COVID-19 Updates
The City of Merritt cares about the wellbeing, health and safety of the public and of our employees. As the global management of the pandemic evolves daily, we continue to monitor and review information issued by Public Health including orders, guidance, notices and recommendations. City actions are consistent with Provincial direction in accordance with the BC Restart Plan and guidance from Public Health.
Recent News Releases
B.C. Shifts to Step 3 of restart Plan | B.C. Gov News – June 29, 2021
Interior Health is the primary source of health related information regarding the COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) pandemic. Please visit their website for the latest updates.
The Pandemic: A Timeline
July 1, 2021 – Step 3 was implemented, easing many restrictions throughout the province. With the covid-19 virus now being managed primarily through vaccination, all sectors are transitioning to using communicable disease prevention guidance. Click here to find out more about Step 3.
June 15, 2021 – The province of B.C. implemented Step 2 of the restart plan. Physical distancing continued to be required in public indoor settings.
May 25, 2021 – The province of B.C. implemented Step 1 of the restart plan.
January 8, 2021 – Mask mandate order issued for the province of B.C.
November 19, 2020 – Province-Wide Restrictions were implemented by order and direction of the Provincial Health Officer (PHO). All individuals, places of work and businesses in BC, must significantly reduce social interactions and travel.
October 30, 2020 – The use of non-medical masks were required in all indoor City facilities in accordance with Public Health recommendations. Children under two (2) years of age were exempt.
May 2020 – The City resumed core operations with reduced hours or by appointment only and made increased services available electronically. Protective measures were implemented included physical distancing, use of barriers, occupancy limits and a requirement to stay home if unwell.
March 2020 – People were asked to stay home and follow Public Health guidance. The presence of covid-19 in B.C. saw many businesses close or operate with reduced capacity and protective measures in place. The City of Merritt closed some facilities and staff were laid off temporarily. Other operations continued with some staff working remotely to carry on the City’s business activities and with other staff and volunteers providing front-line essential services and emergency services to the community.
City Operations
Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, for City of Merritt news, career opportunities and upcoming events!
City Facilities
All City facilities, including City Hall, Public Works, the Civic Centre, Fire Rescue Department and RCMP detachment are operating during regular business hours with limited or modified access.
City Council meetings and hearings are streamed online and may be attended in person in accordance with the Public Health guidelines.
Please call City Hall at 250-378-4224 to make an appointment or confirm hours these facilities are accessible to the public.
Parks & Recreation
The City’s recreation facilities are also open and for public use and enjoyment. Some facilities continue to offer reduced hours and programming as we transition to fewer restrictions in Step 3. We thank you for your patience and cooperation.
Visit merritt.ca/recreation-facilities for more information.
Click here for the City of Merritt Recreation Guide.
Additional Measures
Under Step 3 of the Restart Plan, a non-medical mask or face covering to cover the mouth and nose is recommended in indoor public spaces.
Please stay home if you are feeling unwell and, where possible, we encourage residents to do business with the city online or by phone.
The City continues to make handwashing / sanitizing stations available for your use and have enhanced cleaning protocols in operation.
Fire Rescue & Policing
24 Hour Fire Rescue Service
24 Hour Policing Service
The Merritt RCMP is fully operational and continues to provide 24 hour policing services with COVID-19 precautionary measures. We encourage community members to call the RCMP detachment rather than visit in-person unless absolutely necessary. For more info contact the Merritt RCMP office at 250-378-4262.
What you can do
Safety and well-being remains a top priority and both staff and public have the ability to help prevent the spread of viruses, including Covid-19, and other communicable diseases and illnesses with a few simple habits:
- getting vaccinated
- washing your hands often with soap and water or hand-sanitizer for at least 20 seconds
- coughing or sneezing into your sleeve (or tissue) and not your hands
- avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
- staying home if you are sick to avoid spreading illness to others
- wear a mask in indoor public spaces (recommended)
- maintaining physical distancing where possible and avoiding large groups
Helpful Resources
COVID-19 Information
- BC’s Response to COVID-19
- BCCDC Information about COVID-19
- Symptoms of COVID-19
- BC COVID-19 Self Assessment Online
- Testing for COVID-19
- Health Canada
- Health Questions? Contact HealthLinkBC Online or by phone at 8-1-1 and for the deaf and hard of hearing, call 7-1-1
Support for Individuals, Families, Businesses and Other Organizations
- Benefits and services to help Canadians and businesses impacted as a result of the global COVID-19 outbreak.
