The mayor of Parksville is reminding citizens of the importance of COVID-19 safety measures to prevent spread of the virus this cold and flue season.
“We are indeed fortunate there are no community transmissions on Central Vancouver Island at this time and although the Parksville-Qualicum Beach region and Vancouver Island are considered low risk, it is important we keep prevention measures top of mind,” said Mayor Mayne in a message to Parksville residents.
Mayne praised the city for successfully welcoming visitors in the summer, while preventing the spread of the novel coronavirus and recognized the anxiety many citizens may feel going into the fall.
“The Island’s medical health officer has indicated Vancouver Island is one of the safest places for children to return to school and we hope this will help alleviate some of the concerns and uncertainty for parents,” said Mayne.
Emergency Management Oceanside, representing the Parksville Qualicum Beach region, continues to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic situation and the emergency operations centre remains at Level 1 activation, he said.
The mayor encouraged citizens to get flu shots to help keep the medical system from becoming overwhelmed with seasonal illness.
“Pharmacies expect to receive the flu shots in mid-October, and many will facilitate online appointments closer to the date. As we head into fall and winter, we must recommit to flattening the curve,” he said.
Although the Parksville Civic and Technology Centre remains closed to the public, the finance department is open with limited services and reduced hours. Staff is available during normal business hours by phone, email and by appointment.
“Although we all missed Parksville’s iconic festivals and special events, we are pleased to have successfully and safely accommodated many requests for outdoor activities in our busy parks this summer. Our thanks to the organizations for their willingness to go the extra mile to comply with new COVID-19 regulations,” said Mayne.
The mayor said city staff have been busy in the past six months and continue to work on 2020 projects such as the Pym/Forsyth upgrades and Bagshaw Street upgrades. Staff will present the results of the drainage plan and traffic flow study for the Parksville Community Park in the coming months, he said.
Planning for 2021 capital projects such as the Memorial Avenue streetscape, the new outdoor performance stage and the Rathtrevor trail continues. Work continues on the annual tree maintenance program, a pedestrian bridge replacement in Shelly Creek Park South, along with other projects.
