City of Fort St. John announces additional COVID-19 precautions

March 14, 2020

As of March 14, 2020, the North Peace Leisure Pool will be closed indefinitely in response to the recent novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic declaration from World Health Organization. This includes the cancellation of all programming, including swimming lessons at the North Peace Leisure Pool. The health and safety of our employees, residents, and visitors is paramount and we will continue to respond appropriately to this rapidly evolving situation.

City staff will contact all participants of pre-registered lessons and programs to discuss refund options in the coming days; please refrain from calling the North Peace Leisure Pool to request a refund at this time.

While there are no current COVID-19 cases in the Northern Health Region and health officials maintain the risk to Canadians is low, the City of Fort St. John continues to monitor its spread, and we are receiving regular updates from regional, provincial and federal public health officials.

All other City facilities and services continue with normal operations. The Pomeroy Sport Centre, excluding the Visitor Centre, will be closed, as previously scheduled, for the safe removal of ice surfaces between March 16 and 20, 2020.

The City of Fort St. John encourages everyone to do their own personal risk assessment and therefore we have modified our booking cancellation or program withdrawal policies. If you determine the need to cancel an event booking or withdraw from a program, the City of Fort St. John has removed the fees and requirements normally associated with these changes. Following the recommendations of the federal and provincial governments, we are in contact with groups with planned attendance of more than 250 people about alternatives.

Whether at home, or in a City facility, all staff, residents, and visitors are asked to take the following personal precautions, as recommended by public health authorities:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds
  • Cough and sneeze into your sleeve
  • Avoid touching your face
  • Stay home when you are feeling unwell

Further updates on City of Fort St. John operations will be provided at fortstjohn.ca/covid19 and shared through the City’s social media channels. For information on the COVID-19 pandemic, visit the BC Centre for Disease Control website at bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19.

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Media Release:
Ryan Harvey
Communications Coordinator
250-794-3313