This site is in beta — data may be incomplete and features are still being added.
Committee of the Whole/Documents/COVID-19 municipal preparedness
Correspondence

COVID-19 municipal preparedness

March 10, 2020Page 521 section

An email from Councillor John Rogers expressing concerns about the town's preparedness for the COVID-19 pandemic and suggesting policy reviews for staff and first responders.

6.1.4 a) COVID-19 - Municipal Preparedness - Councillor Rogers
March 5, 2020Suggestions: 14-day quarantine policy, teleconferencing for CouncilConcerns: senior population risk, emergency wait times

From: JOHN ROGERS
Sent: March 5, 2020 3:58 PM
To: Kim Anema KAnema@viewroyal.ca
Cc: David Screech MayorScreech@viewroyal.ca; Ron Mattson RMattson@viewroyal.ca; Damian Kowalewich DKowalewich@viewroyal.ca; Gery Lemon GLemon@viewroyal.ca
Subject: COVID-19 municipal preparedness

Hi Kim

Please add this onto the COW agenda for update / discussion. Highlands and Langford councils have already had reviews and reality checks. Plan for the worst, hope for the best. Countries are now just hoping to slow the spread.

I am concerned that the Canadian federal and provincial governments will not be able to contain the virus as much as they had hoped. Municipalities need to review their own plans and take necessary precautions / steps. Canada has no air restrictions. Quarantine doesn't / won't work in Canada. The virus comes in under the cover of the current flu season. So little of the virus to predict... other than there will be no vaccine for 12-18 months, its death rate is higher than the flu, our seniors and vulnerable residents are at highest risk, and those with underlying / compromised issues (hospital patients, transplants, cancer, cardiovascular... men). Given seniors make up a significant portion of CRD population, greater preventative measures are necessary. Combine this with the current excessive wait times at emergencies and clinics, heath services will be even more strained.... I wouldn't be surprised if scheduled procedures will be delayed.

Questions our residents could be asking soon...

  • What is the town's policy on quarantine / directed sick staff to stay away... for how many days? Some suggest 14 days isn't enough.
  • Is the town equipped so staff can work from home? Good thing we have more on-line services.
  • Health clinics and provincial offices now have signs on front doors about COVID-19 warnings. Shouldn't we do the same to protect staff? When?
  • How would this impact our volunteer fire department / first responders? How are we protecting them if/when they are dealing with COVID-19 positive individuals?
  • Council quorum could be impacted. I think its time to now amend policy that permits teleconferencing is such emergencies. Municipalities with webcasting enable residents to be informed without being present.

I have attached an American's doctor's perspective on how he is preparing for the coming months.

Question: What are the cancellations dates for conferences: AVICC and FCM?

Thanks,

John

Page 52
Extracted from: 2020 03 10 Committee of the Whole Agenda - Agenda - Pdf