NEWS RELEASE
March 19, 2020
[Sooke, BC]
The District is ramping up the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to an EOC Level 2 response in support of the COVID-19 pandemic. The EOC is in operation during regular District hours and allows for advanced centralized planning and response, as well as collaborative and consistent communications. During a Level 2 activation, the EOC will have additional roles in place to help disseminate information, begin to coordinate preparation and response actions by reaching out to external stakeholders, businesses and agencies – as well as regional emergency response partners. Deputy Chief, Matt Barney continues as EOC Director.
It is important to note that the EOC, nor the District offices, are currently open to the public. Residents are being asked to remain vigilant in mitigating the spread and impact of the illness through advanced personal hygiene practices, social distancing and remain home whenever possible. Stay informed and seek information from reliable sources.
New ways to stay informed: the District recently launched a COVID-19 pandemic – updates and information page on the www.sooke.ca website to provide informative updates, highlights and links to reliable federal and provincial ministry sites – as well as a list of facility closures within the District. Mayor, Maja Tait, will be conducting live video updates each Monday at 1:00pm on the District Youtube Channel. Subscribe to the District of Sooke channel to get notifications. All videos will be available for viewing in the video library.
READ: COVID-19 pandemic – updates & information
WATCH: Mayor’s Weekly Update – each Monday at 1:00pm
Thank you to all residents, businesses and service organizations who are stepping up, acting responsibly and helping one another through this challenging time.
-30-
Media Contact:
Matt Barney, Emergency Program Coordinator & EOC Director
District of Sooke Fire Rescue
250-642-5422 ext. 638 | mbarney@sooke.ca
District Contact and Social Media Channels:
Website: www.sooke.ca
Twitter: @SookeCa
Facebook: Emergency Program
District Phone: 250-642-1634
Fax: 250-642-0541
District Email: info@sooke.ca
Staff Email: Directory
Fire Dept. Phone: 250-642-5422
Fax: 250-642-3840