Port Coquitlam Offers Support and Resources for Seniors

PORT COQUITLAM, BC – Mar. 24, 2020…With the closing of facilities, the City of Port Coquitlam is providing targeted support and resources to older adults, who are at higher risk to catch the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

“Seniors are one of the higher risk populations and we want to do everything we can to ensure their physical and mental well-being,” said Mayor Brad West. “I encourage residents to regularly check on older family members or neighbours to see how you can support them.”

The city is implementing the following measures:

  • Proactively calling and emailing members of Wilson Seniors to check in, responding to inquiries and providing regular updates. To be added to the phone or email distribution list, visit www.portcoquitlam.ca/wilsonseniors, email wilsonseniors@portcoquitlam.ca or phone 604-927-7529.
  • Encouraging local businesses to increase delivery services and/or provide dedicated shopping hours for seniors.
  • Offering online programming, such as virtual exercise classes and virtual socializing, through links at www.portcoquitlam.ca/wilsonseniors.
  • Providing information at www.portcoquitlam.ca/covid19 about services available to older adults, with links to local, provincial and federal health authorities.
  • Waived the penalty and extended the deadline for utility bill payment to May 31. If you have any questions or need more information, please call 604-927-5425, email taxes@portcoquitlam.ca or visit www.portcoquitlam.ca/utilities)

“We know the daily news can be overwhelming, especially with the order from health authorities to stay home and only go out if necessary,” added West. “We want our seniors to know that our community is here for them.”

Wilson Seniors services at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre offers adults 50+ a wide range of support and activities. During this facility closure, visit www.portcoquitlam.ca/wilsonseniors for information.

How Seniors Can Support Themselves

  • Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
  • Take care of your physical and mental well-being. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
  • Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
  • Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

What the City is Doing

This is the latest proactive action Port Coquitlam has taken to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and to support the community at this challenging time. Other measures have included:

  • Closing all civic facilities, playgrounds, sports courts and sports fields to the public:
  • Postponing or cancelling a number of upcoming events;
  • Following provincial orders to close restaurants, pubs and personal services to ensure the safety of residents; and

The city has also activated the Emergency Operations Centre and business continuity plan to ensure a coordinated response and the continued delivery of core services such as water, sewer, police and fire, along with online services. Remote access tools have been provided to allow key staff to work from home.

Stay Informed

For all health-related concerns, the public is advised to call 8-1-1, the Government of Canada novel coronavirus telephone information line at: 1-833-784-4397 or to contact their health-care provider or local public health office.

For recommendations on protecting yourself and your community from COVID-19, and to use the online self-assessment tool visit BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) – www.bccdc.ca

For more information and updates please contact the following resources:

For more information and updates, please visit the City’s website at www.portcoquitlam.ca/covid19 or follow us on social media.

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MEDIA CONTACTS

Pardeep Purewal
Manager of Communications & Admin Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5335 Cel 604.218.0533
Email purewalp@portcoquitlam.ca