COVID-19 Information

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Last Updated: May 24, 2022

May 24, 2022:

Town Hall Covid-19 Restrictions

If you are experiencing any symptoms of Covid-19, please do not visit Town Hall in person. If you need to pay a bill, we offer many alternate payment methods which can be viewed here.

April 8, 2022:

Government of Canada Announces Changes to Covid Restrictions

• BC Vaccine Card requirements are no longer in effect. Individual businesses and organizations can choose to continue requiring the BC Vaccine Card on their premises.
• Workplaces can transition from COVID-19 Safety Plans to communicable disease plans.
• Vaccination requirements on post-secondary students living in residence will be lifted.

November 19, 2021:

Government of Canada Announces Adjustments to Canada's Border Measures

Effective November 30, 2021, fully vaccinated individuals with right of entry to Canada who depart and re-enter the country within 72 hours of leaving Canada will not have to present a pre-entry molecular test. This exemption is only for trips originating in Canada taken by fully vaccinated Canadian citizens, permanent residents or individuals registered under the Indian Act, who depart and re-enter by land or by air and can demonstrate that they have been away from Canada for less than 72 hours. This exemption extends to accompanying children under 12, and individuals with medical contraindications to vaccination.

Read the full news release from the Government of Canada here.

August 24, 2021:

New Provincial Health Order - Proof Of Vaccination Requirement

By order of the Provincial Health Officer (PHO), proof of vaccination will be required to access some events, services and businesses. Starting September 13, you must have at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. By October 24, you must be full vaccinated. The requirement applies to all people born 2009 or earlier (12+) and covers: 
Indoor ticketed concerts, theatre, dance, symphony and sporting events
Indoor and outdoor dining at restaurants, pubs and bars
 Nightclubs and casinos 
Movie theatres 
Gyms, pools and recreation facilities (does not include youth recreational sport)
Indoor high intensity group exercise 
Indoor organized gatherings like weddings, parties, conferences, meetings and workshops
Indoor organized group recreational classes and activities like pottery and art (does not include K to 12 school and before and after school programs)
Post-secondary on-campus student housing. Note: Students must be partially vaccinated by September 7

Events, businesses and services will ask to see your proof of vaccination and valid government ID.

The requirement is in place until January 31, 2022, subject to extension. Full details are available here. 

August 20, 2021:

New Regional Health Orders for Interior Health Effective Midnight August 21, 2021

New Regional Health Orders come into effect for the entire Interior Health region effective midnight tonight, August 20:

Masks are mandatory in ALL indoor public spaces for people 12 years and older.
Low-intensity indoor group exercise is permitted to a maximum 10 people per class. High-intensity indoor group exercise is not permitted.
Outdoor group exercise is permitted up to 50 people per class.

Effective Monday, August 23 at 8:00 am:

Gatherings in vacation rentals are limited to five guests or one additional household.
Indoor personal gatherings are limited to ten guests or one other household.
Outdoor personal gatherings (eg. birthday parties, backyard BBQs, block parties) are limited to no more than 50 people.
Organized indoor gatherings (e.g. weddings, funerals, seated events) are limited to 50 people, and outdoors gatherings are limited to 100 people, both requiring a COVID-19 safety plan.

These measures will remain in place until the end of September and Interior Health experiences lower cases and higher vaccination rates. To read the full news release: http://ow.ly/gVq150FVjPD.

August 18, 2021:

The number of COVID-19 cases in Creston has unfortunately continued to rise over the past week. This map, updated today, shows that the number of cases of COVID-19 in Creston in the period from August 8 – 14, 2021 was 49. This is unequivocally the highest active case count that we have had here in the Creston area and a marked increase from the previous reporting period of August 1 - 7 (where there were 17 cases reported).

As a community, the best way that we can protect ourselves and each other from COVID-19 and severe illness is to get vaccinated with both doses, and be extra vigilant with our COVID-19 prevention protocols. Wash your hands regularly and wear masks in indoor public spaces. Above all else, please stay home not just if you are feeling unwell, but also if you have tested positive for COVID-19, even if you have no symptoms and feel fine. COVID-19 can still be spread by those who are asymptomatic.

There are a number of scheduled pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics in the Creston in the next week:

Thursday, August 19 at the Creston Valley Public Library from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Saturday, August 21 at the Creston Valley Farmers' Market (inside the Chamber of Commerce building) from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Wednesday, August 25 at Creston Hotel & Suites Banquet Room (Jimmy’s Pub), 1418 Canyon St., from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

In addition to the COVID-19 pop up vaccination clinics, the Creston Health Centre (located in the lower level of the Creston Valley Hospital, 312-15 Ave. N) offers a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination clinic on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays between 9:30 am to 3:00 pm and on Wednesdays between 12:30 pm and 7:00 pm. No appointment necessary. The Creston Health Centre is closed between 11:40 am to 12:30 pm daily.

