A running list of COVID-19 news concerning Fort St. John and northern B.C. Please check back regularly.

There were 31 active cases (216 total) in the Northern Health region as of Sept. 14, with the first death reported Monday. Seven people are in hospital, three in critical care. There have been 184 recoveries, and 16,372 tests to date.

article continues below

The BC Centre for Disease Control reports 49 cases in northeast B.C. from Aug. 28 to Sept. 10, and 99 cases total since the start of the year.

A public exposure alert remains after events in Prespatou in August. The 24 cases linked to a religious gathering in Deadwood, Alta., have all recovered, according to Northern Health.

There are 1,594 active cases (7,279 total), and 219 related deaths in B.C. There are 58 patients in hospital, 16 in critical care. Another 5,446 people have recovered, and 3,047 are under public health monitoring.

In northern Alberta, there were were 232 active cases, 975 recoveries, and 33 deaths as of Sept. 14. Five people are in hospital.

There are 16 active cases and two deaths in the city of Grande Prairie and surrounding county; 26 active cases in Northern Lights County; 15 active cases and one death in Clear Hills County; 65 active cases and 12 deaths in Mackenzie County; and 51 active cases one death in Fort McMurray.

The latest for Sept. 14:

The latest for Sept. 10:

The latest for Sept. 9:

The latest for Sept. 8:

The average daily number of Canadians testing positive over the last week is 545 — a 25% increase over the previous week

There are two Site C workers in self-isolation, and 1,519 workers reported at camp.

The level of satisfaction with how the federal government has dealt with the pandemic fell by six points to 64%, a rating identical to the one posted by municipal administrations.

For those who have chosen to send their kids back to school, mornings are soon about to get a little more complicated.

The latest for Sept. 4:

The latest for Sept. 3:

The latest for Sept. 2:

The latest for Sept. 1:

The latest for Aug. 31:

The latest for Aug. 28:

The latest for Aug. 27:

The majority of cases in northeast B.C. from January to July were in Peace River North, according to new data published by the BC Centre for Disease Control.

All indications are B.C. politicians will continue to avoid the B.C. Legislature by conducting meetings remotely, while also sending children and teachers into classrooms with no physical distancing among cohorts.

The double blow of collapsing oil prices and the COVID-19 crisis have pushed Alberta into a historic deficit of $24.2 billion.

Warnings of possible COVID-19 exposure have been issued for eight more flights.

There are four Site C workers in self-isolation, and 1,511 workers reported at camp.

The latest for Aug. 26:

Band will continue, inter-school sports are cancelled, and mandatory masks on the bus — click here for highlights from School District 60's restart plan.

The federal government is promising to deliver “up to” $2 billion to provinces and territories to bolster safety plans to bring students back into the classroom.

The North West Junior Hockey Leage season won't begin on time, though teams could begin a modified season, or "pod play", on Oct. 26.

B.C. seniors in long-term care and their family members are being asked to participate in a survey to chronicle their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The latest for Aug. 25:

A 20-year-old Victoria man who had two parties broken up over the weekend says he plans to fight the $2,300 ticket he received for breaching the COVID-19 Related Measures Act.

MP Bob Zimmer, on PM Trudeau shutting down Parliament: "Earlier this year, the Prime Minister shamefully suspended regular sittings of the House of Commons to try to avoid accountability. Now he has locked out Opposition MPs who were working hard to fix his government’s pandemic programs, help Canadians, and get to the bottom of the WE scandal.

MLA Dan Davies, on the NDP's school plan: "I know there will be a lot of challenges ahead, but I cannot thank parents, teachers and school districts enough for everything they have done to help support our children’s learning and for reaching out and engaging with my colleagues and me as much as they have these past few months — and I hope you will all continue to do so in the weeks and months ahead."

The BC Centre for Disease Control has added several more flights to its list of possible COVID-19 exposures.

The federal government is pledging $82.5 million to improve access and address growing demand for mental health services in Indigenous communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Canada's chief public health officer is warning against the spread of online untruths about vaccines, as a new survey suggests some Canadians are worried about getting inoculated against COVID-19.

The latest for Aug. 24:

More than 260 new cases have been confirmed since Friday, but B.C. is still doing a good job of limiting the virus’ spread through contact tracing, says Dr. Bonnie Henry.

Enbridge recently made a donation of $10,000 to the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation's COVID-19 Greatest Need Campaign.

British Columbians have never bought so much legal weed. The province’s legal cannabis retailers sold $29,393,000 worth of recreational marijuana products in June – almost seven times the $4,230,000 in revenue that they generated in June 2019.

Health experts don’t know exactly what it will look like having two viruses – the flu and COVID-19 – circulating at the same time this fall, but it could be “dangerous.”

Use glitter to teach kids about COVID spread, paramedics say.