- New dedicated toll-free number to support inquiries related to EI: 1-833-381-2725
- Provincial supports for individuals, families, businesses and organization.
Transportation
Related Links
- Merritt RCMP
- Thompson Nicola Regional District
- School District 58
- Interior Health Authority
- Merritt Regional Transit System
- Community Policing Crime Prevention Business Security Checklist
- Health Link BC
- BC Hydro – COVID-19 Updates
- Government of BC
- BC Parks Closures
- BC COVID-19 Symptom Self-Assessment Tool
- BC COVID-19 Information for Unsheltered People
- BC State of Emergency Extended
- BC Centre for Disease Control COVID-19 Updates
- BC Centre for Disease Control COVID-19 Harm Reduction and Overdose Response
- British Columbia Pandemic Provincial Coordination Plan
- Pandemic Preparedness
- Government of Canada
- How to Coronavirus-proof your Home
- Recommendations on protecting yourself and your community
- COVID-19 pandemic preparedness and planning materials from BC
- Guidance on mass gatherings from the World Health Organization
- Temporary foreign workers self-isolating
- Federation of Canadian Municipalities: COVID-19 Resources
- World Health Organization COVID-19 Situation Report
- Essential Services in B.C. during the COVID-19 pandemic – March 26, 2020
Links for Business
- WorkBC Merritt
- BCEDA #COVID19 Resources for BC Businesses Guide
- Small Business BC: Resources for Small Businesses Affected by Coronavirus
- BC Chamber of Commerce
- Province of BC – Support and Information
- Western Economic Diversification Canada: COVID-19 and the Western Canadian Economy
- Support for commercial truck drivers during COVID-19 crisis
- Business Development Bank of Canada
- Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses
- Canadian Chamber of Commerce
- Government of Canada – Buy and Sell
- Government of Canada – Resources for Canadian Businesses
- Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: Support for Canadians and Businesses
- Trade Commissioner
- Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
- Destination BC
- Destination Canada
Contact
COVID-19 Updates
The City of Merritt care about the wellbeing, health and safety of the public and that of our employees. As the global management of the pandemic evolves daily, we continue to monitor and review information issued by Public Health including orders, guidance, notices and recommendations. City actions are consistent with Provincial direction in accordance with the BC Restart Plan and guidance from Public Health.
Recent News Releases
B.C. Shifts to Step 3 of restart Plan | B.C. Gov News – June 29, 2021
Interior Health is the primary source of health related information regarding the COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) pandemic. Please visit their website for the latest updates.
The Pandemic: A Timeline
July 1, 2021 – Step 3 was implemented, easing many restrictions throughout the province. With the covid-19 virus now being managed primarily through vaccination, all sectors are transitioning to using communicable disease prevention guidance. Click here to find out more about Step 3.
June 15, 2021 – The province of B.C. implemented Step 2 of the restart plan. Physical distancing continued to be required in public indoor settings.
May 25, 2021 – The province of B.C. implemented Step 1 of the restart plan.
January 8, 2021 – Mask mandate order issued for the province of B.C.
November 19, 2020 – Province-Wide Restrictions were implemented by order and direction of the Provincial Health Officer (PHO). All individuals, places of work and businesses in BC, must significantly reduce social interactions and travel.
October 30, 2020 – The use of non-medical masks were required in all indoor City facilities in accordance with Public Health recommendations. Children under two (2) years of age were exempt.
