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At a press conference Monday, Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum said city-run spring break camps and daycare facilities will continue to operate, but that could change if such programming is considered unsafe at any time. The situation is “fluid,” McCallum said, and the city is closely monitoring it along with Fraser Health.

McCallum took a moment to express his disgust with people who are hoarding or panic buying basic items at local stores — and worse, selling them for a profit elsewhere — and urged businesses to put purchase limits on those items.

“To those who are stockpiling and reselling, I appeal to your basic humanity to stop this kind of behaviour because it’s not only irrational, but you’re benefiting at expense of someone in your community,” he said.

McCallum said people should take care of each other and themselves, including their physical and mental health.

“Yes, we have to be mindful of social distancing, but that doesn’t mean we have to lose all human connection. So, pick up your phones, make a call or FaceTime or text a loved one or a friend,” he said. “The best way to get through this is if we all come together and we look out for one another.”

During Monday’s press conference at Vancouver city hall, Stewart also said he is in constant communication with senior governments to support local businesses, as well as homeowners and renters, exploring methods of adjusting criteria for the property tax deferment program, and potentially expanding it to businesses.