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, trucker Dave Wye had to think long and hard about whether he was willing to stay on the front lines. The 54-year-old, a second-generation long-haul driver from Windsor, Ont., worried his exposure while transporting whiskey and wine between Quebec and Kentucky would risk his own health as well as his family's.

Victoria police have handed out tickets to partiers breaching provincial health orders two nights in a row — both times at the same residence.

The latest for Aug. 21:

Property owners and organizers can be fined $2,000 for hosting events in violation of public health orders in B.C. under stronger penalties announced today.

Police and the likes of liquor, gaming and conservation inspectors and officers can now fine site owners, such as businesses, or organizers of gatherings and events who contravene the provincial health officer's order on gatherings and events, which are limited to under 50 people and must provide for physical distancing and other safety measures.

But facing media questions, it is not clear, in some instances, what constitutes a violation, nor is it clear the body of evidence that supports these new enforcement measures. Farnworth was not able to provide data on how many cases of COVID-19 have occurred as a result of explicit violations of public health orders.

There are no Site C workers in self-isolation, and 1,466 workers reported at camp.

The latest for Aug. 20:

The federal Liberals are rolling out a $37-billion income-support plan for workers whose earnings have crashed during the pandemic.

An independent Senator is advocating for an experimental basic income program at the provincial level, citing the complications to the employment insurance program after the end of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit.

There are no Site C workers in self-isolation, and 1,459 workers reported at camp.

The latest for Aug. 19:

For the third day in a row, a record number of people are fighting COVID-19 infections in B.C. — the count rose to 798 on August 19, up from 775 on August 18, and 743 on August 17.

Canada’s natural resource and manufacturing sectors can provide up to 2.6 million jobs and a 17% jump in GDP to guide the nation’s economic recovery through the COVID-19 pandemic, says a new report issued Wednesday.

The B.C. Teachers' Federation wants the province to reduce class sizes and make the use of masks mandatory wherever physical distancing isn't possible as part of its back-to-school plan.

The Northeast Regional Community Foundation says it has awarded $75,000 in emergency grants to eight Peace region groups responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

There are no Site C workers in self-isolation, and 1,474 workers reported at camp.

Some four million workers will move onto EI next month when a key COVID-19 benefit for workers, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, begins to wind down.

The latest for Aug. 18:

The latest for Aug. 17:

The latest for Aug. 14:

The latest for Aug. 13:

The latest for Aug. 12

The latest for Aug. 11:

The latest for Aug. 10:

The latest for Aug. 7:

The latest for Aug. 6:

The latest for Aug. 5:

The latest for Aug. 4:

The latest for July 31:

The B.C. government has appointed a new special advisor to provide “fresh eyes” on Site C after BC Hydro expressed serious concerns with the dam project’s schedule, budget, and geotechnical challenges. Company president Chris O'Riley blamed delays brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, and said construction crews are also experiencing “geological challenges" at the site.

Dawson Creek Hospital's 'no visitors' rule has daughter worried: "It makes no sense at all. I’ve been told I can’t see my own mother, but her roommate who is in the hospital room, comes down in her own wheelchair, and I chat with all the time."

The BC Teachers' Federation is calling for a delay in the start of the new school year to address its concerns with the government’s plan for a full-time return for students.

Ottawa is developing plans to transition CERB recipients to Employment Insurance, but further details aren’t expected for at least a few more weeks.

Financial columnist Brad Brain, on the importance of perspective: "Given all this – the wars, the politics, the economic hard times, even the pandemics – as I write this the Dow Jones Industrial Average is sitting at 26,652. Recall that it was at 8235 in September 2001."

The latest for July 30:

The latest for July 29:

The latest for July 28:

The latest for July 27:

The latest for July 24:

The latest for July 23:

The latest for July 22:

The latest for July 21:

The latest for July 20:

The latest for July 17:

The latest for July 16:

The latest for July 15:

The latest for July 14:

The latest for July 13:

The latest for July 9:

The latest for July 8:

The latest for July 7:

The latest for July 6:

The latest for July 3:

The latest for July 2:

The latest for June 30:

The latest for June 29:

Health Minister Adrian Dix says he wants to see the evidence that it's safe for the country's two largest airlines to drop their in-flight distancing policies during the pandemic.

More than 300 bags were put on brief display in Fort St. John Saturday night to honour loved ones lost to cancer. The annual Arnie Isberg softball tournament was cancelled this year due to COVID-19, but the popular luminary ceremony that closes the event saw more bags than normal.

There have been no new deaths from COVID-19 since Friday, and though daily case counts remain low, Dr Bonnie Henry warned that anyone who was at a Vancouver strip club in recent days may have been infected.

There is one Site C worker in self-isolation, and 1,281 workers reported at camp.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says an ongoing review of the federal response to COVID-19 will feed into plans for responding to a potential second wave of the novel coronavirus.

