Friday, May 1, 2020 – 4:30pm
COVID-19 PANDEMIC UPDATE #33 – CITY OF NELSON
Columbia Basin Trust to Offer Two New Programs to Support the Region’s Food Supply
To help Columbia Basin food producers meet the increased demand for locally grown products, the Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) is introducing two new programs; one that provides loans for operational and equipment needs and one that provides wage subsidies to hire workers.
“In response to the increase in demand caused by the pandemic, Basin farmers are gearing up to expand production,” said Johnny Strilaeff, Columbia Basin Trust President and CEO. “In speaking with these producers we heard there are gaps in current COVID-related supports, and because agricultural production is a priority for the Trust, we’re stepping in to offer these new programs. This will help bolster the region’s food supply, create employment and alleviate longer-term economic impacts in the Basin.”
Primary food producers—those that grow grains, vegetables, fruit, forage or raise livestock—can now access the Basin Food Producer Loans. This program provides loans for working capital and equipment. If you’re a food producer and require a loan to support increased demand, learn more at ourtrust.org/fploans. Program guidelines will be available on May 1, 2020, and applications will be available on May 6, 2020.
Primary food producers can also access the Basin Food Producer Wage Subsidy, administered by College of the Rockies. Now, producers that are bumping up production due to the pandemic can get financial aid to hire workers throughout the growing and harvesting season. If you’re a food producer and require a wage subsidy to hire necessary employees, learn more at ourtrust.org/fpwagesubsidy. Program guidelines will be available on May 1 and applications open on May 11, 2020. Wage subsidies are granted on a first-come, first-served basis.
To read the full media release: https://ourtrust.org/two-new-programs-support-the-regions-food-supply/
Online Applications Open for Previously-Announced BC Emergency Benefit for Workers
Starting today, British Columbians can begin to apply for the BC Emergency Benefit for Workers (BCEBW) that was announced last week to help those whose ability to work has been affected by COVID-19. This one-time, tax-free payment of $1000 will further help people concerned about paying bills and making ends meet during the pandemic. Most people who are eligible for the federal Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) are also eligible for this benefit, including those who have run out of EI benefits.
To be eligible for the BCEBW, people must:
- have been a resident of British Columbia on March 15, 2020;
- meet the eligibility requirements for the CERB;
- have been approved for the CERB, even if they have not received a benefit yet;
- be at least 15 years old on the date of application;
- have filed, or agree to file, a 2019 B.C. income tax return; and
- not be receiving provincial income assistance or disability assistance.
On Monday, May 4, 2020, agents will be available by phone to assist people who need help applying, including those who do not have internet access. General support is available at (778) 309-4630 or toll-free within B.C. at 1-855-955-3545, Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
To apply go to: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/covid-19-financial-supports/emergency-benefit-workers
To read the full press release: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020FIN0027-000794
Canada Introduces New Digital Initiatives to its Suite of Virtual Tools for COVID-19
The Federal Government announced two new additions to its virtual tools to support the health and wellness of Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic. Get Updates on COVID-19 is a web-based email service that provides subscribers with critical information related to the pandemic. Subscribers to the service will get emails directing them to important and authoritative content on the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 website, Canada.ca/coronavirus.
In addition, the ArriveCan app allows travellers returning to Canada to input their 14-day isolation or quarantine information quickly, easily and securely upon arrival. The app works by digitizing the information collected under the current paper form that travellers must complete. This required information includes flight or border crossing details, whether travellers are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, and whether they have quarantine accommodations.
‘Get Updates on COVID-19’ and ‘ArriveCan’ will join the government’s suite of digital tools, including the Canada COVID-19 mobile app, which features a symptom tracker, a self-assessment tool, and information on mental health and substance use support through the Wellness Together Canada portal.
The apps are free and available on Canada.ca/coronavirus and through the Apple App Store and Google Play.
To read the full media release: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2020/04/government-of-canada-introduces-new-digital-initiatives-to-its-suite-of-virtual-tools-for-covid19.html
The BC Government has provided the following information today:
COVID-19 Case Statistics:
- Total cases in BC to date: 2145
- 823 in Vancouver Coastal Health
- 978 in Fraser Health
- 121 in Island Health
- 174 in Interior Health (Increase of 4 in 24hrs)
- 49 in Northern Health
- Total fatalities in BC to date: 112 (Increase of 1 in 24hrs)
- Total new cases in BC: 33
- Total who have fully recovered: 1357
- Total cases in Canada to date: 54,810
- Total fatalities in Canada to date: 3387
Important Resources & Information – COVID-19
Which businesses are open in Nelson?
https://www.nelsonkootenaylake.com/news
BC Government Resources List for Support and Information during COVID-19
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support
Supports for Businesses in BC: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/employment-business-and-economic-development/business-management/small-business/covid-19_small_business_supports.pdf
Wellness Together Canada https://ca.portal.gs/
Anxiety Canada https://www.anxietycanada.com/
BounceBack BC https://bouncebackbc.ca/
Here2Talk for Post-Secondary Students https://here2talk.ca/home
Psychological First Aid – Over 19+ https://www.psychologists.bc.ca/covid-19-resources
Crisis Line Association of BC – 1-800 suicide (1 800 784-2433) - 24/7
www.crisiscentre.bc.ca - 24/7 - crisis and suicide intervention
Mental Health and Information Support Line - 310-6789 (no area code required)
Kids Help Phone – 1-800-668-6868
www.kidshelphone.ca or text connect to 686868 - 24/7
Helpline for Children - 310-1234 (no area code required)
www.youthinbc.com - 24/7
VictimlinkBC – 1-800-563-0808 - 24/7
information, referrals. Immediate crisis support
HealthLinkBC - 811 or www.healthlinkbc.ca
For seniors looking for additional support at this time, call 211 or visit:
www.bc211.ca
Interior Crisis Line Network – 1-888-353-2273 - 24/7
Nelson Transition House – (250) 354-4357
24/7 - Specifically for women leaving or struggling in, an abusive relationship.
Nelson Police Department Victim Services – (250) 505-5657
To help provide important information to our community, the City of Nelson has developed a dedicated webpage nelson.ca/covid19 that will be updated frequently as new information becomes available. Please sign-up for ‘City News’ on NotifyMe to receive automatic updates from the City via text or email.
The City of Nelson relies on Interior Health, BC Public Health, and the Federal Government for information related to the virus itself. If you believe you are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, please contact your physician, or call the COVID-19 telephone line at 1-888-COVID19, to be assessed or call the testing clinic hotline at (250) 551-7500 to be triaged for testing. Symptoms of COVID-19 include coughing, fever, sore throat, and difficulty breathing. These symptoms may not present themselves for up to 14 days, but you may be a carrier of the virus; therefore it is important to follow the guidelines set out by the health experts.
To check your symptoms or get updates from the BC Government you can download the BC COVID-19 App or visit this website
We thank you for doing your part to help maintain a safe and healthy community and for understanding the importance of this evolving situation.
Information from the BC Center for Disease Control on COVID-19
Media Contact:
Ginger Lester, EOC Information Officer glester@nelson.ca