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COVID-19 precautions in the South Cariboo

Local groups are taking measures to minimize risk
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Carefree Manor is asking family, friends and volunteers to refrain from visiting. (File photo)

Carefree Manor

Carefree Manor is asking family, friends and volunteers to refrain from visiting Carefree Manor to the best of their ability for the next two weeks, says Cindy Parent, who manages the senior residence.

“This is strictly a precautionary measure at this time. With the age group that resides here at Carefree Manor, it’s a very vulnerable age group and we wanted, to the best of our ability, minimize the number of people that are coming into Carefree Manor to minimize the risk of having any virus come into Carefree Manor.”

They will reassess the situation in two weeks’ time and see where things are at, says Parent.

“We have roughly about 12 residents that drive here at Carefree Manor. I have asked that, and it’s ultimately their choice, but if they could stay at Carefree Manor to the best of their ability that would be fantastic. But ultimately, again, if they choose to go to wherever they want to go, that’s their choice,” she says. “None of this is set in stone. It’s all recommendations.”

The response so far from volunteers and family members seems to be an overwhelming sense of appreciation for their concern for the residents, says Parent.

MLA

Cariboo Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett said she’d be avoiding community meetings and outings. That her offices would remain open but that she instructed staff to close the door if they don’t feel comfortable.

“We have to take every precaution there is,” Barnett said. “It’s a very different time we’re living in with all these things that are happening but hopefully in the not too distant future it doesn’t escalate anymore.”

RELATED: Cariboo politicians to avoid community meetings, outings amidst coronavirus situation

School District 27

Classes will be suspended indefinitely.

RELATED: B.C. to suspend K-12 schools due to COVID-19

The South Cariboo Age Friendly Society

The Age Friendly Society has cancelled its March 26 event.

“The Board of Directors met on the 10th of March to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on our programs. It was felt that in view of current information and the need to act proactively with a view to the safety and wellness of participants we must delay our regular gatherings. With this thought in mind, we wish to advise that the March 26, 2020 event is cancelled. The board will be reviewing this position every two weeks and will keep you updated.”

They note they appreciate the patience and understanding of members and of all who attend Age Friendly events and look forward to meeting members again when it is safe to do so.

Ralph Fossum, chair of the society, says the decision was not a fear-based reaction.

“Rather, it was a decision based upon safety and respect. Our seniors are a vulnerable group so common sense prevention is our reason for postponing our event. We tend to think of ourselves as being somewhat isolated but we realize that many of our local snowbirds are returning; some from cruises, some through international airports.”

Wranglers

The KIJHL has cancelled the rest of the season including the Cyclone Taylor Cup.

RELATED: Wranglers president comments on cancellation of season, Cyclone Taylor Cup

Spaghetti dinner

St. Timothy’s Anglican Church has cancelled their Spaghetti Dinner which had been scheduled for March 20.

The Interlakes Community Centre

The Interlakes Community Centre will be closed starting on Friday, March 20 for at least two weeks until further notice.

Any special events or classes will be postponed if possible. Anyone who’s paid for a class can have a refund or just wait until the class will happen.

Cariboo Family Enrichment Centre

The CFEC will be shutting down for the rest of the week and reassessing on a week by week basis, according to Cariboo Family Enrichment Centre (CFEC) Executive Director Chris Pettman.

“We don’t want to put anyone at risk. So we decided to do that and we’re advising anyone, any clients anyone in the community that would come to our centre of course if they exhibit any symptoms that they should go to Interior Health immediately.”

The closure includes the daycare, says Pettman.

“It is spring break so hopefully it doesn’t have too much of an impact but it still will of course,” he says. “We’re just being proactive in this. We don’t want to put anybody in harm’s way.”

They will reassess what things look like on Monday, March 23.

Earlier in the day (March 16), they announced they were temporarily cancelling all drop-in public programs, specifically the Wednesday parent info session and the Raven Youth Activity Centre.

100 Mile Food Bank

The 100 Mile House Food Bank is open but taking some extra precautions. The food bank is restricting how many people can go in at a time. Additionally, any clients will be asked to clean their hands with an alcohol rub.

Finally, instead of letting clients walk through and grab things themselves, the food bank will have volunteers bring items to the front instead.

South Cariboo Theatre

The South Cariboo Theatre has announced that they will close until further notice as of today (March 17).

Library programming

The Cariboo Regional District Libraries have been closed.

RELATED: Cariboo Regional District announces closure of all library locations

Mt. Timothy Ski Area

The Mt. Timothy Ski Area will remain open for the coming weekend but has taken extra measures. The lodge will be limited to no more than 50 guests.

100 Mile Nordics

The 100 Mile House Nordics have closed their lodge but the trails remain open.

100 Mile Curling Club

The 100 Mile House Curling Club is closed. All final league games and playoffs will not be played. Whoever is currently leading in their league, will be the winner for the season.

“We will be taking the ice out this coming weekend. I will inform you when the club doors will be open if you would like to remove your items from your lockers. NOTE: You can keep your items in your locker and lock on. It was a great year and we look forward to things being ‘normal’ again next season.”

Seedy Saturday

The Horse Lake Community Farm Co-op has cancelled Seedy Saturday.

Parkside Art Gallery

The Parkside Art Gallery is closed until further notice.

Kindergym

Kindergym is closed.

CCPL

Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy has closed their office.

Let us know

If your company, organization or group is cancelling events or taking precautions, send us an email at newsroom@100milefreepress.net or give our office a call at 250-395-2219 (ask for Max) so we can help keep the public informed. We will add more information as it becomes available.

RELATED: NHL suspends 2019-20 season amid coronavirus pandemic, MLB postpones season


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