Friday March 13, 2020 ~ METCHOSIN
~ West Shore Voice News
Metchosin has so far remained relatively quiet on the COVID-19 pandemic.
But now, due to the concern hitting closer to home on Vancouver Island, their emergency preparedness program is ramping up into another phase.
Metchosin Fire Chief and Emergency Program Coordinator Stephanie Dunlop sent out an email to residents today saying “panic is beginning to blossom and we wanted to connect with you”.
The Metchosin Emergency Program information is this:
What actions we have taken within the District:
- We are postponing all Fire Department and Emergency Program activities & meetings until April 1, and will re-evaluate at that time.
- We have postponed our Info Session scheduled for March 17 and the POD Leadership Meeting scheduled for March 24.
- We have installed additional hand sanitizing stations and education graphics throughout public buildings.
- We have put modified response protocols in place for our emergency responders — we are still attending, but will have fewer crew members engaging directly with patients & family members unless needed.
- Our Emergency Operation Centre (ECO) has been activated on a ‘virtual’ Level 1. This is to keep our awareness levels up and maintain open communications with EMBC and partners should it be required.
- Additional supplies have been purchased to support our responders – don’t be surprised if they show up in full mask & gown!
- We are meeting (via phone) with local, Provincial and Federal agencies to discuss planning, outlook and resources.
- We have uploaded RELIABLE RESOURCE links and information to our websites: www.metchosinfire.ca and metchosinemergencyprogram.ca for your reference.
- Coordinated with Seniors Information Centre and St. Mary’s Church a vulnerable phone check-in service. If you or someone in your family (within Metchosin) is in need of a daily check-in please let us know.
What actions you can do to protect yourself and others:
- Stay home – reduce the risk of being exposed to the virus
- Don’t touch your face – consciously make the effort.
- Wash your hands – often. When you wash, wash for 10-20 seconds at least, with a good amount of soap.
- Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available, use enough to keep your hands moist for 15 seconds (see attached graphic).
- Contact the BC Health Line at 8-1-1 if you are concerned or have any questions regarding your health.
- If you are sick, please practice self-isolation – we have attached a document on what defines self-isolation.
- If you or a family number has an existing health condition such as asthma, COPD, or other respiratory illness and require additional support or care – please let us know.
- If you or a family member has travelled outside Canada recently, please self isolate for 14 days upon your return.
- If you show any signs or symptoms of the flu (e.g. dry cough, fever, etc) please initiate self-isolation.
- If you or a family member has been tested for COVID-19 and the result was positive we ask that you please let us know as soon as possible. Please note, you are not obligated to advise us – however it will allow us to provide better care for you and others in the area. All personal information and details will be kept confidential.
The Metchosin EOC team says they can help connect Metchosin residents with the right resources, find specific care needs to best suit their circumstances, and provide people with care as effectively and safety as possible.