We Are All Connected

“The COVID-19 pandemic has reminded us that we are all connected and that we do our best when we work together,” Premier John Horgan said in his Canada Day statement on July 1, 2020.

“We are all connected – our physical, mental and economic health is part of a whole,” he said. “Let’s keep taking care of each other as we work together to build a stronger, more inclusive future.”

The economic health of a community relies upon its people – the residents, business owners, visitors, and investors.  As Horgan observed, we’re all connected and in this together. In order to recover, grow, and thrive, businesses need the support of healthy communities. With that in mind, what are some ways that we can keep ourselves, our community, and our economy healthy?

Socializing Safely

Adjusting to the “new normal” that COVID-19 has brought about is an ongoing process. We’ve worked hard to squash “the curve,” but keeping it flat is also going to require an ongoing effort.

The recent increase in cases is a reminder that COVID-19 is still with us. In a joint statement on July 22, 2020, Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, advised that we “need to go back to safe social interactions, fewer faces and all working together to flatten our curve once again.”

Whether you’re shopping, grabbing a bite to eat, visiting a recreation facility, or checking out an area attraction, it’s important to socialize safely and responsibly. Some general advice is to:

·         Stick to small groups of under 6 people.

·         Socialize with people you know.

·         Maintain a safe physical distance; wear a mask when social distancing isn’t possible, or when otherwise appropriate.

·         Practice good hygiene, including washing or sanitizing your hands often.

·         Stay informed and follow the recommendations of public health officials.

The BC Centre for Disease Control has information and advice about COVID-19. To learn more about B.C.’s response to COVID-19, and the government support that’s available, visit the Government of British Columbia’s website. The Government of Canada also has online resources available on their website.

Doing Business Safely

Businesses are doing their part to keep people healthy by following the recommendations put forth by WorkSafeBC. Operating a business during COVID-19 is a unique challenge, and one that brings additional costs. Respect the guidelines and procedures that have been put in place at these businesses—they’re for everyone’s protection.

Travelling Safely

We’re now in Phase 3 of the BC Restart Plan, which allows for a return to travel within the province. Many local businesses rely on visitors during the summer months to generate revenue. Destination Campbell River is working with tourism businesses and offering advice to visitors about how to keep the community safe and healthy. Although opening up the community to visitors again may bring uneasy feelings, doing our part to be inclusive and welcoming— from 6 feet away—will help the community weather this storm.

If you’re planning a trip of your own, you’ll find “Dr. Bonnie Henry’s Travel Manners” and other advice for safe social interactions here. And if you’re planning a staycation this year, it’s an opportunity to discover local businesses and attractions. Getting outside during the pandemic has been encouraged—provided we do so safely and maintain an appropriate physical distance—so perhaps this is a good time to hop on that bike or lace up those running shoes, and go exploring!

We’re all in this together, so let’s work together to keep our community, and our economy, healthy.