With Coronavirus now declared a global pandemic, precautions are beginning to take place in Terrace in fear of further spread of COVID-19.
So far, the B.C. government has banned all events and gatherings that include more than 50 people amid growing concerns and a travel ban is in place for Canadians that require those returning home from overseas to self-quarantine themselves for two weeks.
As of March 16, there are 103 confirmed cases in B.C. which includes four deaths.
Canada currently has 324 confirmed cases in total of COVID-19.
If you believe you have COVID-19, health officials are urging people to isolate themselves immediately and phone the province’s public health authority at 8-1-1.
Announcements of cancellations and concerns continue to increase in Terrace and the Northwest region. The Terrace Standard will update as frequently as possible.
MILLS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL/MEDICAL CLINICS
Mills Memorial Hospital is urging anyone who is showing symptoms of a fever, coughing and/or having difficulties breathing to not enter the building immediately.
Those with symptoms are to be redirected to the emergency ward entrance where a black phone must be used to contact hospital staff that will provide directions prior to admittance.
Eryn Collins, a spokesperson for Northern Health, writes in an email to the Terrace Standard that “the advice for people with health concerns around coronavirus is NOT to go to their local emergency departments (unless they need urgent/emergency care).”
Collins recommends the public to visit www.healthlinkBC.com for more information about any concerns they have.
On March 14, the Spruce Medical Centre announced online that they will be closing their clinic and cancelling all appointments. Anything urgent can be done safety via phone or video call upon request, and even in-person if deemed necessary. They add they will not be screening or accommodating any COVID-19 related illnesses.
The Summit Medical Group on the fourth floor of Park Avenue Medical Center has also put up a notice they will not be taking in anyone who has or knows someone with symptoms or has travelled in the past two weeks due to a shortage on masks and sanitizers, as they are not equipped to handle COVID-19.
HG Health Centre is now only offering appointments by video conference or telephone.
Medical clinics across the province are advising that anyone showing symptoms of illness to not enter the facilities. They’re encouraged to immediately return to their vehicle or home and call the clinic or 8-1-1 instead for further instructions.
POOL SHUT DOWN
The City of Terrace will be closing the Terrace & District Aquatic Centre as of Monday, March 16 until further notice. This includes the weight room, all classes and swimming lessons. Next week’s Bronze Cross/Bronze Medallion Course is scheduled to continue.
TERRACE PUBLIC LIBRARY CLOSES
Until further notice, the public library in Terrace is closed which includes spring break programming. Patrons are told to keep materials at home as all late fines will be waived.
ANYTIME FITNESS GYM CANCELS CLASSES
The facility continues to operate until further instruction from the province. All classes have been cancelled. Members are urged to keep space between one another and sanitize all equipment after use.
SHOWS POSTPONED AT R.E.M. LEE THEATRE
The Relive the Music ’50s & ‘60 show on Saturday, March 21 has been postponed tentatively until September.
According to the theatre’s Facebook page, tickets from this show can be used for whenever the new tour is announced. Refunds are also available.
The Dino Light Show on March 29 presented by the Terrace Concert Society has also been postponed. Season ticket holders will have their tickets honoured for another season and only tickets purchased directly from Misty River Books can be reimbursed until April 1.
TILLUCUM TWIN THEATRE CLOSES DOORS
The owners have announced that in the best interest of their customers and staff, they will close their theatre until March 31. They will then reassess the risk of reopening following that date.
COAST MOUNTAIN COLLEGE BANS OUT-OF-COUNTRY VISITORS ON CAMPUS
Although no class cancellations are in place yet, CMTN’s president and CEO Justin Kohlman writes a public message to students and staff that lists the precautions to take place on campus.
At the moment, CMNN is cancelling all non-essential visits to the campus from out-of-country visitors until the ban is lifted.
HOCKEY TOURNAMENT AND PROGRAMMING CANCELLED
Hockey Canada has announced that it is cancelling all minor hockey tournaments including this weekend’s B.C. Midget tier 4 Championship that was scheduled for March 15 in Prince Rupert.