The COVID-19 vaccination is available to anyone born 2009 or earlier who have not yet received their first dose, or anyone who received their first dose more than 28 days ago.

Learn More: BC Centre for Disease Control - http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/data

August 12, 2021:

The BC Centre for Disease Control reported 17 new cases of COVID-19 in the Creston Local Health Area between August 1 and August 7, 2021. To view the map and for other information on COVID-19 please visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/data..

Please wear a mask in indoor public spaces, remember to wash your hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds, and above all else stay home if you are feeling unwell. If you are experiencing any cold or flu-like symptoms the BC COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool https://bc.thrive.health/covid19/en is available to support you. If you require further guidance, contact HealthLinkBC at 811 for guidance or contact your primary care provider.

To receive your first or second dose of the COVID-19 Vaccination, the Creston Health Centre (Lower Level of Creston Valley Hospital) has a drop in clinic Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm and Wednesdays from 12:30 pm to 7:00 pm each week. Please note the Creston Health Centre is closed between 11:40 am and 12:30 pm daily. Immunizations may also be scheduled by appointment. To make an appointment register online at www.getvaccinated.gov.bc.ca or call 1-833-838-2323.

Resources:

BC Centre for Disease Control: http://www.bccdc.ca/
Province of British Columbia COVID-19 Response: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/response

August 10, 2021:

July COVID-19 Statistics in Interior Health

Between July 1 and July 27, 2021, of the 766 new cases of COVID-19 in the Interior Health region, LESS THAN 4% were among people who were fully immunized.

Drop in to any Interior Health COVID-19 immunization clinic today and reduce your risk of getting and spreading COVID-19. There are several pop-up clinics happening this week:

Tuesday, August 10: At the Yahk-Kingsgate Community Centre, 8790 Railway Avenue, Yahk, from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Wednesday, August 11: At Pealow's Your Independent Grocer from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Thursday, August 12: At the Creston Valley Public Library from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturday, August 14: At the Creston Valley Farmers' Market (inside the Creston Valley Chamber of Commerce building) from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Go to www.interiorhealth.ca or scan the poster below to find a clinic near you. More information on COVID-19 vaccinations is available from the BC Centre for Disease Control website here. 

June 3, 2021:

COVID-19 Vaccinations In Creston

Let’s get to community immunity in Creston!  COVID-19 vaccinations are available for people age 12+ (born 2009 or earlier). Register and schedule your appointment at https://gov.bc.ca/getvaccinated or phone 1-833-838-2323.

If you have already received your first dose, make sure you have registered so you receive a notification to book your second dose. Vaccine appointments are available locally at the Creston Health Centre, 312 15 Ave. N. (lower level of Creston Valley Hospital).

May 25, 2021:

BC's Restart Plan

Today, May 25, 2021, the Province provided details on BC's Restart Plan which allows for a gradual lifting of restrictions. Step 1 is effective as of May 25, 2021. For full details on the plan, go to: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/restart

April 23, 2021:

Provincial Travel Restrictions

On the advice of Dr. Bonnie Henry, BC's provincial health officer (PHO), Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, has issued a new order using the extraordinary powers of the Emergency Program Act to prohibit non-essential travel between three regional zones in the province, using health authority boundaries. The regional zones are:

1. Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley (Fraser Health and Coastal Health regions);

2. Vancouver Island (Island Health region); and,

3. Northern/Interior (Interior Health and Northern Health regions).

While the order puts legal limits only on travel between regional zones, the PHO's guidance remains unchanged throughout BC: everyone should continue to stay within their local community - essential travel only.

This order will be in effect from April 23 through May 25, 2021, (after the May long weekend). It applies to everyone in the province, including non-essential travelers from outside the province. $575 fines can be given for people not following the travel restrictions. In addition, periodic road checks may be set up on key travel corridors - there will be no random individual stops.

Read the full news release here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021PSSG0029-000758.. To learn more about the new travel restrictions go to: gov.bc.ca/covidtravel.

COVID-19 Order for Workplaces – April 12, 2021

The Provincial Health Officer issued a new order to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in workplaces. A workplace that has workers testing positive for COVID-19 and public health confirming transmission has occurred in the work environment may be ordered to close for a minimum of 10 days. For larger workplaces, the closure may be restricted to locations were transmission has occurred. For more information please visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/restrictions#workplaces

Effective March 29 at midnight until May 25, 2021 at midnight:

• Restaurants, pubs and bars are closed for indoor dining. Outdoor patio seating and take-out or delivery is allowed.

• The variance allowing indoor religious gatherings and worship services between March 28 and May 13 is suspended.

• Indoor low intensity group exercise classes are cancelled.

• Whistler Blackcomb ski resort is closed.

Safety recommendations

In addition to the orders, the provincial health officer strongly recommends:

• Working from home whenever possible, unless it is essential to be in the workplace.

• Keeping your child home from school if they feel sick or have any sign of illness.

• Getting testing immediately if you or anyone in your family feels sick.

