Friday April 3, 2020 ~ LANGFORD
by Mary Brooke ~ West Shore Voice News
In Langford, all around town, there are signs and reminders to pay attention to all things COVID-19.
An investment in local signage and advertising includes reminders on electronic billboards, with lawn signs, and in news media portals online. Langford Mayor Stew Young is determined to keep the messaging about COVID-19 out in front of residents, including staying home, physical distancing, and taking the self-assessment that is available online.
A few roundabouts in town have clusters of “Take Your Self Assessment” messaging. And there are a few stakes in the ground bearing heart-shaped signs that remind people to Stay Safe.
The Langford COVID-19 Help Line was launched last month with the blessing of the City of Langford, and last week was expanded to serve residents in the broader west shore and also Sooke according to Langford Mayor Stew Young in one of his podcasts about the pandemic.
Commercial outlets in Langford that remain open during COVID-19 can get bright red floor signage to show where people should stand (six feet apart) in retail settings.
The Langford ‘stay informed about COVID-19’ page is continually updated within the City of Langford website. There are sections for individuals, business and community, and ‘how you can help’.
The City of Langford Business Resource Guide (updated April 2) is now also available online in response to COVID-19. This guide is continually updated as additional information becomes available.
Several types of retail outlets remain open in Langford, many with reduced hours and restricted manner of operation (e.g. just take-out for restaurants and coffee shops, and enhanced online shopping and delivery by grocery stores).
Many retail outlets in Langford are now equipped with plexiglass shields at the checkout.
All playgrounds in Langford are closed for now during COVID-19, including with yellow ‘caution tape’ affixed to playground equipment. This is part of the physical distancing effort that is ordered by the Provincial Health Officer.
People are to stay six feet apart to help prevent transmission of the COVID-19 virus between people. As well, the virus is able to survive on surfaces such as plastic and metal for varying periods of time.
The COVID-19 virus can survive on money (which in Canada is made of plastic), so many retail outlets are now only allowing for in-store transactions using debit and credit cards. Some stores will take payments by e-transfer ahead of time, so the customer can then just drop by to pick up their pre-purchased items.
Yesterday the process of sealing over top of Langford’s municipal garbage cans began — with heavy-duty plastic wrap so that they are not used to overflowing during the pandemic.