May 2020 – The City resumed core operations with reduced hours or by appointment only and made increased services available electronically. Protective measures were implemented included physical distancing, use of barriers, occupancy limits and a requirement to stay home if unwell.
March 2020 – People were asked to stay home and follow Public Health guidance. The presence of covid-19 in B.C. saw many businesses close or operate with reduced capacity and protective measures in place. The City of Merritt closed some facilities and staff were laid off temporarily. Other operations continued with some staff working remotely to carry on the City’s business activities and with other staff and volunteers providing front-line essential services and emergency services to the community.
City Operations
Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, for City of Merritt news, career opportunities and upcoming events!
City Facilities
All City facilities, including City Hall, Public Works, the Civic Centre, Fire Rescue Department and RCMP detachment are operating during regular business hours with limited or modified access.
City Council meetings and hearings are streamed online and may be attended in person in accordance with the Public Health guidelines.
Please call City Hall at 250-378-4224 to make an appointment or confirm hours these facilities are accessible to the public.
Parks & Recreation
The City’s recreation facilities are also open and for public use and enjoyment. Some facilities continue to offer reduced hours and programming as we transition to fewer restrictions in Step 3. We thank you for your patience and cooperation.
Visit merritt.ca/recreation-facilities for more information.
Click here for the City of Merritt Recreation Guide.
Additional Measures
Under Step 3 of the Restart Plan, a non-medical mask or face covering to cover the mouth and nose is recommended in indoor public spaces.
Please stay home if you are feeling unwell and, where possible, we encourage residents to do business with the city online or by phone.
The City continues to make handwashing / sanitizing stations available for your use and have enhanced cleaning protocols in operation.
Fire Rescue & Policing
24 Hour Fire Rescue Service
24 Hour Policing Service
The Merritt RCMP is fully operational and continues to provide 24 hour policing services with COVID-19 precautionary measures. We encourage community members to call the RCMP detachment rather than visit in-person unless absolutely necessary. For more info contact the Merritt RCMP office at 250-378-4262.
What you can do
Safety and well-being remains a top priority and both staff and public have the ability to help prevent the spread of viruses, including Covid-19, and other communicable diseases and illnesses with a few simple habits:
- getting vaccinated
- washing your hands often with soap and water or hand-sanitizer for at least 20 seconds
- coughing or sneezing into your sleeve (or tissue) and not your hands
- avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
- staying home if you are sick to avoid spreading illness to others
- wear a mask in indoor public spaces (recommended)
- maintaining physical distancing where possible and avoiding large groups
Helpful Resources
COVID-19 Information
- BC’s Response to COVID-19
- BCCDC Information about COVID-19
- Symptoms of COVID-19
- BC COVID-19 Self Assessment Online
- Testing for COVID-19
- Health Canada
- Health Questions? Contact HealthLinkBC Online or by phone at 8-1-1 and for the deaf and hard of hearing, call 7-1-1
Support for Individuals, Families, Businesses and Other Organizations
- Benefits and services to help Canadians and businesses impacted as a result of the global COVID-19 outbreak.
- New dedicated toll-free number to support inquiries related to EI: 1-833-381-2725
- Provincial supports for individuals, families, businesses and organization.
