The District of Oak Bay Activates Emergency Operations Centre

March 13, 2020

District of Oak Bay
News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 13, 2020

The District of Oak Bay Activates Emergency Operations Centre

The District of Oak Bay has activated an EOC (Emergency Operations Centre) at Level 2 with Chief Administrative Officer Lou Varela as the EOC Director.  The EOC will be responsible for local emergency preparedness, response coordination, and ensuring continuity of District services. 

All forthcoming communications will be directed through the EOC in consultation with District staff and our regional partners.

At this time, the EOC will operate out of the Oak Bay Municipal Hall during regular business hours with a primary focus on maintaining situational awareness and information sharing related to the COVID-19 situation.  Activating the EOC provides a mechanism to centralize planning and coordinate communications.

It is important to recognize that the District is not the lead agency on COVID-19 (coronavirus) and will continue to take direction from the Province and Island Health.  Staff are working to anticipate and reduce any disruptions to District operations and to ensure timely information updates.  We encourage the public to visit the municipal website at www.oakbay.ca as well as our social media accounts on Facebook and Twitter.

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 metres 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.

For information on COVID-19 (coronavirus), please visit the following sources:

The District of Oak Bay is continuing to monitor the developing COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation and is coordinating with the Province and Island Health and other regional partners. Further updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.

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For media enquiries, please contact:

Lou Varela
Chief Administrative Officer
250-888-4697
lvarela@oakbay.ca