Saturday March 21, 2020 ~ SOOKE
by Mary Brooke ~ West Shore Voice News
Today March 13, the District of Sooke announced it has activated a Level 1 EOC (Emergency Operations Centre), with Sooke Fire Rescue Deputy Chief/Emergency Program Coordinator Matt Barney as EOC Director. The EOC effectively went into operation on March 12.
Then on March 19, the District said it would be ramping up the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to EOC Level 2 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 pm 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
==== OTHER LINKS:
Government of Canada – Outbreak Update: www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html
Government of Canada – Prevention & Risk: www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/prevention-risks.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 (or into a tissue and immediately dispose of the tissue); and
- stay home if you are sick to avoid spreading illness to others