Figures released Monday by the Public Health Agency of Canada showed Quebec and Ontario still remain the most heavily affected regions of the country. Multiple distinct peaks in the curve for Alberta, Saskatchewan and New Brunswick should also serve as reminders that a resurgence of COVID-19 can happen in any place at any time, even in areas with low levels of community transmission.

The latest for June 26:

The Northern Lights College Class of 2020 donned their gowns for the school's first-ever virtual convocation on Friday.

There are no Site C workers in self-isolation, and 1,385 workers reported at camp.

The Vancouver Canucks say the team is officially out of the running to act as a hub city as the NHL considers where to hold its playoffs.

About 224,000 businesses have applied and received payroll help through the the federal wage subsidy program for a total of more than $13 billion as of June 15.

The latest for June 25:

The latest for June 24:

The latest for June 23:

B.C. is approaching the threshold for renewed growth in COVID-19 cases as the economy reopens and residents increase their contacts with fellow British Columbians.

Hudson's Hope says it plans to open its outdoor pool with restrictions on Monday, July 6.

MLA Dan Davies, on delayed economic recovery spending: "Why are British Columbians only now getting a forum to discuss how they would like to see their taxes support them? We are not dealing with a small stimulus package here, we are talking about a billion-dollar relief fund."

B.C. business groups are asking the province to extend the temporary layoff time period until August 31, to prevent COVID-19-affected companies from closing permanently should paying severance to employees exceed their fiscal capacity.

A physically distanced B.C. legislature opened Monday to the announcement that the BC NDP government will seek to extend emergency orders for up to a year.

The latest for June 22:

The latest for June 19:

North Peace Secondary’s Class of 2020 made history Friday, celebrating a graduation unlike any other. Hundreds tuned in to a virtual ceremony celebrating some 300 graduates, as traditional ceremonies that fill the rafters of the North Peace Arena were cancelled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

B.C is handing COVID-19 border screening work over to Ottawa effective June 20.

B.C. is extending the temporary rental supplement until the end of August to continue to support renters and landlords as well as maintaining the moratorium on rent increases and evictions for non-payment of rent.

Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson is scaling back the government's planned Clean Fuel Standard in the short term to give the fossil fuel industry a bit more time to recover from the pandemic-induced economic collapse.

Canadian exports of crude oil by rail dropped by more than half in April compared to March as North American fuel demand plunged due to measures taken to control the COVID-19 pandemic.

The latest for June 18:

The latest for June 17:

The latest for June 16:

B.C.'s COVID-19 restrictions are under further review this week, but the limit on gatherings to a maximum of 50 people will not change.

The federal government is extending the Canada Emergency Response Benefit another eight weeks. The extension means the $2,000 monthly payments are now set to conclude after the last full week of August.

The province says it will cut retail liquor markups to help the hospitality sector recover from lockdown. Restaurants, bars and pubs currently pay for liquor purchases at full retail price, which is the wholesale price, plus a retail markup set by the ministry's liquor distribution branch.

The latest for June 15:

The latest for June 12:

The latest for June 11:

MLAs Dan Davies and Mike Bernier will be among those returning to Victoria June 22 when the legislature resumes after a months-long suspension due to COVID-19.

There are no Site C workers in self-isolation, and 1,218 workers reported at camp.

Agriculture, local governments are top bailout priorities in B.C., poll says.

The latest for June 10:

The latest for June 9:

The latest for June 8:

The latest for June 5:

The latest for June 4:

The latest for June 3:

The latest for June 2:

The latest for June 1:

The Peace River Regional District amended its grant writing services on May 28, opening it up to local businesses throughout the region affected by COVID-19.

Small businesses in B.C. that have suffered significant revenue losses during the COVID-19 pandemic will be protected from eviction effective June 1.

British Columbia's lowest paid workers get a pay increase Monday with a scheduled minimum wage hike at a crucial time for small businesses as they look for ways to continue operating during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ottawa is offering $2.2 billion to cities as they face what the prime minister describes as a “cash crunch” during the pandemic. The money was, in fact, already earmarked as federal support for cities via the gas tax fund.

Ottawa’s reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic is changing the perception of residents on the federal government. We could assume that all premiers would be the beneficiaries of a similar bump in public affection, but not every area of the country is feeling the same way.

There are no Site C workers in self-isolation, and 730 workers reported at camp.

The latest for May 30:

The province has banned overnight summer camp to mitigate potential outbreaks.

Canadians have been denied information about COVID-19 and details about government responses to the pandemic, say a group of Canadian accountability experts.

With B.C. likely to need as many as 412 million face masks in the next 12 months, researchers at UBC are now hard at work to find a local solution - and the answer may simply be the trees.

