NEWS RELEASE
March 10, 2020
[Sooke, BC]
District of Sooke Fire Department and Emergency Program personnel are actively engaged in discussions with, and monitoring information provided by, Federal and Provincial agencies regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19).
The number of cases worldwide is rising. BC has confirmed cases of coronavirus; however, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has assessed the current public health risk to be low for residents of British Columbia. The public health risk is continually being monitored and reassessed as new information becomes available.
Residents are being asked to proactively help mitigate the spread and impact of the illness through advanced personal hygiene practices and regularly reviewing updates and information shared on the following Federal and Provincial sites:
Government of Canada – Outbreak Update: www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html
Government of BC – Pandemic Preparedness: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/current-health-topics/pandemic-influenza
BC Centre for Disease Control: www.bccdc.ca/about/news-stories/stories/2020/information-on-novel-coronavirus
The District has implemented internal protocols for Firefighters and First Responders, and encourage residents to take the following steps to stay healthy and prevent the spread of infections:
- wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;
- avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands;
- avoid close contact with people who are sick;
- cough or sneeze into your sleeve and not your hands; and
- stay home if you are sick to avoid spreading illness to others
Further details on ‘Prevention and Risks’ can be found here:
Government of Canada: www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/prevention-risks.html
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Media Contact:
Matt Barney, Deputy Chief/Emergency Program Coordinator
District of Sooke Fire Rescue
250-642-5422 ext. 638 | mbarney@sooke.ca