Hi,
Just reaching out and checking-in to see how everyone is holding up. I have seen on social media that many of Area "F" residents have already offered to help with errands if you are self-isolating or yard work if you are unwell. Which is fantastic. If you are not on Facebook and could use some support, please give me a call or an email and we will work something out. If you can, call your neighbours and check-in on them.
Effective immediately: all RDOS, City of Penticton, Summerland and SD67 playgrounds and outdoor courts are closed, indefinitely.
Please remember:
If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms or mild respiratory symptoms, please call ahead if you would like to see your family physician or visit a walk-in clinic. By calling ahead you help the medical staff prepare for your visit and reduce the spread of germs.
Telehealth options are now available across the South Okanagan Similkameen. This means your physician or nurse practitioner can assess you via videoconferencing or even over a landline. Walk-in clinics also offer Telehealth appointments.
But, do call ahead for instructions from your family medical clinic or walk-in clinic.
Stay informed - sign up for CIVICREADY
RECENT AREA "F" UPDATES
In response to the COVID -19 pandemic, the RDOS Board of directors made a number of resolutions that will impact how the RDOS conducts its business.
All Public Information Meetings (PIMs) in accordance with the Development Procedures Bylaw are suspended for a concurrent time period of the Provincial Health Emergency.
All Advisory Planning Commission meetings are cancelled indefinitely.
On a temporary basis, all land use matters will now be referred directly to the Board for decision.
Parks and Recreation Commission meetings are cancelled until further notice.
All recreation facilities and community halls are closed indefinitely.
All parks and recreation programming and events are suspended indefinitely.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
I have been working with staff on how our communities can stay connected while adhering to social distancing guidelines. The upcoming annual Easter Egg Hunt and Selby Grand Opening celebrations will definitely have a new approach. We have also been working on a public engagement meeting for the new Greater West Bench transit system, introduction to our new RCMP Super Intendant Brian Hunter, fire smart discussions - those too will have a new look. We will be in touch. However, please be patient as the priority of the RDOS is to ensure core and essential services (water, waste collection, etc.) continue to function.
RDOS INFORMATION RELEASES
The Regional District and its member municipalities are taking aggressive steps to address the threat of COVID-19. The role of the RDOS is to keep core services functional in light of potential staff shortages. Essential services, such as water and wastewater treatment systems, public transit and solid waste collection and treatment, are the primary focus of RDOS staff.
All communications will be coordinated through the Emergency Communication Coordinators, on RDOS websites and RDOS social media pages.
Latest Information Releases:
All RDOS playgrounds and outdoor courts are closed indefinitely. The same goes for Penticton, Summerland, Keremeos and SD67,
Landfill remains open - regular hours, NO CASH, credit or debit only.
Sign up for CivicReady (this is VERY important).
RDOS facilities are closed to the public until further notice. This includes corporate and satellite offices, recreation facilities and community/fire halls.'
Do NOT flush 'flushable’ antiseptic wipes or similar products down the toilet. The last thing we need are clogged sewer lines or failing septic systems. These products should be disposed of in your regular curb-side garbage.
HEALTHCARE UPDATES
Call ahead before you visit your family clinic or walk-in clinic
South Okanagan Similkameen family physicians and nurse practitioners are asking all patients to call ahead before visiting a family medicine clinic. It is essential to inform the clinic of any with any flu-like or respiratory symptoms you are experiencing over the phone prior to your arrival. The clinic will provide you with instructions on how to proceed.
By calling ahead, you help the medical staff prepare for your visit and reduce the spread of germs.
Recommended resources:
BC COVID-19 Symptom Self-Assessment Tool https://covid19.thrive.health/
BC Centre for Disease Control: http://covid-19.bccdc.ca
Health Link BC https://www.healthlinkbc.ca
Call 8-1-1 (or 7-1-1 for the hard of hearing)
Interior Health https://www.interiorhealth.ca/
For more information and recommendations on what to do if you feel sick, please visit http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/about-covid-19/if-you-are-sick
Thanks for reading. Again, if you need support or assistance let me know and we will work something out.
Take care and stay well.
Riley
250-488-0246