety of our participants, clients, staff, their families, and the greater community.

At this time, our programs and services remain open for business.

We continue to follow the latest guidance from the BC Ministry of Health, the BC Centre for Disease Control, the Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization.

While the risk of contracting the illness remains low, we are taking a number of proactive steps.

We will continue to review our pandemic plans and policies and modify as new information emerges. We have also updated our cleaning protocols at all facilities.

We are asking all staff, program participants, clients, residents, members, and guests to prevent the spread of illness by:

• Staying home if you are experiencing symptoms or feeling unwell
• Ensuring facilities remain hygienic by regularly cleaning all surfaces
• Practicing regular hand-washing especially after coughing, sneezing, blowing your nose; after using the washroom or changing diapers; before preparing food or eating
• Practicing social distancing: avoid physical touch entirely, and keep some distance between yourself and other individuals as much as possible

This dynamic situation requires diligence as a community to ensure that we protect the health and safety of one another. In these challenging times there are opportunities for support, respect and empathy.

Best wishes,

Gary Birch, Executive Director, Neil Squire