May 15, 2020

British Columbia’s progress in “flattening the curve” prompted the provincial government to release details about BC’s Restart Plan – a careful, multi-phase approach toward collective recovery.

BC’s phased Restart Plan is not intended to be an immediate “return to normal,” but rather a cautious and gradual reintroduction of select activities and services. Brightside echoes the advice of the Provincial Health Authority in calling for restraint and continued precautions to ensure all of our efforts and sacrifices are not in vain. BC will enter “Phase 2” of the Restart Plan beginning on May 19, after the Victoria Day long weekend.

So what does the BC Restart Plan mean for the Brightside Community?

For now, it means we must continue to exercise precautionary measures: stay home as much as possible, wash your hands thoroughly and frequently, and maintain physical distancing measures when/if you must go out.

If you are at greater risk (over the age of 60 or with underlying medical conditions), be informed of your risk, think through your risk tolerance and take extra precautions.

BC’s Restart Plan

Over the coming months, as the Province rolls out BC’s phased Restart Plan, Brightside will be taking its own independent approach to phasing in its operations. We will take slow but steady steps toward a “new normal” that prioritizes the safety and well-being of our residents, our staff, and our Community. Expect more information in upcoming COVID-19 Briefs.

It is not yet safe for in-person gatherings or social get-togethers, and shaking hands or hugging loved ones outside of our own households will need to wait a little longer as well. We discourage all residents from inviting friends or family into their homes as it puts you, your neighbours, and your community at risk. Even if you feel comfortable engaging socially with friends (even while physically distancing), it is important to consider that there are others in your building that may be more at risk of experiencing life-threatening complications resulting from COVID-19.

Above all, if you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, without exception, you need to stay home and self-isolate. We encourage you to contact 8-1-1, and to use the purple Door Hanger we distributed last month if you wish!

For more information about the BC Restart Plan, visit the BC Government website: www.gov.bc.ca/restartbc

Office Updates

• Despite recent announcements proposing the reopening of many businesses, the Brightside office remains closed until further notice. In the coming weeks, we will begin to invite residents back to the office on an as-needed-basis and by appointment only. We will provide more information about this, as our plans evolve and begin to materialize. Please continue to communicate with us via email (info@brightsidehomes.ca) or by leaving a voicemail at 604-684-3515. We thank you for your ongoing cooperation.

Operations

• As previously communicated, extra cleaning of high-touch surfaces in the common areas is being conducted, and we have increased our regular cleaning services for each of our buildings. At this time, we would like to remind residents to please refrain from gathering and performing their own cleaning activities in building common areas. Although we appreciate your intent to contribute to a cleaner, safer environment for all, we ask that you stay home, stay safe and leave the “dirty work” to us.

New Federal COVID-19 Support for Eligible Seniors

• Seniors who qualify for and/or are already receiving Old Age Security (OAS) will be eligible for a one-time, tax-free payment of $300; those eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) will get an additional $200 payment.
  
  
• This one-time supplement will be automatically disbursed to all seniors already receiving OAS or GIS. There is no need to apply.
  
  
• Find out more about these changes to Old Age Security HERE, and to the Guaranteed Income Supplement HERE.

We continue to request that residents confirmed to have COVID-19 inform Brightside immediately. Your privacy is of paramount importance to Brightside and this information will be taken in confidence to help ensure protective measures are taken.

*If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, you should contact 8-1-1 to get medical advice, or call 9-1-1 if you require immediate medical treatment.

If you are experiencing extraordinary hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we invite you to contact our office by phone or by email. There are community and local supports that are available at this time and may be able to provide assistance. You can contact us by email at info@brightsidehomes.ca, or leaving a voicemail at 604-684-3515 for more information.

Practice social distancing, wash your hands often, and stay safe.