COVID-19 Updates
Last Updated Friday, April 3, 2020
Bylaw Enforcement of Public Health Orders
Municipal Bylaw Officers across BC have been directed by the Province to assist with the compliance and enforcement of public health orders related to the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Our City of Fernie Bylaw Officers are actively working with businesses and the general public to ensure that everyone is aware of, and complying with, provincial directives.
We are also asking all dog owners to please be diligent about keeping dogs on-leash in all areas of town.Many people in the community are feeling vulnerable around off-leash dogs.
If you have concerns regarding compliance with any of the Public Health Officer’s orders, please contact bylawservices@fernie.ca.
COVID-19 Emergency Response
The monitoring of, and response to, COVID-19 is being led by Local, Provincial and Federal Health Authorities, not local government.
The City has activated its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) so that we can support agencies responding to the health emergency, and we are currently supporting the activites of the Interior Health Authority. We have a dedicated team of staff working in conjunction with the Regional Emergency Operations Centre (REOC) to ensure a coordinated response.
The City of Fernie is supporting directives from Provincial and Federal Health Authorities to practice physical distancing and self-isolation to prevent the spread of the disease in our community.
The Regional District of East Kootenay will be providing daily updates on how COVID-19 is affecting our region. Sign up for daily updates here or visit the RDEK Facebook page.
Impacts on City Business?
In response to the provincial health emergency, the City has closed all municipal facilities, playgrounds, sports fields, and outdoor washrooms until further notice. City staff will continue to provide essential services throughout the emergency. City staff are available via email or telephone to assist with inquiries regarding regular city business from Monday- Friday 8am-4pm.
Email: cityhall@fernie.ca
Phone: 250-423-6817
Council will continue to hold regular meetings using remote meeting technology. Following a ministerial order issued by the Province on March 26, the public will be unable to attend these meetings in person, but you are encouraged to watch upcoming Council meetings online. Click here to watch Council meetings live or view recorded meetings.
COVID -19 Resources
Update from the Elk Valley Hospital Physicians
Please read this important information from Elk Valley Hospital Physicians.
Phone Numbers
COVID-19 Information Line - 1- 888-COVID19 (1-888-268-4319) The line is for non-health COVID-19 information. It’s open seven days a week, from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. MST
811 - dial 811 for health related information on COVID-19
211 - dial 211 for support to match seniors whose support network has been affected by COVID-19 with volunteers to help with basic needs like grocery shopping, pharmacy drop offs and check-ins
Crisis Line: 1.888.353.2273 - free, anonymous support
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
Online Links:
COVID-19 Self Assessment Tool & App - use this online tool to complete a self-assessment & get updates.
BC Centre for Disease Control - includes information on their testing protocols.
Interior Health - includes information and resources for interior communities
Government of Canada - statistics, travel info and economic and financial supports available federally.
Province of BC Information Hub - links to Provincial supports for non-health information (childcare, travel, employee/employer resources, business support)
I want to help my community. What can I do?
Local, Provincial and Federal Health Authorities are requesting the public to support the reduction of COVID-19 transmission by practicing physical distancing, self-isolation and following recommended personal hygiene guidelines.
If you need help with the pick up of groceries, prescriptions or other essentials, OR if you are a volunteer willing to help others in need, several grassroots initiatives have started in our community. To request assistance or offer your support, please contact the following groups directly.
Elk Valley COVID Support Team - Providing support with grocery and prescription delivery, emotional support and spiritual care
211 - 211 service will take calls from people who would like to volunteer to help seniors in their community with basic needs, including grocery shopping and pharmacy drop-offs and checkins. They will then share it with local community agencies to match seniors and volunteers who live in the same community.
Salvation Army Fernie – Proving food bank services.
Fernie Fresh Food Share – Providing access to fresh and healthy groceries for anyone in the community in partnership with the Salvation Army food bank.
Please Note: The City has not investigated the background or bona fides, nor the services that may or may not be offered, of any particular individual or group listed below, nor does the City endorse or recommend, nor suggest or advise that donations should be made, to any particular individual or group.
