The Regional EOC Announces Further Closures for the Region

On March 17, the Comox Valley local governments took precautionary measures in support of the Public Health Agency of Canada and the BC Ministry of Health and their efforts to contain the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and activated a level two regional emergency operations centre.

In an effort to stop the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Comox Valley local governments are closing numerous outdoor amenities in the region, in addition to the facility closures announced last week. Below are a list of additional closures:

City of Courtenay Closures Effective Immediately:

• Municipal Playgrounds and Play Structures
• Martin Park Lacrosse/Pickleball Courts
• Lewis Park Tennis Courts
• LINC Basketball Courts
• Outdoor Skate Park

Town of Comox Closures Effective Immediately:

• Municipal Playgrounds and Play Structures
• Tennis Courts at Anderton Park
• Tennis Courts at Community Centre
• Pickleball Courts at Highland Rotary Courts
• Outdoor Fitness Circuit at Anderton Park
• Outdoor Hockey Box at Highland Fields

Village of Cumberland Closures Effective Immediately:

• Municipal Playgrounds and Play Structures including Village Park, N0. 6 Mine Heritage Park and Lake Park.
• Skate park at Village Park.
• Off-leash dog park at Village Park.
• Tennis Courts at Village Park.

Comox Valley Regional District Closures Effective Immediately:

• Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds facilities closed. Trails will remain open at this time.
• Pinecrest Park closing bike park, washroom facility and playground.
• Goose Spit Park closing the stairs, and postponing beach fire program.
• Little River (Crescent beach) postponing the beach fire program.
• Joe Walker Park postponing the fire program, and closing outdoor cooking shelter.
• Royston Seaside Trail closing outdoor cooking shelter

School District 71 recently announced they are prohibiting the use of all District school playgrounds.

“Protecting the health and well-being of our children and families is of utmost importance,” explains CVRD Board Chair and EOC Spokesperson Jesse Ketler. “If we all work together, practice social distancing and respect the Ministry of Health orders we can help flatten the curve. This weekend I was proud seeing so many members of our community staying home and taking this seriously. Thank you for your support during this challenging time.”

Residents are encouraged to please follow the CVRD social media channels @comoxvalleyrd on Facebook and Twitter, as well as visiting the CVRD website www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/covid19 to remain up to date on accurate information. All Comox Valley local governments are centralizing regional COVID-19 information through these channels. The Emergency Operations Centre is standing by to support the lead agencies, Ministry of Health and Island Health, if requested at the federal and provincial level.

The Emergency Operations team with representatives from the DND/19-Wing Comox, K'ómoks First Nation, CVRD, City of Courtenay, Town of Comox, Village of Cumberland, Fire Chiefs Association, and many other external agencies and organizations are working together to collaborate on response measures and best practices for the region.

For more information please visit: www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/covid19