An important message from your Salt Spring Island Medical Team. While we are currently at low risk on Salt Spring and as of today, have no diagnosed cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19), 65% of our population is vulnerable. So now’s the time to take preventive measures.

We want to be as proactive as possible to protect everyone, and to that end, strongly recommend the following:

1. Gatherings/meetings and community events

• Consider cancelling all regular gatherings/meetings and postpone any planned major community events for the next two months (until mid-May).
• Wherever possible, replace gatherings/meetings with teleconferences and on-line meetings or other options that don’t involve groups of people confined in small spaces.

2. Older members of our community and those with weakened immune systems or underlying medical conditions

• Avoid attending any community gatherings.
• Don’t fly or take any cruises for the next two months.

3. Businesses and Community Venues on Salt Spring

• As many of you are already doing, provide your staff and customers/clients with access to sanitizers.
• To protect your staff and customers, increase the frequency of protocols for disinfecting your premises.

4. Everyone on Salt Spring

• Our recommendations are guided by caution, preparedness and the need to avoid panic.
• Wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds several times a day.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Keep a social distance from everyone else: an arm and a half’s length away.

Refer to recognized trusted agencies for facts. Several sites are posted below.

If you have questions, call 811 or the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) hotline number: 1.833.784.4397.

Credible internet links include (copy and paste from the list below):

BCCDC on Covid19
British Columbia Pandemic Preparedness
World Health Organization Covid19
Canadians travelling abroad are encouraged to consult the Canadian Travel Advisories
Public Health Ontario Literature Review
Update on new and existing COVID-19 cases in B.C.
Salt Spring Island Health Center COVID-19 information

And finally…

We realize some of the measures we’re recommending may be inconvenient, but we believe they are in the best interests of the health and wellness of our community and everyone in it.

While regular social interactions are suspended, it’s important that we stay connected and support each other even if it’s just through a quick phone call, email or one-on-one visit between neighbours.

We will monitor the situation and adjust our recommendations as indicated.

In the meantime, please maintain good hygiene practices, support your friends and neighbours and refer to credible sources for current information.

Editorial Note: Read all official, current and ongoing updates on COVID-19 specifically related to Salt Spring Island on the Salt Spring Exchange under our News > 'Special Alert: COVID-19' News section.