* Submitted by the Town of Creston, March 16, 2020*
The Town of Creston is working closely with the Provincial government, Interior Health Authority, Regional District of Central Kootenay, and other partner agencies to monitor the COVID-19 situation and respond appropriately. On March 14, 2020, the Town of Creston activated an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) at Level 1, with Chief Administrative Officer, Michael Moore, as the EOC Director. The EOC will be responsible for local emergency preparedness, response coordination, and ensuring continuity of Town Services. At this time, the EOC will operate out of the Town of Creston Town Hall (Kominoho Room) during regular business hours with a focus on situational awareness and information sharing related to the COVID-19 situation. Activating the EOC provides a mechanism for planning and communications.
It’s important to note that the Town of Creston is not the lead agency on COVID-19 (coronavirus) and will continue to take direction from the Province, Interior Health, and work with the RDCK. Staff are working to anticipate and reduce any disruptions to Town operations and to ensure timely information updates. We encourage the public to visit the municipal website at www.creston.ca, as well as our Town Facebook page.
Residents are reminded to continue practicing preventative measures including:
- hand washing frequently for 20 – 30 seconds with soap and warm water;
- using alcohol-based hand rubs;
- avoiding touching their face, eyes, nose and mouth;
- covering their nose and mouth with disposable tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing;
- regular cleaning of high touch surfaces and personal workspaces;
- maintaining social distancing (1 – 2 meters apart);
- discouraging handshaking;
- remaining at home if they are sick, caring for someone who is ill or, if they have been exposed to a presumptive or confirmed case of COVID-19; and
- avoiding non-essential travel outside of Canada.
As a community we need to work together to reduce the spread of infection amongst our residents.
For information on COVID-19 (coronavirus), please visit the following sources:
- BC Centre for Disease Control
- Public Health Agency of Canada
- World Health Organization