NEWS RELEASE
March 13, 2020
[Sooke, BC]
District of Sooke Fire Department and Emergency Program personnel continue to engage in discussions with, and monitor information provided by, Federal and Provincial agencies regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19).
The District activated a Level 1 EOC (Emergency Operations Centre) effective March 12, 2020, with Deputy Chief, Matt Barney acting as the EOC Director. All communications around the situation will be coordinated through the EOC, in consultation with other District staff and external agencies. The EOC will operate during regular District hours and allows for centralized planning and response, as well as collaborative and consistent communications. Staff are working to foresee and address any potential disruptions to District services to ensure a quick response to changing circumstances.
It’s important to remember that the District of Sooke is not the lead agency on the COVID-19 situation. The EOC will take cues and act on information and directives from the Province and the Island Health Office.
Residents are being asked to remain vigilant in mitigating the spread and impact of the illness through advanced personal hygiene practices; minimizing travel; monitoring travel advisories and protocols; 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
- 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
The public health risk is continually being monitored and reassessed as new information becomes available.
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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