Starting in spring of 2020, HIRRA posted information about the Covid 19 pandemic as it relates to Hornby.
This page includes both historical information and current updates.
Four Steps for Reopening BC May 2021
As BC prepares for the upcoming summer, the Provincial Health Officer outlined the process for gradual reduction of restrictions providing the Covid-19 case counts and hospitalizations continue to decline and the rate of vaccination continues to increase. To see the graphic enlarged, follow this PDF link: 4 steps for reopening BC
BC Tourism Statement: “Stay Local” April 2021
Joint statement asking people to stay local to bend the curve
April 23, 2021: Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport; Brenda Baptiste, chair, Indigenous Tourism BC; Walt Judas, CEO, Tourism Industry Association of BC; Ingrid Jarrett, president and CEO, BC Hotel Association; and Richard Porges, interim president and CEO, Destination BC; have released the following statement asking all British Columbians to stay local unless its absolutely essential:
As the number of people with COVID-19 in B.C. continues to rise, we are asking British Columbians to not travel outside their local communities in order to help stop further spread of the virus.
People working at hotels, motels, resorts, bed and breakfasts, transportation services, attractions and adventure tourism operations, Indigenous travel providers, restaurants, bars, cafes and many other travel-related businesses throughout the province are struggling following a difficult year of border closures and non-essential travel restrictions. While the tourism and hospitality sector has done an amazing job implementing rigorous health and safety plans to keep their staff and visitors safe, COVID-19 takes every opportunity to spread. Unnecessary travel is too risky right now.
We are asking British Columbians to listen to Dr. Henry and follow all provincial health and solicitor general orders.
Each of us must make difficult decisions in our daily lives to do the right thing. We cannot gather indoors with people outside our immediate households and we must avoid travel for leisure so we can bend the curve down again. The many people and businesses in the tourism and hospitality industry in B.C. need each of us to follow the rules without exception. Their livelihood depends on us all doing our part now so some travel can safely resume this summer and set these businesses on the road to recovery.
Lets support local businesses today by ordering take out, eating with our immediate household on a patio, picking up a coffee and enjoying it at a local park, visiting a local attraction or booking a staycation at a local hotel. Now is not the time to travel for leisure and risk spreading COVID-19.
The list of essential travel activities, which are permitted between regional zones, is included under the emergency program order, available here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/24287
At this time, we must listen to local communities that do not wish to welcome visitors yet. We have heard from many communities that are worried about the virus, its impact on their residents and health-care services, and have asked people not to visit. We must respect the wishes of Indigenous communities and First Nations given the disproportionate impacts of COVID-19. Know before you go is a great resource if you have any questions: https://www.hellobc.com/know-before-you-go
We are at a pivotal moment in our province and we must act now to protect the health-care system. We must stay local now so we can get back to travelling across our beautiful province and once again welcome visitors.
Help us spread the message: #WeAreAllConnected; #StayLocalSupportLocal #BCTourismCounts; #SaveOurSummer.
CVRD Covid-19 Enforcement Update Aug. 25, 2020
Comox Valley local governments are supporting the Government of British Columbia in the effort to contain the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) by assisting with public education on new enforcement orders.
Local bylaw officers are not empowered to ticket or detain people over public health enforcement orders, any enforcement will be conducted by the local RCMP or provincial enforcement officers. Bylaw officers will pass along any complaints provided to the RCMP for follow-up.
Effective Friday, August 21, people acting in unsafe or aggressive ways at large gatherings or in businesses can be issued a fine or violation ticket by police and other provincial enforcement officers:
- $2000 for hosting a private party or public event with 50+ people
- $2000 for hosting a gathering without hand sanitation, enough space for physical distancing or washroom facilities
- $2000 for having more than five guests attend an event at a vacation rental
- $200 for anyone who refuses to leave a gathering or event when directed to do so
- $200 for anyone who refuses to follow COVID-19 safety rules at a restaurant, gathering or event and becomes abusive or belligerent towards employees
“Unsafe behaviour by a minority of people puts all of us at risk,” explains CVRD Board Chair and EOC Spokesperson Jesse Ketler. “As COVID-19 cases continue to rise globally, every single one of us has an important role to play. With the increase in cases in BC over these past few weeks, and new cases on Vancouver Island, we must remain vigilant. I urge our community not to become complacent – we are still in the midst of a global pandemic. We can all lead by example by practicing the safety measures the Provincial Health Officer has put into place.”
Local bylaw officers can help follow-up on concerns and engage the RCMP, health officers and WorkSafeBC as necessary. Contact Courtenay RCMP non-emergency line to report a concern.