The province announced no new deaths from COVID-19 for the second day in a row on Saturday. It’s the third time this week that there have been zero deaths from COVID-19 in B.C.

The latest for May 29:

The latest developments for May 28:

The latest developments for May 27:

The latest developments for May 26:

The latest developments for May 25:

The latest developments for May 22:

Central Mountain Air will resume commercial flights to Fort St. John starting July 6.

Ovintiv says it will be donating $150,000 to charities providing food relief. Charities include the Dawson Creek Society for Community Living, Fort St. John Women’s Resource Society, Nawican Friendship Centre, Network Ministries, The Pouce Coupe Food Bank, The Salvation Army, South Peace Seniors Access Society: Meals For You Program, and St. Marks Anglican Church, as well as to local Indigenous communities.

There are no Site C workers in self-isolation, and 781 workers reported at camp.

The latest developments for May 21:

The latest developments for May 20:

Here are the latest developments for May 19:

Here are the latest developments for May 18:

Here are the latest developments for May 15:

Here are the latest developments for May 14:

Here are the latest developments for May 13:

Premier John Horgan announced Wednesday $120 million in funding to clean up 2,000 dormant and orphan wells in northern B.C. The province says funding will be open to oil and gas field service companies and contractors based in B.C., with registration, office and operations in B.C.

Blueberry River band member affiliated with COVID-19 returns home: "During this COVID-19 outbreak, our community has rallied around to protect our Elders and vulnerable band members from this health threat. Because of how contagious this respiratory virus is, we continue to restrict those who can come into Blueberry River First Nation in an effort to shield our band members, especially our Elders."

The Peace River Regional District says it will reopen day-use areas at four regional and community parks this weekend. Montney Centennial Regional Park will open first on Thursday, May 14, followed by Iver Johnson Community Park on Friday, May 15. By the weekend, residents will be able to visit day-use parks at Sundance and Spencer Tuck parks.

Provincial parks will reopen just in time for the long weekend. Most northern provincial parks will open for day-use on Thursday, May 14.

The 2020 Halfway River rodeo is cancelled: "We just made the decision to take care of our elders and membership.T there's a lot of uncertainty still around COVID-19 and we want to take care of ourselves and everyone who would come to the rodeo," said organizer Jeff Metecheah.

Peace region gym owners are now in possession of guidelines from Northern Health as it relates to re-opening.

There is one Site C worker in self-isolation, and 841 workers reported at camp.

Columnist Judy Kucharuk, on Physical Distancing Stress Syndrome: "Has anyone else experienced Physical Distancing Stress Syndrome? I can only describe it as an anxiety-ridden response to entering a store without arrows on the floor."

Students facing little hope of landing a summer job during the pandemic will be able to apply for federal assistance beginning Friday.

Here are the latest developments for May 12:

Here are the latest developments for May 11:

Here are the latest developments for May 9:

Here are the latest developments for May 8:

Northeast B.C. lost 2,500 jobs in April, spiking the regional unemployment rate more than three percentage points to 7.4%.

Air Canada has extended its suspension at the Fort St. John airport until June 21.

Guest columnist Neil Godbout, on the conspiracy COVID-iots: "In most conspiracy theories, the government is given supernatural powers of planning and persuasion in their bid to seize control of the world. Yet governments small and large around the world prove every day they are incapable of keeping anything secret for long, and require multiple committees, consultants and studies on how to assemble a two-car parade."

Here are the latest developments for May 7:

Here are the latest developments for May 6:

Here are the latest developments for May 5:

Here are the latest developments for May 4:

Here are the latest developments for May 2:

Here are the latest developments for April 30:

Rig activity in northeast B.C. has held around 20% during the last month of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Columnist Judy Kucharuk, on cooking up a new recipe for life: "I realize that I have surreptitiously been working my way through the stages of grief: Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Is this bargaining or is this acceptance?"

The Hudson’s Hope pool is closed to the public until May 31 to comply with provincial health orders. District staff will continue to prep the pool to bring it online if and when health orders are rescinded. “Bringing the pool online does mean it will be open to the public. It is uncertain whether the District swimming pool will be allowed to open as planned or even at all,” wrote Mayor Dave Heiberg in an update. In the meantime, the pool will be cleaned and inspected, and the heating and chlorine systems will also be tested. Repair and upkeep should take about two weeks.

The COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on court activities have highlighted the B.C. courts’ deficient technological capabilities, says B.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice Christopher Hinkson.

Restoring international enrolment is top priority for colleges and universities: students from abroad contribute more than $22 billion to Canada’s economy on an annual basis.

There are 2 Site C workers in self-isolation, and 877 workers reported at camp.

The second edition of the Seniors We Wish You Well Parade took place April 28, with close to 30 groups of participants riding the short loop around the North Peace Seniors Housing Society.

