City of Fort St. John takes COVID-19 precautions

March 13, 2020

With the World Health Organization declaring novel coronavirus (COVID-19) a pandemic illness earlier this week, and the recent guidance from the federal and provincial governments, the City of Fort St. John is taking necessary and reasonable precautions to prepare for possible impacts. The health and safety of our employees, residents, and visitors is paramount and we will continue to respond appropriately to this rapidly evolving situation.

While there are no current COVID-19 cases in the Northern Health Region and health officials maintain the risk to Canadians is low, the City of Fort St. John continues to monitor its spread, and we are receiving regular updates from regional, provincial and federal public health officials.

As of March 13, 2020, all City facilities and services continue with normal operations. We encourage everyone to do their own personal risk assessment and therefore we have modified our booking cancellation or program withdrawal policies. If you determine the need to cancel an event booking or withdraw from a program, the City of Fort St. John has removed the fees and requirements normally associated with these changes. Following the recommendations of the federal and provincial governments, we are in contact with groups with planned attendance of more than 250 people.

Currently, Council meetings will continue as scheduled; however, citizens are reminded they can watch all public Council meetings through CouncilCast on the City’s website, fortstjohn.ca. Citizens are asked to conduct business with the City by email or phone as much as possible.

Whether at home, or in a City facility, all staff, residents, and visitors are asked to take the following personal precautions, as recommended by public health authorities:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds
  • Cough and sneeze into your sleeve
  • Avoid touching your face
  • Stay home when you are feeling unwell

Further updates on City of Fort St. John operations will be provided at fortstjohn.ca/covid19 and shared through the City’s social media channels. For information on the COVID-19 pandemic, visit the BC Centre for Disease Control website at bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19.

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Media Contact:
Ryan Harvey
Communications Coordinator
250-794-3313