Watch the address or read the statement below.
Community members, friends, colleagues, families, neighbours, business owners and organizations,
I speak to you today with a heavy heart. We are indeed experiencing difficult and challenging times. COVID 19 is something that we have never experienced in our lifetimes. And truth be told, there are things that we do not yet know.
But there are things that we do know. We can unite as a community and take steps to minimize the impact and flatten the curve of infection. First of all, wash your hands frequently, especially after visiting public places. Secondly, respect the order to keep an appropriate social distance. Clearly, if you have recently arrived from another country, self isolate for 14 days. If you have organized an event where more than 50 people are expected to attend, cancel or postpone it.
Know that City Council and staff are deeply concerned for our mutual welfare. We are continuously reaching out to provincial and national authorities and following those guidelines. We are getting good, science-based advice that we are respecting and implementing.
Tomorrow morning, I will be sharing specific details regarding the City of Salmon Arm’s plans to help mitigate the spreading of the COVID-19 virus. The two main considerations for Council in making these decisions are:
- The health and safety of the City’ residents and employees.
- The consistent delivery of essential services.
The decisions that we need to make in the days ahead are not without impact or consequence. We know that. We recognize that we have a critical role to play. We are focused on required, critical and necessary services.
We also know that any decision that we make in the days and weeks ahead aren’t the only decisions needed. Just as important are the ones that you make daily as families, friends, colleagues and business owners. We know that your care and concern about the welfare of this community is critical.
Ultimately, we will need to demonstrate practical and strategic kindness, cooperation and collaboration. We all have a role to play in being the solution to ensuring the well being of our community, and we must put our trust in one another to assure this. Please reach out if you can offer help or if you need help.
I am confident that as a community we will take the prudent steps to minimize the impact of COVID 19 and, just as importantly, in the weeks and months ahead, maximize the steps we can collectively take to bolster the support needed for those who will suffer as a result of some very challenging times and decisions.
As always, know that we are here to serve you. If you are suffering a medical concern, please first call 811 for guidance. If you need guidance on city matters, please call city hall at 250 803-4041 or email
Take care. We will get through this. We all have an important role to play. If I know anything about Salmon Arm, it’s that we are deeply committed to each other’s well being.
Be smart. Be safe. Be helpful.
Sincere thanks to our front-line health and emergency personnel for their dedication and bravery. And also thanks to you, residents of Salmon Arm and the Shuswap Region, for taking this pandemic seriously and for your patience and understanding as we work through uncharted territory.
We will update you regularly. Thank you.