News release

For immediate release

 

Saanich’s list of top ten things to remember during COVID-19

Saanich, BC – The District of Saanich continues to work to ensure residents and staff are safe and healthy during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Operating from the emergency operations centre, initiatives are being formulated to see us through these troubled times. We are also offering some friendly reminders for the public.

“We know this is a challenging time and there is lots of information out there,” said Mayor Fred Haynes. “There are so many inspiring stories from the community about neighbours helping each other, businesses getting creative with their services and the community as a whole doing their best to follow the guidelines we have been given from health experts. We should all be proud of our efforts to be kind to each other during these stressful times as we all help stop the spread of COVID-19. In order to support these amazing efforts we’re providing some friendly reminders from Saanich to keep in your back pocket.”

Here is our list of the top ten things to remember during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Need more info about what Saanich is doing?

The Province has deemed that local governments are an essential service so we’re keeping many of our services going in a safe and healthy way. Our facilities are closed to the public, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t connect with us. Some services are also available by appointment only. Our friendly customer service staff at municipal hall can help you get answers over the phone or by email.

Listen to the experts

We’re following the direction from the Provincial Health Officer and we encourage the public to do the same. Physical distancing is key, so please remember to keep two metres between you and anyone else when outside of your home.

Show our sewer system some love

Pipes don’t like wipes. Please do your part to keep our pipes flowing and do not flush anything down your toilets that is not human waste and toilet paper. Sanitizer wipes, paper towel, napkins or baby wipes do not belong in sewer systems and will cause blockages.

Please be safe when visiting our parks and fields

Our parks and trails are world-class, and while we are all cooped up inside it is great to get a bit of fresh air and sunshine. Please remember to keep two metres between you and anyone else whenever possible. When walking trails please pass others at wide spots, and be sure to wave and smile!

No open air burning

We get it. You’re home and both the yard work and temptation to burn is ramping up. Please remember that the Province has asked that we all refrain from open air burning for now.

Stay off playgrounds and equipment

We know you love our playgrounds, but please stay off right now. We have also closed all outdoor facilities, including the Cedar Hill Golf Course to help stop the spread of COVID-19.This closure includes all outdoor facilities such as lacrosse boxes, tennis courts, basket and sport courts, etc. Fields are closed for organized use.

Garbage guidelines

Staff are working hard to ensure curbside collection service levels are maintained. There are a few extra things that you can do to keep crews stay safe and healthy, such as bagging your garbage, wipes and vacuum contents!

Compost or store garden waste

We have temporarily closed our garden waste drop-off. Consider picking a spot in your yard and pile garden waste until we reopen the drop-off, or start/expand a backyard compost! Please refrain from over using the green bins, there has been a sizable increase in general household waste added to the bins with additional people staying home and the garden waste can be too much for our current capacity.

Wash before you gel

Has anyone mentioned hand washing yet? Washing your hands is still the best defence against the spread of COVID-19. Use gels and sanitizers for times when you cannot wash with soap and water. This will help maintain sanitizers for times we need them.

Show local business some love

We are fortunate to have many local businesses in Saanich. Let’s show them our love and support. Order out, buy online or purchase gift cards. Let’s all do our part for our community!

Learn more

Check out our up-to-date information about how we are responding to COVID-19 and what services are still available on Saanich.ca/COVID-19

Updates and reminders are also available on our Facebook and Twitter channels.

Saanich’s customer service team at municipal hall can be reached by phone at #250-475-1775 or by email at reception@saanich.ca

  

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Media contact:

Information Officer
Emergency Operations Centre
250-475-5581
Eoc.Info@saanich.ca