Gyms in town are set to reopen by Monday, May 4.

Here are the latest developments for April 29:

Here are the latest developments for April 28:

Here are the latest developments for April 27:

Here are the latest developments for April 24:

Here are the latest developments for April 23:

Here are the latest developments for April 22:

Here are the latest developments for April 21:

Here are the latest developments for April 20:

Here are the latest developments for April 18:

Here are the latest developments for April 17:

Here are the latest developments for April 16:

Here are the latest developments for April 15:

Here are the latest developments for April 14:

Here are the latest developments for April 13:

There were 7 Site C workers in self-isolation, and 993 workers reported at the camp.

Here are the latest developments for April 11:

Here are the latest developments for April 10:

Here are the latest developments for April 9:

Here are the latest developments for April 8:

Here are the latest developments for April 7:

Here are the latest developments for April 6:

Here are the latest developments for April 4:

Here are the latest developments for April 3:

Here are the latest developments for April 2:

Here are the latest developments for April 1:

Here are the latest developments for March 31:

Here are the latest developments for March 30:

Here are the latest developments for March 28:

Here are the latest developments for March 27:

Here are the latest developments for March 26:

Here are the latest developments for March 25:

Here are the latest developments for March 24:

Here are the latest developments for March 23:

More than 400 people in northern B.C. have been tested for COVID-19 since March 13, Northern Health says. The health authority says more than 400 test swabs from residents taken between March 13 to 21 were sent to provincial labs for testing.

BC Hydro says it will begin giving regular updates to the public and the Peace River Regional District about its monitoring for COVID-19 at Site C. There have been 700 workers home since a scale-back in construction was announced March 18, and more workers are expected to be sent home this week. There were 940 people in camp on March 23.

Premier John Horgan revealed a $5 billion action plan to help British Columbians survive the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Horgan said $2.8 billion will be spent on people and services, with the remaining $2.2 billion targeted towards businesses.

Dr Carolyn Jones has written this open letter on behalf of the Medical Staff Association, Fort St John Hospital and Hudsons Hope Medical Centre: "Stay home unless absolutely necessary. No dinner parties. No shopping. No sports, not even outside. Instead, have coffee with a friend online."

MP Bob Zimmer won't be in Ottawa when the House of Commons meets March 24 to introduce urgent economic measures as part of an $82-billion response to support Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic. There will be 32 MPs in the chamber to follow public health guidelines about social distancing, and split among the parties based on the number of seats they hold.

A Lower Mainland man who travelled through the Vancouver and Prince George airports multiple times believes he may have exposed area residents to COVID-19.

WestJet says it will fly once daily from Fort St. John to Vancouver, and twice daily to Calgary, from March 22 to April 21.

Central Mountain Air says it is suspending all scheduled flights on Tuesdays and from Friday to Sunday, effective March 28. In Fort St. John, the airline will fly to Prince George at 3 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

Air Canada has not announced any route suspensions for Fort St. John.

Performing Arts BC has cancelled its 2020 provincials. The Peace River North Festival Association says it will have more information on the festival in Fort St. John in the coming days.

Have concerns about COVID-19 and your pet? Dogs and cats can potentially be fomites for the virus. What on Earth is a fomite? Dr. Sydney Routley explains.

WorkBC Northeast says it will continue services virtually, either by phone, text, or email. There is no service disruption and the full range of services and supports are still being provided, it said.

The province says it is keeping Service BC centres open. Core programs and services that will continue to be available include: Income assistance and disability assistance; Residential tenancy; BC Services Card; Drivers' licensing; Affordable Child Care Benefit; Medical Services Plan; and Forest-worker support programs

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is pointing to an impending bailout package as a way to help renters, though new research suggests hundreds of thousands of households may be in dire financial straits before the federal money arrives.

Here are the latest developments for March 22:

Here are the latest developements for March 21:

Airlines are beginning to cancel flights to Fort St. John. Airport officials say they anticipate more to come.

Financial columnist Brad Brain on coronavirus and your investments: "If you have a long-term time frame, and you own high quality investments, then this is not a time to panic or mourn. This is a time of potential opportunity."

The Liard Hot Springs are closed to ensure public health and safety.

No one living in BC Housing buildings will be evicted because they can’t pay rent. The province is also working on a moratorium on evictions for renters who aren’t in social housing.

BC Bus North is still rolling along northern B.C. highways but measures have been put in place. Those include additional disinfecting of buses and facilities, the use of commercial-grade sterilization foggers on the overnight cleaning of the buses, and commercial-grade air purifiers at all ticket offices.

Here are the latest developments for March 20:

Public Health

Schools

All K-12 classes have been suspended until further notice. School District 60 says it is finalizing plans to ensure student learning continues this spring after the province suspended in-class instruction for K-12 students. Superintendent Stephen Petrucci says full details will be released next week.