Courtenay RCMP Non-Emergency Line: 250-338-1321
Local Government Bylaw Office hours of operation: Monday to Friday (8:30 -4:30 pm) Contact: CVRD: bylawenforcement@comoxvalleyrd.ca | 250-334-6000 | www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/bylaw
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
Hornby In the Time of Covid-19 July 20, 2020
Given the ongoing risk of a resurgence of Covid-19, we encourage all visitors, residents, and guests to follow the guidelines put forth by Dr. Bonnie Henry and the BC government.
Dr. Bonnie Henry’s Travel Manners from the BC Government Phase-3 website
- Check before you go [Hornby reservations recommended]
- Fewer faces in bigger spaces [use a mask in closer quarters]
- If sick, stay home
- Wash your hands [or sanitize]
- Keep a safe physical distance [including in outdoor spaces, beaches and trails]
- Come prepared, bring supplies [and take garbage away]
- Respect travel advisories
Be KIND: Please be considerate of Hornby’s precious environment by dealing with your garbage and recycling properly and conserving water. Our wells and septic systems often have limited capacity.
Be CALM: Hornby services have implemented provincially approved guidelines for cleaning and physical distancing to keep staff and patrons safe. Please be patient and understanding with these changes and note that many island businesses will have limited capacity throughout the summer.
Be SAFE: Help our Hornby Island Fire Rescue first responder volunteers by using extra caution, especially in outdoor spaces. Now is not the time to risk getting injured! It is also important to observe all local fire restrictions and campfire bans.
Thank you for respecting our home and enjoying Hornby Island responsibly.
We are all in this together!
Hornby Island Medical Clinic Update 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how medicine is being practiced worldwide. We at the Hornby Clinic are working with the ever evolving situation to strike a balance between offering care to residents of Hornby Island and keeping the clinic staff and building safe. As such, we are currently not able to offer the level of service that residents and visitors have become accustomed to. Please read the following carefully:
If the Hornby Island Medical Clinic IS your primary health care provider:
- We continue to be available for your health care needs
- We cannot currently offer any walk-in services. All visits must be pre-booked by phone
- All appointments will initially be by phone. In person visits will be at the doctor or nurse’s discretion after having completed a consultation by phone. Phone appointments must be booked in advance.
- Life Labs is available for lab requirements
If the Hornby Island Medical Clinic is NOT your primary health care provider (visitors):
- We cannot currently offer any walk-in services
- We cannot offer any non-emergency care. Contact your medical practitioner for all non-emergency care.
- We cannot refill your prescriptions, dispense medication or provide routine care. The closest pharmacies are in the Comox Valley.
- We cannot offer lab work. The closest lab is in the Comox Valley
If you have a life or limb emergency call 911. No one with a life threatening condition will be turned away. To receive medical advice, call 811.
If you are expecting visitors or operating rentals, a camp ground or accommodations, please make your visitors aware of the current medical service restrictions. Please help keep our medical practitioners, staff and community safe!
______________________________________________
The Comox Valley Regional District and Islands Trust have collaborated to prepare a helpful pamphlet for island visitors and residents that is being passed out at the Buckley Bay ferry landing: CVRD Trust pamphlet July 2020
Visitors Welcome… But Later (May 2020)
Hornby Island normally welcomes visitors. At peak times, our winter population of less than one thousand swells to six or seven times that number. The well-being of our working populations and their families depends on this inflow of visitors. But the spread of COVID-19 virus now means that our community welfare and the welfare of all Canadians can only be assured if visitors remain at home.
At the national and provincial level, our public health authorities are urging people, as much as possible to stay at home. The more this happens, the more likely it is that our health facilities will be able to cope with the rising numbers of COVID-19 patients. This is acutely important here on Hornby Island. We are a small community making us vulnerable and largely unable to deal with increased population during a pandemic. Health facilities are meagre. We have only one doctor and no hospital. Evacuation of patients is dependent on the ferry system and the 4 helicopters that service the whole province of BC and those in turn depend for their operation on favourable weather conditions. The age group most vulnerable to the worst effects of COVID-19 is our elders. Two out of five Hornby year-round residents are aged sixty-five or more with 53% of the population aged over 60. We do have excellent Fire Department first responders and healthcare workers but their excellence requires that they themselves are not stricken with the virus. Hornby residents are now practicing social distancing and we urge would-be visitors to do the same by staying home.
As a result of our social distancing, Hornby facilities that might at other times service our visitors are largely shut down. The Co-op and the Ford Cove Store remain in operation but all other commercial operations have closed their doors until the pandemic is over. Arts and entertainment events that usually give vitality to visitors’ experience will not happen in the coming weeks and possibly months. The best way visitors can help is through social distancing which means simply, as our medical experts and government leaders say over and over, please stay home.
This too shall pass! We look forward to a time when Hornby will once again unhesitatingly welcome visitors