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.

Today, all regional local governments agreed that the regional EOC spokesperson regarding all COVID-19 matters within region would be CVRD Board Chair and Cumberland Councillor, Jesse Ketler.

“As a community, country, and world we are all in new territory,” explains CVRD Board Chair and EOC Spokesperson Jesse Ketler. “What I can say is that your local governments are working hard together to protect you, your family and friends for the difficult times that may be ahead. I think it is important at this time to really evaluate your own behaviour. Spend time with your family and enjoy the beautiful outdoors, while practicing social distancing as recommended by the Provincial Health Officer. I want our community to be a leader and show the province how we all worked to flatten the curve and stop the spread. I know we can do this, together.”

Going forward, the Emergency Operations team will be providing regular updates for the community. Details regarding the schedule will be provided early next week.

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