Education Rob Fleming says all students will receive final marks, and every student eligible to graduate Grade 12 this year will graduate.

Northern Lights College says it is not aware of a single case of COVID-19 affecting the college, and will move as much programming to online delivery as possible.

The University of Northern BC says the last day of face-to-face classes will be March 18. The semester of studies and exams will still be completed, the university said.

The Northern B.C. Regional Science Fair scheduled April 7 at North Peace Secondary has been cancelled. "We understand all of the work that has been put into preparing for the fair by the students, sponsor teachers, mentors, parents and the committee, but prefer to err on the side of caution in regards to everyone's health," organizers said. All registration fees that have been paid to date will be returned.

The school district has asked all students to report any international travel over the spring break and to self-isolate for two weeks upon their return to Canada. All school district field trips to Europe have been postponed, and there will be no travel to countries with a Level 2 or 3 public health travel risk.

One North Peace Secondary student was tested for the virus after returning from a field trip to Japan. Results were negative.

City & Region

BC Transit says it will suspend bus fares for 30 days as part of its response to COVID-19.

In Hudson's Hope, the District Office is closed for two weeks; RCMP front desk is closed; the Library is closed for two weeks; the Museum is closed for two weeks; and the Community market is cancelled until next month

The City of Fort St. John says the March 23 council meeting will proceed as planned, though some measures are being taken to limit public attendance amid COVID-19 health orders. The agenda includes borrowing authorization for the estimated $51.4-million new RCMP detachment, tender awards for the first phase of the Woodlawn Cemetery expansion, and the rescheduling of this year's Community Awards.

The District of Taylor says council meetings will proceed as planned, and front counter services are open. Social distancing is in place. District council will be reviewing the budget in the coming weeks, and seeing how it can reduce costs and lower the tax load for residents.

The PRRD has closed all community facilities to the public.

The Taylor library is closed effectively immediately March 19.

Peace Island Park says it is delaying its opening until May 31.

Fort St. John Mayor Lori Ackerman returned home Thursday from a vacation to Mexico, and will spend the next two weeks in isolation.

All Fort St. John recreation facilities are closed effective March 18. These closures affect the Pomeroy Sport Centre, including Visitor Centre, North Peace Arena, Kids Arena Fieldhouse and the previously announced closure of the North Peace Leisure Pool.

All District of Taylor recreation facilities are closed effective March 17. These closures include the Taylor Curling Rink, the Taylor Arena, and the Taylor Community Hall. The District is looking at options to keep the Lone Wolf Golf Club and Peace Island Park operational in the summer.

Mayor Lori Ackerman has released an update on the first of regular calls with Health Minister Adrian Dix, Municipal Affairs Minister Selina Robinson, and provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry: "Because these cases did NOT originate within any northern community itself, under the law, Northern Health won't identify or release the location of these individuals for their privacy/protection as they are technically not a threat to public health, and to not incite panic / speculation / rumors in any one community."

The Peace River Regional District has cancelled the Rural Area Budgets Committee meeting scheduled March 19, and the Area B Roundtable Meeting scheduled April 6 in Buick. A number of other meetings in Moberly Lake, McLeod, Farmington, and Tomslake have also been cancelled.

The Fort St. John RCMP has suspended front counter services, including police information checks and civil fingerprinting; the Fort St. John fire department has suspended in-person services and on-site fire inspections.

The North Peace Cultural Centre says it will close effective March 18. This includes its childcare programs. "As a public space, it is our responsibility to try to protect our community as best as we can," Executive Director Baptiste Marcere said. "I fully understand that this decision will impact families, however, since kids are mostly asymptomatic, closing the preschool and out of school care is the best solution to protect our community."

The City says Bouncing Beans and Tumble Time at the Kids Fieldhouse have been cancelled indefinitely. Spring Break Camp, scheduled to run March 23 - 27, has been cancelled.

The Fort St. John Public Library says it is closed effective immediately. The closure will last until at least March 31. Due dates have been extended until May 1 and no late fees will accrue.

The North Peace Leisure Pool is closed and all programs and swimming lessons have been cancelled.

The District of Taylor says children with symptoms of undiagnosed pain, acute cold or fever, coughing, or difficulty breathing may not attend its Spring Break camp March 16 to 20.

Community/Services

The North Peace Pregnancy Care Clinic is closed to public, but residents can still call its 24-hour hotline for assistance: 250-262-1280.

Demand is rising but donations are falling as the Salvation Army food bank braces for the local fallout from COVID-19.

