COVID-19 Updates

Public Health Orders:
All Public Health Orders must be followed. A full list of active PHO orders relating to COVID-19 can be found here, but key orders are summarized as follows:

Province-wide restrictions lifted (April 8, 2022):
Proof of Vaccine: Proof of vaccine is no longer required for most establishments and events but some situations – such as visiting health care or long-term care facilities – will still require proof of vaccination.

Masks: Wearing masks in indoor settings is no longer required by public health, though masks are encouraged on public transit and BC Ferries. Wearing a mask is a personal choice. Some businesses or events may still request masks.

Gatherings & Events: There are no restrictions on gatherings and events.

Island Health COVID-19 referral-only screening clinic in Victoria

In order to get further information on COVID-19, the province has revealed a new hotline:

  • Call 1-888-COVID-19 or text 604-630-0300.

Previous Updates

March 29, 2021 Update

Move in Strategy: Homeless-Serving Sector Role and Responsibilities 

The purpose of the Move in Strategy: Homeless-Serving Sector Role and Responsibilities is to share the collaborative roles and responsibilities of BC Housing and its contractors and funded outreach agencies, the Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness, and the City of Victoria during the transition of securing indoor sheltering options for individuals currently experiencing homelessness and sheltering in parks by April 30, 2021, as a pathway to permanent housing by the Provincial Government.

Move in Strategy: Homeless-Serving Sector Role and Responsibilities

Greater Victoria — Park Sheltering Move-in Strategy One-Pager

June 26, 2020 Update

The Greater Victoria COVID-19 Vulnerable Populations Response Plan is a living and emerging plan. We continue to follow and implement the guidelines of Dr. Bonnie Henry, the World Health Organization (WHO), and Federal, Provincial, and Municipal government recommendations towards taking appropriate precautions regarding our daily work, planned community gatherings, and places where transmission may occur.

The Coalition has been actively involved in working with our leadership team of the City of Victoria, Island Health, BC Housing, CRD and the Coalition of which we are ALL members and partners!

Thank you to all of the service providers and staff throughout the region who are providing exceptional care for our most vulnerable populations.

Greater Victoria COVID-19 Vulnerable Populations Response Plan – PDF – Updated June 26, 2020

April 2, 2020 Update

Dear Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness Members and Partners,

Please find attached the most up-to-date Greater Victoria COVID-19 Vulnerable Populations Response Plan model that we are currently working on.

The Greater Victoria COVID-19 Vulnerable Populations Response Plan is a living and emerging plan. We continue to follow and implement the guidelines of Dr. Bonnie Henry, the World Health Organization (WHO), and Federal, Provincial, and Municipal government recommendations towards taking appropriate precautions regarding our daily work, planned community gatherings, and places where transmission may occur.

The Coalition has been actively involved in working with our leadership team of the City of Victoria, Island Health, BC Housing, CRD and the Coalition of which we are ALL members and partners!

As we work together during these uncertain times, we encourage everyone to find community in innovative ways and to show compassion and care for others. Thank you to all of the service providers and staff throughout the region who are providing exceptional care for our most vulnerable populations.

The Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness

COVID-19 Vulnerable Population Response Plan – Basic Needs and Location Model – Updated April 2, 2020.

March 16, 2020 Update

Hello Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness Members, Partners and Community,

In response to the calls and concerns we have received regarding support for transient persons experiencing homelessness please be informed that Island Health is working with key partners, including BC Housing, to develop a response and strategy for supporting our vulnerable population experiencing homelessness as the risk of COVID-19 continues in our community. The Island health Website has a COVID-19 page with all of the most up to date information about testing, cases, precautionary measures, etc.

https://www.islandhealth.ca/learn-about-health/diseases-conditions/novel-coronavirus-information

According to Island Health Medical Health Officers, it is important to monitor self and clients for symptoms and self isolate if possible and use social isolation and precautionary measures like droplet precautions immediately and then refer to COVID-19 Screening Guide and/or Primary Care or 811 providers to determine need for possible testing. Info about testing can be found at the Island health webpage noted above.

There will be communications that we will share as they are developed to ensure everyone has the most up to date information and do our best to coordinate efforts to protect and treat our vulnerable community members.

We will share any additional resources and direction from Island Health as it is developed and provided.

Kelly Roth, Executive Director

COVID-19 Service Provider Updates and Resources

In Crisis?:

If you require urgent emotional support, including having thoughts of suicide and other mental health issues, please call Vancouver Island Crisis Line: 1-888-494-3888.

Youth (under 25 years of age) may access youthspace.ca for online emotional support.

For other resources, including shelter availability, visit bc211.ca

Youth

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Peer Housing Support

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In Crisis?

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Face 2 Face with Stigma

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Aboriginal Coalition

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Members

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Victoria, BC V8T 5G4

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©2020 GVCEH
BN: 842615221RR0001
website by Caorda