On Tuesday, June 29, the Province announce that beginning July 1 we are moving into Step 3 of the BC restart plan. This means a further loosening of restrictions, but you are encouraged to remain vigilent, practice excellent hygeine and ensure that you get vaccinated if you haven't already received your first and second dose.
The most important factor remains getting vaccinated. Although approved for use, B.C. has not yet administered the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, the only single dose vaccine approved by Health Canada. That means everyone needs to get two doses. Many of us have already received our first dose; let's all make sure that when our time comes we get our second dose too! For more information about BC's Restart Plan, visit gov.bc.ca/restartbc
If you haven't yet been invited to book your vaccine, it's probably because you haven't registered. Everyone should now have registered to receive their vaccine. To register visit gov.bc.ca/getvaccinated.html
For more information, visit: gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/plan#general-population
REMEMBER! We remain in a State of Emergency. Everyone still needs to exercise caution and keep up on your high-level of personal hygeine and physical distancing.
BC Recovery Benefit
The BC Recovery Benefit is a one-time direct deposit payment for eligible families, single parents or individuals. Benefit eligibility is based on net income from your 2019 tax return. You must apply to receive the benefit. Applications opened on December 18, 2020.
For more information, including eligibility and answers to frequently asked questions, visit: gov.bc.ca/gov/content/economic-recovery/recovery-benefit
How to Apply
You will need:
- Your net income from your 2019 tax filing
- Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Your driver's license number
- Direct deposit information
You can apply online beginning Friday, December 18. The online application takes approx. 15 minutes to complete. If you are ready to apply, you can do so using this link: etax.gov.bc.ca/btp/BCRBP/?link=BCRBP
Other options to apply are by telephone beginning on Monday, December 21 or in-person at a Service BC location.
For more information visit: gov.bc.ca/gov/content/economic-recovery/recovery-benefit
Guidelines for Industrial Camps
The BC Centre for Disease Control published a booklet of guildelines for industrial camps. It is worth reviewing for all our members who are still on the job and have been designated "Essential" by the provincial government. The booklet is in PDF here: COVID-19 Guidelines for Industrial Camps
Worksite Safety Report
If worksite isn't safe, clean, and following COVID-19 Health & Safety guidelines, report it here.
COVID-19 Support App
The B.C. government has launched a COVID-19 support app to help provide residents with the latest information on the ongoing pandemic. The app can be downloaded through the Apple Store or Google Play and is also available as a website online here.
Non-medical Hotline
The hotline is 1-888-COVID19 or 1-888-268-4319, and it will be staffed from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Information is available in more than 110 languages.
COVID-19 Self-assessment Tool
The BC Ministry of Health developed a self-assessment tool to help determine whether you may need further assessment or testing for COVID-19. You can complete this assessment for yourself, or on behalf of someone else, if they are unable to. COVID-19 Self-assessment Tool
Call 811 if You Have Symptoms
The non-medical hotline listed above was created to alleviate pressure on the province's existing health line, 811. This is still where British Columbians should call to reach health professionals and if they are experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19 and have been in close contact with someone known to have COVID-19. See the BC Centre for Disease Control website for more information.
Self-isolation Support
Are you self-isolating and need help, or do you know somebody who needs assistance? Are you able to volunteer providing assistance in your neighbourhood? Contact the United Way by visiting uwlm.ca/mobilizing-local-love