Whether the tournament will be held at a later date has not been disclosed.
All of Terrace Minor Hockey Association’s remaining games and ice times have also been cancelled. Players will not be attending any provincial tournaments and spring break camps have been cancelled.
CALEDONIA SECONDARY SCHOOL STATES STAFF WILL NOT GET PAID DURING QUARANTINE IF THEY CHOOSE TO TRAVEL
Acting Superintendent of School Janet Meyer has posted a public letter that states “if an employee chooses to ignore the recommendation and continues to travel out of the country, upon their return they will be required to stay away from work for 14 days and they may need to access the vacation or unpaid leaves of absence available to them.”
School staff who don’t follow the recommendation will have their case considered on a case-by-case basis.
UNBC ENDS CLASSES IN TERRACE
The university has announced that their last day of face-to-face classes will be Wednesday, March 18 (which may be moved earlier). Mandatory assessments and exams to complete the semester will be restructured for online or using alternative service delivery models.
The main campus in Prince George will remain open to provide services such as the library, food and student housing.
KITSUMKALUM HEALTH FAIR POSTPONED
The Health Fair at the Kitsumkalum Hall on Friday, April 3 has been postponed until further notice.
SHAMES MOUNTAIN AMPS UP SANITARY EFFORTS
According to general manager Christian Theberge, the ski hill will continue operating normal hours and throughout spring break as most of the mountain’s recreational activity is outdoors and doesn’t fall under the province’s definition of a gathering.
He says they are increasing their frequency and efforts of cleaning while monitoring the situation to ensure that appropriate protocols and procedures are in place.
Ski hill enthusiasts can check for updates on their Facebook page.
MISTY RIVER BOOKS OFFERS FREE HOME DELIVERIES
The book shop has announced on Facebook that they will be extending free delivery on orders in Terrace to those who are under self-isolation or unwell at this time.
For deliveries to Thornhill, a charge of $5.00 will apply.
SPRING GARDENING FAIR & SEED SWAP CANCELLED
The Terrace Food Association (TFA) has cancelled the event on March 21 at the Skeena Mall Community Room. The public can check TFA’s Facebook page for other possible opportunities to swap seeds, buy a Mason Bee Cocoon and a selection of vegetable seeds in smaller quantities to try out in the garden.
COMMERCE TRADE SHOW CANCELLED
The Terrace & District Chamber of Commerce Trade Show is no longer happening from April 24 to 25.
CHANCES CASINO CLOSES
Following the province’s order, Chances in Terrace will stop operation until further notice.
TIM HORTONS CLOSES SEATING AREA
Both locations in Terrace are closing their doors to customers. Only drive-thru and delivery will be available.
JUNIOR ALL NATIVE BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT CANCELLED
Organizers of the tournament have decided to cancel this year’s event, which was to take place on March 15 in Kelowna, B.C.
HAIDA GWAII RESIDENTS RECOMMENDED TO STAY ON ISLAND
The Council of Haida Nation, Old Masset Village Council and Skidegate Band Council have all made a recommendation that island citizens avoid unnecessary travel off the island.
This decision was made with advice from the First Nations Health Authority as any exposure to the virus could have a significant impact on Haida Gwaii.
MINERALS NORTH 2020 CONFERENCE CANCELLED
One of the largest northern mining conferences in Western Canada has been cancelled. The event was set to take place from April 29 to May 1 in Quesnel, B.C.
MUNICIPAL OFFICE FACILITIES CLOSED IN SMITHERS
Due to concerns surrounding COVID-19, the Town of Smithers has closed most of its municipal offices.
A news release Thursday afternoon says the town is enacting measures for the best interest of the community.
Smithers’ town hall remains open though.
Check back here for updates as the Terrace Standard continues to add more to this list as announcements are made throughout the upcoming days.
Email newsroom@terracestandard or call our newsroom line at 250-638-7283 to notify us of other event closures related to COVID-19.
natalia@terracestandard.com
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