COVID-19

Updates & Resources

 This resource page is here to help businesses and visitors respond and keep informed about COVID-19.

During this time, it is imperative that we all do our best to support our local economy:

  • Buy gift certificates from your favorite restaurant, shop, recreation activity etc. This an easy way to help businesses financially now, while saving for the future.
  • Inquire about delivery or pick-up options from businesses – you can find the contact information for our member businesses here
  • Buy goods such as food, cleaning supplies, and pharmacy items from our local businesses

As a business, if you are operating on reduced hours or are temporarily closed please let us know and update your listing on Google My Business as well as your social media channels to help customers reach you when you are available and to prevent unnecessary outings if you are closed.

Below is a list of resources and information that will be updated as the situation continues to evolve. Please note programs and updates on this page may not be comprehensive and are subject to change. Please contact support providers directly for current status, eligibility and application details.

Click here to view the Visitor Centre Covid-19 Safety Plan.

This page was last updated on November 31, 2020.

 

Updates & Resources for Business

Small Business BC

For the latest information on small business supports, resources and advisory
services during COVID-19, please visit Small Business BC. Advisors are ready to help by phone at 1-800-667-2272 or via email and daily digital meetups.

BC Government

British Columbians affected by the COVID-19 pandemic will benefit from $5 billion in income supports, tax relief, and direct funding for people, businesses, and services. View a compilation of business support resources here.

British Columbia Economic Development Association

BCEDA has compiled an extensive resource directory for BC Businesses 

Business Council of British Columbia 

In an effort to facilitate fast and effective supply chain and procurement protocols, the Business Council, the Digital Technology Supercluster and Traction on Demand have been working with the B.C. Government Provincial Health Services Authority to develop the COVID19 Supply Hub. Please explore this resource to see if you can contribute any of the needed supplies.

Community Futures Thompson Country

Community Futures Thompson Country launched two new services to assist businesses in Kamloops, Clearwater, Barriere, Sun Peaks and Chase that have been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak and resulting Provincial/Federal regulations and associated social distancing requirements.

A new COVID-19 Loan Program will provide business loans of up to $20,000 based on Business Analyst assessed needs and impact requirements. These loans will have streamlined application and approval processes, no administration fee, lower interest rates and an interest-only option for the first three months. Information about qualification requirements and loan applications can be found on the CFTC website 

Through a new COVID-19 Business Support Program, CFTC will be providing one-to-one virtual and telephone support to businesses to assist them in completing the required applications for relief funding. Businesses are able to access this service by calling the CFTC Office at 250-828-8772 or by email at reception@communityfutures.net

Federal Government

The Government of Canada is taking immediate, significant and decisive action to help Canadians facing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak through Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan

Updates & Resources for Tourism

BC Parks

Guests are encouraged to use the Discover Camping reservation system for campground bookings. Please note, that many campgrounds are closed for the winter season, though some remain open with limited spaces and services.

Please check this directory to ensure the BC Park you would like to visit is open for visitors/camping.

Parks Canada

Most Parks Canada places are offering access with reduced/limited services.Openings will differ across the country. Information will be updated regularly. Please consult Parks Canada for a list of open sites.

Shuswap Tourism

Shuswap Tourism is striving to ensure Shuswap region visitors and tourism operators have the information and resources they need to make informed decisions.  With that in mind, they have compiled information sources for both Visitors and Businesses that will be updated as this situation evolves.

Hello BC / Desintation BC

BC residents are encouraged to stay close to home and explore their local area. #StayLocalSupportLocal 

Find the latest information from Destination BC here

For future travel inspiration and local planning, visit: HelloBC.com

Visitor Health

For travelers who suspect they might have COVID-19 symptoms, they should provide health-care professionals with the following info (via phone):

  • Symptoms;
  • Where they have been travelling, working or living;
  • If they had close contact with a sick person, especially someone with a fever, cough or difficulty breathing.

For non-emergency situations only, call 8-1-1, or for the deaf and hard of hearing, call 7-1-1. This is a free-of-charge provincial health information and advice phone line operated by HealthLink BC. Translation services are available in more than 130 languages.

In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Find the nearest hospital or health centre here.