With these common questions and themes in mind, please find a variety of links below for families seeking information and resources around the COVID-19 pandemic:
+ I am experiencing COVID-19 symptoms
Province of BC & Thrive Health Online Assessment Tool
Government of Canada COVID-19 page – Assessment Tool, up to date stats, prevention and risk information, travel advice, economic response information
First Nations Health Authority Information Page
+ How can I keep my family safe?
Health Canada’s COVID-19 Outbreak Update Page – latest stats, links to information to prevention, risks, and other resources (is linked from above Gov’t of Canada Public Health Page).
+ My kids are at home – what about my childcare space?
Information for Parents and Families – Childcare BC states licensed child care providers receiving Temporary Emergency Funding from the ministry must agree to reserve spaces for families that were accessing their services before the pandemic, even if these families choose to temporarily withdraw, so families can be assured their spot will still be there once the pandemic passes.
However, if your child ages out of the available space during the period of closure, the facility will not be able to guarantee you a space once the pandemic passes. (e.g. if you were accessing an infant/toddler space, and your child turns three during the period of closure).
+ My childcare program has closed
BC’s Childcare Response to COVID-19 – Site indicates Parents who can should care for their children at home, Child care services can and must be provided in a safe manner for those families whose parents work in critical roles.
Request Temporary Emergency Childcare – if you are an essential service worker requiring temporary emergency child care for children ages 0-5 years old, you can complete the request form and be contacted.
+ My child’s school is closed
Comox Valley Schools webpage for COVID-19 updates and information.
+ I need school age care right away and am an Essential Service Worker
Child care services for school aged children (5-12 years old) can be obtained through your child’s school. Contact the school directly.
Comox Valley Schools COVID-19 information page has no word yet on school aged care for ESW’s children (as of April 8)
Here is a press release regarding connecting directly with school district for over 6 care
+ I need under 6 childcare right away and am an Essential Service Worker
Child care services can and must be provided in a safe manner for those families whose parents work in critical roles.
Request Temporary Emergency Childcare – if you are an essential service worker requiring temporary emergency child care for children ages 0-5 years old, you can complete the request form and be contacted.
Once parents submit the form, their local CCRR will contact them with information on the child care spaces that are available nearby.
Local CCRR: mcarty@pacific-care.bc.ca 250-338-4288, x236
March 31, 2020: Press release regarding connecting with PacificCare (CCRR) for under 6 care
+ I’m looking for some ideas to help with functional skills for my child (dressing, toileting etc.)
Functional Skills for kids – this site helps you become better equipped to help the kid(s) in your life do the things they need or want to be able to do every day. Things like writing, typing, learning to use scissors, getting dressed, eating, or playing.
Improving Following Directions – for getting dressed and more.
CVCDA’s At Home Resource for Diversabilities – Comox Valley Child Development Association’s version of resources and activities specific to the needs of all families at home with diversabilities.
+ My kids and I need some ideas for fun activities
Valley Child Calendar – we are currently offering daily early years activitiy ideas.
Hello Wonderful – 50 plus easy indoor activities for kids.
Happy Hooligans – Coloured water activity and more for Toddlers and Preschoolers.
+ I need food/necessities right away
Emergency Food Share Program One person per family can sign up on this program put on by Lush Comox Valley.
bc211 – United Way operated service, you can call, text, or go online and connect with an operator to access information on services available.
Healthy Families Program– may be able to help with formula and diapers on an emergency basis – call the number listed on their page.
+I am not working because of COVID-19 Pandemic
Canada Emergency Response Benfit (CERB) – information on eligability and how to apply.
Employment Insurance benefits and leave information for workers, families, fishers and sickness, as well as how to apply and submit a report.
+ I am self-quarantined and need something delivered
Shoppers Drug Mart in Courtenay can deliver medicine or prescriptions, while you are isolated at home. Call the pharmacy direct to arrange (250)334-3134.
Current Business Services – a tool for local businesses including restaurants, retail service providers, farm markets/stands, and winery/brewery/distilleries to outline their current services being offered and will serve to assist you to quickly determine what level of modified business services (i.e. delivery) are currently available.
+ I need housing support right away
CV Coalition to End Homelessness offers a comprehensive resource to keep you up-to-date on services for those experiencing or at-risk of homelessness due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
+ I am feeling very worried and need support
BC Government Page – a resource page for managing COVID-19 stress, anxiety & depression
bc211 – United Way operated service, you can call, text, or go online and connect with an operator to access information on services available.
Canadian Mental Health Association – information and services during COVID-19.
+ I need help with paying bills and Mortgages:
Mortgages: contact the bank that holds your mortgage to ask for a deferral of payments
Rent: there is up to $500 in rent subsidy paid directly to landlords coming, you cannot be evicted or issued non-payment notices. This is information and more can be found at: https://www.bchousing.org/COVID-19
BCHydro: they are offering deferrals, and they link information to a ‘customer crisis fund’ in this continuously updated press release
COVID Relief fund is also being launched and residential applications will be open the week of April 6-10.
Fortis BC: they are waiving late fees and will not be disconnecting
Telus Wireless and Highspeed: they will not be disconnecting
Shaw Cable: adding some channels to current cable customers
Rogers/Fido/Chatr: will not be disconnecting, can be flexible in payments.
ICBC: auto insurance deferral program available, must apply online.