The North Peace Housting Society says outside visitors, other than family, close friends, and support workers, are not to enter its buildings. All social activities, including carolling, hairdressing, and the income tax clinic are cancelled. "Even though the COVID-19 threat remains low in this area, we are trying to keep our seniors healthy by limiting exposure to all pathogens," the Society said. Increased measures are in place throughout the buildings and kitchen to ensure products and protocols dealing with the prevention of infectious disease are followed. "This will enable them to better fight any illness that may pose a threat in the future."

The Salvation Army thrift store will be closed to the public for at least two weeks. Donations are still being accepted at the back door. Those experiencing crisis will still have access to the store during a Family Services appointment.

The Salvation Army food bank is distributing pre-made food bags based on family size. No drop-in seating or food consumption onsite. The Community Meal at The Northern Centre of Hope will be converting to bagged lunches to-go starting March 18. Community Drop-in is closed at The Northern Centre of Hope. Registered guests of the Emergency Shelter will not be impacted by any change.

A new group called Caremongering Fort St. John has launched on Facebook. The group is a landing page for people in need during the crisis and for people looking to give a helping hand. "If anything this virus as much as it will distance us physically should be bringing us together morally and spiritually," organizers say.

Canada Post remains open, but is advising those with symptoms to stay home.

B.C. is reducing all court operations to help stop the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19. Some criminal and family case matters were already being adjourned in Fort St. John courts Monday morning. It’s expected more matters will be adjourned. Jury selection has also been cancelled everywhere in B.C. until the end of May.

The Women's Resource Society allowing just five people in its building at a time, and there will be no drop-in after 12 p.m. The society will be open between 12 to 3 for drop-offs and appointments only.

The North Peace Child Care Resource & Referral has cancelled all programming and put a freeze on its toy lending library until April 5. That includes the March 20 and April 3 Play Days, March 26 Storytelling, and positive discipline courses from March 31 to May 12.

MP Bob Zimmer says he will limit travel and remain in the riding after the House of Commons decided to shut down for five weeks to ensure MPs do not contribute to the spread.

B.C.'s Seniors Advocate Isobel Mackenzie is asking residents to take extra care for the elderly amid concerns about the spread of COVID-19. Mackenzie says that while most who will contract COVID-19 will have mild symptoms, it can more seriously affect the elderly. Mackenzie is also asking the public to contact their elderly friends, family, and neighbours who might need some extra help. "It could be anything from helping a senior get some groceries, taking out their garbage, bringing over a cooked meal or bringing them up to speed on the latest COVID-19 recommendations from our provincial health officer," she said.

Business

Wet’suwet’en title agreement meetings may be postponed due to COVID-19 prevention measures and a recent death within the Wet’suwet’en First Nation.

Shoppers Drug Mart is dedicating its first shopping hour to those most at risk. All Shoppers stores will designate the first hour of shopping to “those who need assistance or consideration" starting this week. This includes seniors, individuals with underlying health conditions and people living with disabilities.

No Frills says it will open one hour earlier every Tuesday and Thursday to allow seniors and people living with disabilities to do their shopping, effective March 19.

LNG Canada is scaling back its workforce in Kitimat by half, the Northern Sentinel reports. The company had already been restricting international travel for staff and contractors, and says it will now be reducing the number of fly-in rotational workers. Seasonal work will continue under additional precautions, but the company says it will cut the workforce further if necessary.

The movie theatre is closed. Landmark Cinemas says it is closing all its theatres until further notice. The theatre's last showtime Monday in Fort St. John was Vin Diesel's latest, Bloodshot.

The province says the March 18 oil and gas land sale is postponed until April 22 due to travel restrictions affecting bid delivery. The province says it is evaluating whether it will postpone future sale dates as well as alternatives options for bid delivery.

The Fort St. John Chamber has cancelled all events effective immediately and until further notice. That includes its planned business roundtable meetings to assess the local economic impacts of COVID-19. Contact the Chamber for more details about any refunds. BCLC has ordered the shutdown of all casinos, community gaming centres, and bingo halls by the end of day March 16. This will include Chances in Fort St. John.

Fort Motors has postponed its RV Show originally scheduled for April 3 to 5 until May.

The Fort St. John Trade Show has been postponed. A new date is being scheduled for the fall.

Site C

BC Hydro says it is scaling down construction at Site C. Work to achieve river diversion this fall remains a priority, BC Hydro said. Work will also continue on Highway 29 realignments, transmission line construction, and reservoir clearing.

There have been no confirmed cases at the work camp or construction site.

BC Hydro says it has been monitoring global COVID-19 developments since January, and measures are in place to limit its potential spread at the construction site and work camp.

That includes restrictions on non-essential employee travel and the postponement of non-essential site tours, meetings, and on-site training. The camp gymnasium and theatre have also been closed, and self-serve dining stations have been eliminated.

The BC Building Trades Council is calling for work to be scaled down at major construction projects in the province, including Site C.

