Dear VPG Community Members,

As we begin a slow and careful recovery from COVID-19, B.C.’s Restart Plan will move into Phase 2 next week. We know a lot of people will have questions, including business owners who want to reopen safely.

The province will be here for you throughout this process. Every business is unique, and it’s important for business owners to start planning how to operate safely for both employees and customers.

WorkSafeBC will be providing support for businesses through an information line at 1-88-621-7233, and Small Business BC can help businesses navigate provincial and federal programs. Remember, this isn’t a return to normal, but it’s a hopeful, careful step towards recovery.

Despite the challenges of COVID-19, there are so many positive stories that have emerged around the province. Stories of neighbours helping each other with groceries, teachers and child care workers finding creative ways to support our kids, and communities joining together to support local businesses. These stories have given us all some much-needed inspiration and motivation to keep doing our part.

Unfortunately, there have also been deeply disturbing reports and incidents of race-based discrimination and violence in B.C. These incidents are absolutely unacceptable.

To anyone who may feel unsafe, please know that millions of British Columbians are standing in solidarity with you.

Just as we have all been doing our part to flatten the curve by staying home, washing our hands, and practicing physical distancing, we also need to do our part to stop the spread of hate.

Last week our government announced that more support will be available for communities to address racism and hate through Resilience BC. You can learn more about the program, including translations in traditional Chinese, French, Punjabi, Arabic, Farsi and Korean, here.

COVID Resources:

• For medical info, visit www.bccdc.ca or call 811
• For non-medical info and provincial supports visit www.gov.bc.ca/covid19 or call 1-888-COVID-19 (1-888-268-4319) or text 604-630-0300
• Take the self-assessment at covid19.thrive.health
• For seniors looking for additional support, or for those looking to support seniors, call 2-1-1 or visit bc211.ca