Parksville, Qualicum Beach and the RDN all sent out COVID-19 related updates this week.
Parksville:
Parksville has followed up on its March 20 release stating the closure of all playgrounds with a notice announcing the closure of the following until further notice:
• Community Park tennis/pickleball courts
• Community Park lacrosse box
• Community Park skateboard park
• Springwood tennis courts
• Springwood off-leash dog park
“All public parks within the City of Parksville will remain open, as will the public washrooms in the Community Park, Springwood Park and Foster Park. Bylaw officers along with other City staff will be reminding park users about the closures and where necessary will be encouraging folk to keep physical distance to help prevent the spread of COVID-19,” read the release.
READ MORE: Comprehensive coronavirus coverage may be found here
The Regional District of Nanaimo:
The RDN also set up an update relating to public spaces and announced the closure of all RDN playgrounds, sport courts, tennis courts and skateboard parks as of March 23.
Campgrounds are closed for camping, but remain open for day use, as do regional and community parks and trails. However, the RDN reminds people to practise social distancing if they choose to go outside.
“Residents should only go out with people from their own household and always maintain a minimum distance of two meters from anyone else,” read the release.
The RDN’s solid waste facilities remain open at a reduced capacity, and will only be taking credit and debit tap payments.
In addition, the RDN is asking residents to not backyard burn at this time and limit use of wood stoves, due to the respiratory impact of COVID-19.
Qualicum Beach:
Qualicum Beach is following suit, and have announced the closure of playgrounds, the skateboard park, the BMX track and public washrooms (other than the ones at beachfront.) Dog parks will stay open, but social distancing of 2 meters should be practiced.
They also announced the cancellation of their Family Day event.
An Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) level 1 has opened in the area. The EOC, with staff from Qualicum Beach and Parksville, is monitoring the COVID-19 event and is working with local, provincial and federal health authorities, Emergency Management BC, neighbouring communities and other partners.
“We are proud to hear local stories of neighbours coming together in creative ways to maintain social interaction while practicing physical separation,” said Mayor Brian Wiese in the release.
“From picking up the phone and offering to shop for neighbours, to arranging afternoon backyard visits from behind fences and hedges, the residents of our community are taking the time to check on the health and wellness of their friends and neighbours.”
Qualicum Beach has also taken the step to cancel their April 1 council meeting, which they say will give them more time “to review its procedures and decide how to proceed with Town business while meeting legislated requirements and ensuring the health and safety of our residents.”
The Qualicum Beach farmers market has gone virtual since being cancelled. A list of vendors and their contacts can be found at qbfarmersmarket.com. From there, you can call vendors to arrange for pickup.
— NEWS staff, submitted