UPDATES FROM TASK FORCE CHAIRS
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Today, March 23rd, the
Richmond COVID-19 Community Task Force held its first meeting (by teleconference, of course). These extraordinary times necessitate collaboration, and stronger communication than ever before.
With that in mind, last week, the City of Richmond and Richmond Chamber of Commerce recruited a number of our community stakeholders to this task force, including members of the media.
As our community continues to navigate this emergency, we will be updating you weekly with information and outcomes of these calls. We know that Richmond is stronger together, and commit to bringing you the resources and information you need.
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Task Force Co-Chairs:
Fan Chun (Chair, Richmond Chamber of Commerce) and Mayor Malcolm Brodie (City of Richmond)
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UPDATE FROM VANCOUVER COASTAL HEALTH
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Dr. Meena Dawar, Medical Health Officer with Vancouver Coastal Health shared:
- Case count: 270 cases are reported within the VCH system; 24 of those patients are hospitalized; 11 patients are in the ICU. The last case count in Richmond was 10.
- Interpreting numbers: at this stage in the pandemic response, testing everyone is no longer necessary. Tests continue with hospitalized patients, those in care facilities, or as part of an outbreak that health authorities are examining. Assume there is COVID-19 transmission in the community.
- Combatting rumours: Try not to pay attention to rumours. If needed, health authorities will issue a public advisory about exposure in public places. If you suspect you are ill, contact your public health authority and self isolate.
- Modifying the Curve: Self-isolating is important, even if you are experiencing what you believe to be a normal cold. Isolate away from others for 10 days from the onset of symptoms.
Resources:
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UPDATE FROM THE CITY OF RICHMOND
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Last week, the City of Richmond declared an Emergency. As of March 23rd, City Hall is closed to the public. Last week, City of Richmond facilities, spring break camps and daycares were closed. Over the weekend, closures extended to playgrounds and amenities.
- Emergency Operations Centre is activated to Level 1. The City is coordinating with other municipalities on emergency measures, and supporting measures taken by the Province (limiting group size etc.)
- The RCMP and Fire Department are fully functional. Some of the non-essential services are terminated for now (volunteer programs, education sessions etc.)
- Staff are liaising with all the social service agencies to see what they have in place to support the vulnerable populations
- The Economic Development Office has set up a page dedicated to updating on senior government initiatives to support business and are working with an initiative to connect underemployed hospitality workers with industries in need of workers (care homes, medical equipment manufacturers etc.)
Resources:
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UPDATE FROM VANCOUVER AIRPORT AUTHORITY (YVR)
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Craig Richmond, President and CEO of the Vancouver Airport Authority (YVR) shared:
- There are significant drops in intercontinental and trans-border flights (about 50% fewer than is typical with expectations it will drop further).
- There are layoffs at the terminal (will have a number by the end of the week).
- Enhanced screening is in effect with guidelines from health authorities.
- Urging to the public to please minimize the number of people who must come to the airport (for pick-ups, saying goodbye) and maintain the two-meter distance in lines at the airport.
Resources:
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UPDATE FROM RICHMOND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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Fan Chun, Chair of the Chamber of Commerce, and Matt Pitcairn, its President and CEO shared:
- This past week, Richmond Chamber staff have been busy connecting with as many members as they can. A common thread has emerged: Employers are seriously struggling. They are worried that they have to lay off valued members of their team. They see a property tax bill coming due in the summer and wonder if they'll have the cash on hand to pay it. They see an EHT bill due at the end of the month - only a handful of days away - and are wondering how they'll pay it.
- A recent BC Chamber network survey over over 7,900 employers across the province showed that the numbers are very dire:
- 90% of businesses are currently being impacted by COVID-19;
- 73% of respondents say they expect revenues to drop by 50% or more, and a quarter expect revenue to drop by 100%;
- 64% of respondents told us they need to reduce their staff by over half. A quarter of respondents say they have to reduce their staff by 100%.; and
- Approximately half of the respondents see a real chance they will go out of business if revenues and deal-flow continue to trend down.
- The Federal Government has announced the first stage of its fiscal strategy to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the economy. But businesses need a clear path to access these relief measures. A 10% wage subsidy doesn't go far enough.
- At the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, we are doing what we can to ensure all our local employers have access to the information they need.
- The chamber network will continue to work with all levels of government and with other partners to maintain the vital connection between employers and employees and mitigate the economic impact of the pandemic
Resources:
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UPDATE FROM RICHMOND SCHOOL DISTRICT 38
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Scott Robinson, Superintendent of Schools for SD 38 shared that
- The School District has been focused on work force engagement this week (while schools are closed, a number of staff still work).
- The school board office is closed to the public. For the foreseeable future, online registration for school will be the only way to register a student.
- On March 17, the minister announced that all in-class instruction was to be suspended until further notice. The announcement indicated that districts will be responsible to develop plans to maintain a level of service, especially for children whose parents are employed in essential services. School Districts also have the expectation to provide service for youth-at-risk, including meal programs.
- We anticipate schools will not be open for face to face instruction following spring break.
- School playgrounds and fields are closed with signage to be posted today.
- We are to ensure that children of essential service workers are cared for. Working closely with all service providers to see where the gaps are and see if we can fill in those gaps.
Resources:
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UPDATE FROM TOURISM RICHMOND
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Nancy Small, CEO of Tourism Richmond shared that:
- With YVR at low capacity, our hotels and restaurants are also at very low capacity. We are working to support stakeholders and businesses as best we can.
- We are playing a role at the provincial and national levels to understand the impact. Tourism Richmond is working with government at all levels to understand the support we can give and how to work together.
- When we turn the corner, we will be working very robustly on recovery.
Resources:
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Richmond Chamber of Commerce
604.278.2822
rcc@richmondchamber.ca
www.RichmondChamber.ca
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