There are still no confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) within Northern Health's jurisdiction as per the B.C. government's update today (March 13) on the global pandemic.
With Spring Break underway and most programs being cancelled for precautionary reasons, the City of Prince George is advising residents of what it's doing to keep civic facilities clean and avoid a potential spread of the virus.
Officials have added a FAQ section to its COVID-19 information page of the city website to some of the most common inquiries from the public as risks continue to escalate.
This includes Prince George's plans on sanitizing all of its facilities with guidance from the provincial government and Northern Health.
Residents are also advised to visit HealthLinkBC's COVID-19 page for more information on how to combat the virus.
The City's six more frequently asked questions are as follows:
Are all civic facilities open?
All civic facilities, such as the swimming pools, arenas, and public libraries, remain open. This decision is being reviewed regularly and can change based upon the most up-to-date assessments of risk to the health of patrons and staff alike. The City is in regular contact with Northern Health and will advise residents and staff should a public facility such as the pool adjust operations via an update to this web page: www.princegeorge.ca/covid19.
The City is also monitoring all events and programs at civic facilities to ensure they do not exceed the province’s 250-person restriction for events and gatherings. Information about mass gatherings is also available from the Government of Canada.
What is the City of Prince George doing to sanitize its facilities?
The City is following recommendations from health officials on how to sanitize facilities to prevent the spread of viruses.
These include:
- Daily sanitizing protocols at the CN Centre, Kins, and PG Conference & Civic Centre in accordance with the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended protocols. This includes the use of Handheld Sprayers to clean surfaces, seating, etc.
- Increased custodial staffing hours to ensure compliance with cleaning standards.
- Signs are being placed throughout venues reminding patrons to follow safe hygiene practices by washing hands with soap and water, avoiding handshakes and hugs in favour of elbow bumps and using the hand sanitizers provided at all venues.
- Additional hand sanitizer stations have been placed throughout the CN Centre and Kins.
- The City is working to ensure all cleaning products comply with recommended WHO standards.
- All City food and beverage personnel are trained in proper food handling procedures, which include regular hand washing and sanitization practices based on Northern Health regulatory guidelines.
- Public washroom areas are consistently monitored for cleanliness and are supplied with the appropriate hygiene products.
- Administrative controls are in place to ensure proper handwashing techniques are followed by all staff.
- We have increased our communications to venue staff and participants, reminding them of personal preventative measures such as handwashing and advising them to stay home if they are feeling ill.
Will the City be closing the pools or any programs?
Currently, the pools remain open and no programs have been cancelled, but the situation can change rapidly. The City is in regular contact with Northern Health and will advise residents should any of the pools adjust operations.
What are the pools cleaning and disinfection practices?
The pools have a robust cleaning and disinfection schedule, which meets Northern Health’s requirements. Areas, where there are high traffic touchpoints, are disinfected multiple times per day. All surfaces are disinfected nightly. Pool water is disinfected using a chlorination and ultraviolet light system, which kills germs on contact.
What are the pool regulations regarding Health and Hygiene?
- Patrons who have flu-like symptoms/illness, such as diarrhea, vomiting, head colds, ear or nose discharge, ear infections, open sores or bandages, or related symptoms should not enter the pool.
- Patrons are encouraged to shower before entering the pool.
- Spitting and nose cleansing is not permitted anywhere in the facility.
- Outside footwear is not permitted on the pool deck or shower areas.
- Bathing attire is required to be clean and appropriate for pool use.
- Infants, toddlers, or persons with incontinence must wear a swim diaper and/or elastic swim pants.
What education is occurring within the pools in the prevention of germs?
Signage is posted throughout the facility and aquatic staff are educating customers on good hygiene practices such as showering before entering the pool, etc.