Arts & Culture

The museum is closed to the public effective immediately March 19 and until further notice. "We will be working hard from home to catalogue artefacts; apply for grants; develop future events, exhibits, and programs; and share our history through social media (including some exciting new initiatives during this time of social distancing)." The museum can still be reached by phone or email.

The NPCC says its Bright Nights in June event scheduled for June 12 to 14 will be rescheduled to later in the summer if needed. "We are looking forward to seeing our community celebrate together again!"

. Tickets will be refunded and we will look to bring Minglewood to Fort St. John later this year.

All events scheduled at the Lido have been postponed until after Easter, including the Alaska Highway News concert with the Matt Minglewood band on April 1. Contact the Lido for refunds.

Peace Gallery North has postponed its April 3 opening of Frances Obie's exhibit, "Sky High".

The Fort St. John Professional Fire Fighters Association says it is putting its Annual Charity Ball on hold. "We are still a ways out from the original date of May 2 and we hope the situation will change but time will tell," the Association said. A final decision will be made by April 2.

The North Peace Cultural Centre has cancelled the Stage North production of "Tough" (March 26 to 28), as well as the April 9 travelling production of "Spidey". The centre says it is taking extra measures to sanitize and disinfect its facility, including its out-of-school and preschool classrooms.

Naomi Shore has cancelled her Western Canadian Tour, calling it the responsible thing to do. Shore was to hit the road for three weeks starting with a show in Valleyview on March 20, and with stops in Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, and Calgary, among others.

The Peace River North Performing Arts Festival scheduled for April 18 to 26 is to go as planned. However, organizers say there may be restrictions, and the festival will take steps to comply with any provincial advisories and procedures in place at that time.

The Encana Events Centre has cancelled or postponed all gatherings until further notice.

Sports & Rec

The Fort St. John Curling Club has cancelled this week's scheduled curling nights and is closing for the season. The club was set to have the men's league windup on Wednesday, March 18, and the mixed league windup on Thursday, March 19. Non-curling related events in the building that have been cancelled for March and April will be rescheduled for a later date.

The Fort St. John Petroleum Association has cancelled this year's Oilmen's Hockey Tournament scheduled for April 1 to 4. Fees and donations will be refunded. "We want to thank all of the members and sponsors for their continued support," the Association said.

Fort St. John Lacrosse announced it will be keeping registration for the 2020 season open until March 31, and are pushing the start of the season back to April 7. Team practices were initially set to start March 31. There will be no late registration fees, and full refunds will be given if the association is unable to go ahead with a season.

The Fort St. John Slow Pitch Society has postponed its AGM scheduled for March 16. The current executive will remain in their roles until the meeting can be rescheduled and an election for the 2020 executive can take place.

The North West Junior Hockey League finals are cancelled. The Fort St. John Huskies were set to face off March 13 against the North Peace Navigators, and were the odds-on favourites to win their third-straight championship. The Huskies had their best season in 20 years in 2019-20.

The North Peace Hockey League Finals between the Dawson Creek Canucks and the Grande Prairie Athletics has been postponed, with hopes to reschedule in April. Dawson Creek leads the series 3-2.

Hockey Canada and B.C. Hockey have cancelled all remaining provincial hockey championships, including the Midget AA championships where the NEBC Trackers were set to defend their provincial title on March 16, as well as the Bantam and Midget Girls AA Championships (the Northeast B.C. Predators were set to compete in these tournaments).

The Fort St. John Minor Hockey Association has closed operations for the year. The annual awards ceremony, scheduled for April 8, has been cancelled as well.

All of the remaining Alberta Soccer Provincial Championship Tournaments, including those that the Northern Strikers teams were set to compete in this weekend, have been cancelled. That has ended the indoor soccer season.

Wrestling Canada Lutte has postponed the 2020 U17/U19 Canadian Championships that were set to take place in Edmonton, April 3 to 5. A pair of Fort St. John wrestlers were set to make their national wrestling debut at the event.

The 2020 Canadian Boxing Championships, scheduled for May 12 to 17 in Montreal, have been suspended by Boxing Canada. Several Fivestar Boxing Academy fighters had qualified for the event.

The annual Kids Kin Curl Jam-Can event scheduled for March 14 has been cancelled. Curling club leagues will wrap-up as scheduled next week.

North Peace Gymnastics has closed all programs, except Junior Olympics and Interclub, to the public until further notice.

All Special Olympics events have been temporarily suspended.

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 symptoms are similar to other respiratory illnesses, including the flu and common cold. They include cough, sneezing, fever, sore throat and difficulty breathing.

The best way to prevent potential transmission is to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, cough or sneeze into a tissue or your sleeve, avoid contact with people who are sick, and stay home if you are sick.

This is a developing story.

Send your COVID-19 updates to: editor@ahnfsj.ca.