The City of Burnaby is ramping up its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Effective immediately, the city is suspending all city-organized events that would be attended by more than 250 people – as per provincial directive yesterday.
The NOW has calls out to see which specific events may be affected and will provide updates as information becomes available. So far, events announced as cancelled include a March 19 performance by jazz singer Marion Cowings, as it was part of an international tour. Also cancelled are Arts Club on Tour performances of Kim's Convenience (March 14 and 15) and a scheduled concert by the Jerry Cans that was to have been tonight (March 13) at Shadbolt Centre.
For parents who have children enrolled in spring break programs run by the city, we have also asked whether any changes or cancellations are in effect. So far, no changes have been announced to any spring break programming; again, should that change, we will provide updates as information becomes available.
The City of Burnaby notes the situation is continually evolving.
“Further adjustments will be made, as needed, to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus,” the city said in a press release this morning.
The city has also instituted infection control measures recommended by health authorities to prevent the spread of the virus, including enhanced cleaning measures and additional hand sanitizing stations at public facilities.
It is also responding on an administrative level. The release notes the city is now following its pandemic guideline, which details the steps the city will take after any World Health Organization pandemic declaration. As a result, the city has activated Level 1 of its Emergency Operations Centre, which “provides the opportunity for the city to centralize, coordinate and make efficient use of resources to support the community as effectively as possible,” as the release notes.
As the situation is rapidly evolving, the city says it will continue to work closely with and follow the direction of the Fraser Health Authority, Health Emergency Management BC, Emergency Management BC and other organizations.
For members of the public, the city now has a resource page at www.burnaby.ca/covid19 to provide updates on the situation with regard to facilities, programs, services and events.
Updates will also be made on the city’s Twitter and Facebook feeds.
