COV I D- 19 PA NDEM I C R ESP ONSE
COVID-19 PA N DE M IC R E S P O N S E
The year 2020 has become synonymous with the COVID-19 global pandemic. Terms like social distancing and contact tracing were foreign in January of 2020. By the end of the year, they were commonplace. The effects of the virus have touched every facet of our lives, altering our behaviour and requiring us to be continually adaptable. Never before has the CSRD been required to close its doors to the public during the course of a business day, or to conduct meetings where the public wasn’t welcome to drop in, sit and listen. But the essential work of the CSRD did not stop. We explored new ways of doing things. We found work-arounds for problems. We put technology to use, allowing staff to work remotely and meetings to proceed electronically. We answered public questions by phone and email, and worked diligently to provide residents with timely, accurate information. We ensured essential infrastructure like water systems and landfills remained in operation. We supported the directives of BC’s Public Health officials. We did our very best to be kind, be calm and be safe. Key Elements: In March 2020, the CSRD responded to the outbreak of the pandemic with the creation of an internal task force. This group was able to meet as needed to respond to the rapidly changing situation and ensure compliance with all public health directives. This led to the development of the CSRD’s Return to Work COVID-19 Policy and Return to Work Recovery Guide. They remain evolving documents, being revised as circumstances require. Significant effort was put in to implement public health protocols, including the installation of Plexiglas barriers, signage, sanitizers and disinfectants in the CSRD administrative office, landfill and transfer stations, and other CSRD public facilities such as the Golden and Sicamous Recreation Centres. Across all departments, the CSRD made a commitment to reducing transmission of the virus by encouraging staff to work from home whenever possible. The need to implement remote working procedures helped identify areas where the CSRD can grow and change to improve efficiency and citizen access to services. This process will continue well after the full complement of CSRD staff returns to work in the administrative office.
2020 CSRD Annual Report
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