The BC Provincial Government has given the following contact information if you are displaying symptoms

WHO TO CONTACT:

• For work-related questions not addressed in the FAQ, contact the Workplace Health & Safety branch (BC Public Service Agency) using MyHR.

• In the case of a workplace safety emergency call 1-250-952-0911. • For non-medical-related questions about COVID-19, call 1-888-COVID19 (1-888-268-4319). Service is available from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. seven days a week.

• Call 811 or your primary care provider if you are concerned you may have been exposed to or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. • For general health-related questions from Canadians, call 1-833-784-4397. Service is available from 7:00 a.m. to midnight EST.

For general information on COVID-19, see the BC Centre for Disease Control online resources at http://covid-19.bccdc.ca/.

If you think you may have symptoms, the BC Centre for Disease Control’s self-assessment tool can help you determine if you need further assessment or testing for COVID-19: https://covid19.thrive.health.

The most current information related to the BC Public Service’s response to COVID-19 (including this document) is available on the MyHR website.

COVID-19 Action Plan: B.C.’s first steps to support people, businesses

Offers $5 Billion in income supports, tax relief and funding to individuals and businesses in BC.

This one time payment will be paid in May 2020.

BC Hydro

• Customers can defer bill payments or arrange for flexible payment plans with no penalty through the COVID-19 Customer Assistance Program
• Customers experiencing job loss, illness or lost wages due to COVID-19 can access grants up to $600 to pay their hydro bills through the Customer Crisis Fund

BC Hydro

The following announcement was made April 1, 2020. See the BC Government News Release here. We are awaiting on further details on definitions and necessary applications.

• Small businesses that have been forced to close due to COVID-19 will have their power bills forgiven for three months, from April to June, 2020
• BC Hydro is offering an option of a three-month deferment to larger businesses
• Universal one per cent rate reduction for all customers starting April 1, 2020

The following announcements have also been made by BC Hydro:

• Walk-in customer service desks are temporarily closed now.
•  A “COVID-19 Customer Assistance Program” has been introduced which provides both residential and commercial customers the ability to defer bill payments or arrange flexible payment plans with no penalty. Call customer service to discuss: 1 800 224 9376
• For the next 90 days, disconnections have been suspended. Please note, some customers have reported receiving fake calls threatening disconnection from fake BC Hydro employees. This is a scam.

ICBC

• Deferrals have been extended to up to 90 days.
• People dealing with job loss, illness, or loss of wages due to COVID-19 may now also qualify for BC Hydro’s Customer Crisis Fund grant program and receive up to $600.

ICBC

• Customers on a monthly payment plan who are facing financial challenges due to COVID-19 may defer their payment for up to 90 days with no penalty

Tax Relief for Businesses

The following provincial taxes have been deferred, delayed or reduced:

• Deferred Tax Payments for Businesses
• Delayed PST Budget 2020 Tax Changes
• Delayed Carbon Tax Increase
• Reduced School Tax for Businesses

BC Centre for Disease Control updated information on COVID-19

Great article from the CBC on What to do if you think you have COVID-19 from province to province