Updates on COVID-19

March 27th, 2020,

As the outbreak of covid-19 continues we realize that essential service workers (ESW) are put in a hard place with having to balance their family needs and their work responsibilities. We now have Essential Service Worker Child Care application forms on our website so that the ESW’s can have one less thing to worry about during this difficult time. 

Effective March 30th, all schoolbased pre-schools are closed indefinitely and after school programs are suspended until further notice. Please email info@bgco.ca for all inquiries regarding early and middle years programming, this email has been dedicated to covid-19 responses and we will be answering emails as fast as we can!

March 24th, 2020,

As we continue to monitor the situation alongside our government we encourage you to practice social distancing as much as you possibly can. As of now this is the only way to diminish the spread of the virus without going into full lockdown. We unfortunately don’t know how long the social distancing restrictions will be in place but one thing is for sure, and that is the choices that we make right now will effect the course of this outbreak. In an effort to reduce the amount of people interacting in groups all 81 City playground and all outside exercise facilities are closed – that includes tennis courts, Pickleball courts, basketball courts and other places where groups gather. In congruence with the Cities decisions we too have closed all playground on Boys & Girls Clubs property. This decision was made in an effort to protect our community and we hope you understand this decision.

While in isolation, we encourage you to read up on resources on our website that have been uploaded in collaboration with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada. From educational and mentally wellness series to simply having fun with your loved ones at home.

March 23rd, 2020,

First and foremost, we would like to extend a huge thank you to those in our community who are continuing to support the public by providing us with essential services, you are all amazing and we appreciate your efforts. With a new week upon us we are taking each day at a time as we continue to work in accordance with BC Health Officials and our Government. We understand that these are tough times and we want to be there as a support for children, youth, and families in our community. In addition to checking current updates from our Government, we encourage you to take a look at our postings on keeping up with your mental health and activities you and your family can do while in isolation. By practicing social distancing and compassion towards one another we will get through this together.

March 19^th, 2020,

Message from the Armstrong Food Bank:

“Due to the necessary precautions to protect our community from COVID-19, we will be temporarily altering our hours of operation and switching to a no walk-in, appointment only policy. The Food Bank doors will be locked daily to adhere to this policy. Please make an appointment if you are in need of a food hamper, or would like to make a food donation (or use our non-perishable food bins at Askew’s or Valley First). If you would like to make a monetary donation, please call for an appointment as these donations are incredibly important during the increasing number of clients that are relying on us at this time. Our regular hours of Monday – Thursday 8:30am – 4:30pm and Friday 8:30am – Noon are still the best time to reach us. Call 250-546-3465 or email foodbank@bgco.ca and leave a message. We ask for your patience with call backs as we are experiencing a high call volume at the moment. Thank you for your continual support and we will get through this together.

March 18^th, 2020,

We continue to monitor and pay close attention to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak. Based on the decisions made by BC health officials, our facilities are closed for general public use but will continue to provide essential services to our registered children and youth. We have suspended all pre-schools, school-based, and regular group recreational programming, with the exception of the following programs:

• Early Years Childcare
• Middle Years Childcare
• Modified Youth Drop-In at the Downtown Youth Centre and Teen Junction in Vernon
• Youth Housing at Penny Lane and our Shelter
• Counselling and support programs remain open, with staff providing support through phone, text, FaceTime, and Skype.
• Modified services at the Armstrong Foodbank.

As British Columbia has announced that schools K-12 will be suspended indefinitely this is not the case for child care and essential services as per the messages from our Premier and Health Officials. Based on that decision we will be keeping our doors open for our essential services and ensuring we are doing everything in our power to keep our staff, children, youth, and families safe. This decision has been made in an effort to support families and the community through tough times. Not all families are fortunate enough to have others to lean on when it comes to child care and we want to be here for those individuals.

Please keep a close eye on our website and look for important updates that will be posted regarding our operations. We ask that you all think of others in this time and realize that there is a domino effect to our actions. Please self-evaluate day-to-day and stay home if you are feeling sick. Together we can get through this.

March 13th, 2020

We have been paying close attention to the global outbreak of coronavirus COVID-19.  Our focus is on the safety, health and wellbeing of children, youth and families attending our programs and services. Our decisions and safety practices continue to be guided by the most current and accurate information provided by Public Health Agency of Canada. At this time our programs and services remain open. School based programs are closed for the duration of spring break. We recognize this is a time of uncertainty and concern, especially for children and parents. Please check back for regular updates, as this is a fluid situation that continues to unfold. 

FAQ’s

How do I protect myself and my family?

The most important thing you can do to prevent coronavirus and other illnesses is to wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face. Cover your mouth when you cough so you’re not exposing other people. If you are sick, stay away from others and contact your health-care provider for guidance.

What do I do if my child has cold/flu symptoms?

Public Heath is recommending the public avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing. We always recommend caring for your child at home if they are sick, including cold or flu like symptoms.  Staff will adhere to our usual practice and contact parents to care for their children at home when they are feeling ill.

What will happen in the event of closure?

We continue to focus on safe hygiene practices at our club locations. Guidance and recommendations outlined by Public Health are being followed by our staff team.  If we receive the recommendation to temporarily close a club or program, you will receive a call or email regarding the program closure. We will try to give as much notice as possible.  We will follow the recommendation of our local public health authority when it is safe to reopen. Please ensure you have provided us with up to date contact information so that we can contact you in a timely manner. 

See below for additional information, and links to professional websites regarding the outbreak.