By now most of us have probably heard about the World Health Organization’s decision to recognize the Novel Coronavirus, as a Global Pandemic. Various governments, from countries all over the world, have established strict travel restrictions and containment strategies for their citizens. A growing number of businesses, educational institutions, sports and entertainment organizations have either canceled or postponed their conferences, events and/or mass gatherings as a precautionary measure.
Our District Leadership was asked to participate in a very important teleconference call on Wednesday, March 11th, with Premier John Horgan, Health Minister Adrian Dix, Dr. Bonnie Henry and 127 other Faith-based Leaders in British Columbia. The discussion involved the serious nature of this Coronavirus Global Pandemic and our BC Government’s response and containment strategies.
The health and safety of all BC residents is a shared responsibility of government and private sector (Faith-based) agencies. The NDP Cabinet continues to meet every day for briefings about the spread of COVID-19 and how it will impact the people of BC. Dr. Henry does not believe the Novel Coronavirus Pandemic will continue for a lengthy season. However, she does believe that the most critical time for containment of this pandemic will be during the next 3-8 weeks. The BC Government is asking leaders from Faith-based communities to exercise extreme wisdom and caution, in order to prevent the virus from spreading more quickly.
The Governments of British Columbia, Alberta and the State of Washington have now issued official health advisories restricting the attendance of mass gatherings to a limit of 250 attendees. As such, our District Leadership Team was left with no other alternative than to cancel our District Conference and TimeOut Retreat this March.