• Avoiding all non-essential travel.

To read more please visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/restrictions.

March 16, 2021

Interior Health is now making appointments for eligible seniors and Aboriginal peoples in our region to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

During this phase of the BC Immunization Plan, seniors 80+ and Aboriginal peoples 65+ and Elders are eligible. For specific information and clinic details, visit Interior Health's Vaccine Information site: https://news.interiorhealth.ca/news/covid-19-vaccines/.

When you are eligible, call 1-877-740-7747, between the hours of 7 am - 7 pm (PST/PDT), seven days per week. You may call in any time after you become eligible. Family members or those who provide trusted support can call in to register eligible seniors for a vaccine appointment.

In Creston, individuals will need to come to the lower level of the Creston Valley Hospital (Creston Health Centre) to check in with reception who will direct clients to the vaccination clinic. For more information on the COVID-19 vaccination rollout in BC, visit the following trusted resources:

• ImmunizeBC

• BC Government - Vaccines in Canada

• BC Centre for Disease Control - Getting a vaccine

February 5, 2021

The Provincial Health Officer put additional orders in place on December 2, 2020 to help everyone in BC significantly reduce their social interactions and to stop COVID-19 from spreading in our province. These orders have been extended until further notice and include the following:

Mandatory Masks

• Mandatory mask mandate for workers and customers in indoor public and retail spaces – and in workplace common areas

Social gatherings

• All indoor or outdoor events as defined in our Gathering and Events order are prohibited. This includes religious, cultural or community events, with the exception of baptisms, funerals and weddings. These may proceed with up to 10 people including an officiant if a COVID-19 safety plan is in place. There are to be no associated receptions of any kind in any venue.

• There are to be no social gatherings at residences with anyone other than those who reside there. People who live alone must host no gatherings, but can continue to see one or two of the same members of their core pandemic bubble at home.

• For Event Exceptions by Sector please review: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/restrictions#pho-order

Group physical activities

• All indoor and outdoor sports for people 19 years of age and older are suspended.

• All organized indoor and outdoor sports for people under 19 years of age must follow viaSport's Return to Sport Phase 2 Guidance with respect to maintaining physical distance for participants.

Workplace safety

• All businesses and worksites must conduct active daily screening of all on-site workers using their COVID-19 safety plans.

• Workers and customers must wear masks in indoor public and retail spaces (except when eating or drinking), and in workplace common areas, including elevators, hallways, group or break rooms, kitchens and customer counters.

• Office-based employers should temporarily suspend their efforts to safely get employees back to their workplace and support work-from-home options wherever possible.

Travel

• All non-essential travel outside of one’s community is strongly discouraged. People travelling to stay with immediate family members should ensure they do not host or participate in any social gatherings.

Review the Order here:https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/restrictions

January 8, 2021

COVID-19 Travel Advisory: Starting January 7, 2021, all air passengers five years of age or older, including Canadians, will be required to show a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours prior to boarding their scheduled departure to Canada. Contact local health authorities to find out where you can get a PCR test. For more information please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/transport-canada/news/2020/12/pre-departure-covid-19-testing-and-negative-results-to-be-required-for-all-air-travellers-coming-to-canada.html

COVID-19 Resources

Town Hall Re-Open Policy - Town of Creston Policy and Procedures for Re-Opening Town Hall (COVID-19).
Town of Creston Resources Mailout - Resource information for Creston residents
Public Facilities - Information regarding facility closures and modified service levels at local public facilities operated by the Town of Creston and/or the Regional District of Central Kootenay.
Business Information - Information and resources for businesses in the Creston Valley.
Community Resources - Listing of Creston specific resources for grocery shopping, prescriptions, senior support, children’s support and related information.
Stop the Spread - How you can help stop the spread of COVID-19.
Travel Information - Information regarding international travel.
Trusted External Resources - Province of British Columbia, BC Centre for Disease Control, Interior Health Authority, and other trusted information sources.
Protecting Your Home - Information on best practices to protect your family at home.
Mental Health Resources - Information and support for mental health.

The Town of Creston is working closely with the Provincial government, Interior Health Authority, the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK), and other partner agencies to monitor the COVID-19 situation and respond appropriately.

The health and safety of our employees and community members is our first priority. We are following the Orders and recommendations from our Provincial Medical Health Officer. Our goal, along with our RDCK partners, is to ensure accurate and coordinated information is available as it relates to our community.

The Town of Creston activated an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) on March 14, 2020. Activating the EOC provides a mechanism to centralize planning and coordinate communications.

Through activation of the EOC, the Town of Creston is:

preparing for possible impacts of the pandemic;
providing accurate information to our residents as it becomes available;
ensuring continuity of the Town’s essential services (sewer, water, street sweeping, etc.);
combating the spread of COVID-19 through regular disinfection in key areas of town, and temporary facility closures; and,
working with our partners at the RDCK, through our shared emergency management program to further coordinate our efforts of keeping residents informed.