Transportation
Related Links
- Merritt RCMP
- Thompson Nicola Regional District
- School District 58
- Interior Health Authority
- Merritt Regional Transit System
- Community Policing Crime Prevention Business Security Checklist
- Health Link BC
- BC Hydro – COVID-19 Updates
- Government of BC
- BC Parks Closures
- BC COVID-19 Symptom Self-Assessment Tool
- BC COVID-19 Information for Unsheltered People
- BC State of Emergency Extended
- BC Centre for Disease Control COVID-19 Updates
- BC Centre for Disease Control COVID-19 Harm Reduction and Overdose Response
- British Columbia Pandemic Provincial Coordination Plan
- Pandemic Preparedness
- Government of Canada
- How to Coronavirus-proof your Home
- Recommendations on protecting yourself and your community
- COVID-19 pandemic preparedness and planning materials from BC
- Guidance on mass gatherings from the World Health Organization
- Temporary foreign workers self-isolating
- Federation of Canadian Municipalities: COVID-19 Resources
- World Health Organization COVID-19 Situation Report
- Essential Services in B.C. during the COVID-19 pandemic – March 26, 2020
Links for Business
- WorkBC Merritt
- BCEDA #COVID19 Resources for BC Businesses Guide
- Small Business BC: Resources for Small Businesses Affected by Coronavirus
- BC Chamber of Commerce
- Province of BC – Support and Information
- Western Economic Diversification Canada: COVID-19 and the Western Canadian Economy
- Support for commercial truck drivers during COVID-19 crisis
- Business Development Bank of Canada
- Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses
- Canadian Chamber of Commerce
- Government of Canada – Buy and Sell
- Government of Canada – Resources for Canadian Businesses
- Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: Support for Canadians and Businesses
- Trade Commissioner
- Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
- Destination BC
- Destination Canada
Contact
COVID-19 Updates
The City of Merritt care about the wellbeing, health and safety of the public and that of our employees. As the global management of the pandemic evolves daily, we continue to monitor and review information issued by Public Health including orders, guidance, notices and recommendations. City actions are consistent with Provincial direction in accordance with the BC Restart Plan and guidance from Public Health.
Recent News Releases
B.C. Shifts to Step 3 of restart Plan | B.C. Gov News – June 29, 2021
Interior Health is the primary source of health related information regarding the COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) pandemic. Please visit their website for the latest updates.
The Pandemic: A Timeline
July 1, 2021 – Step 3 was implemented, easing many restrictions throughout the province. With the covid-19 virus now being managed primarily through vaccination, all sectors are transitioning to using communicable disease prevention guidance. Click here to find out more about Step 3.
June 15, 2021 – The province of B.C. implemented Step 2 of the restart plan. Physical distancing continued to be required in public indoor settings.
May 25, 2021 – The province of B.C. implemented Step 1 of the restart plan.
January 8, 2021 – Mask mandate order issued for the province of B.C.
November 19, 2020 – Province-Wide Restrictions were implemented by order and direction of the Provincial Health Officer (PHO). All individuals, places of work and businesses in BC, must significantly reduce social interactions and travel.
October 30, 2020 – The use of non-medical masks were required in all indoor City facilities in accordance with Public Health recommendations. Children under two (2) years of age were exempt.
May 2020 – The City resumed core operations with reduced hours or by appointment only and made increased services available electronically. Protective measures were implemented included physical distancing, use of barriers, occupancy limits and a requirement to stay home if unwell.
March 2020 – People were asked to stay home and follow Public Health guidance. The presence of covid-19 in B.C. saw many businesses close or operate with reduced capacity and protective measures in place. The City of Merritt closed some facilities and staff were laid off temporarily. Other operations continued with some staff working remotely to carry on the City’s business activities and with other staff and volunteers providing front-line essential services and emergency services to the community.
City Operations
Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, for City of Merritt news, career opportunities and upcoming events!
City Facilities
All City facilities, including City Hall, Public Works, the Civic Centre, Fire Rescue Department and RCMP detachment are operating during regular business hours with limited or modified access.
City Council meetings and hearings are streamed online and may be attended in person in accordance with the Public Health guidelines.
Please call City Hall at 250-378-4224 to make an appointment or confirm hours these facilities are accessible to the public.
Parks & Recreation
The City’s recreation facilities are also open and for public use and enjoyment. Some facilities continue to offer reduced hours and programming as we transition to fewer restrictions in Step 3. We thank you for your patience and cooperation.
Visit merritt.ca/recreation-facilities for more information.
Click here for the City of Merritt Recreation Guide.
Additional Measures
Under Step 3 of the Restart Plan, a non-medical mask or face covering to cover the mouth and nose is recommended in indoor public spaces.
Please stay home if you are feeling unwell and, where possible, we encourage residents to do business with the city online or by phone.
The City continues to make handwashing / sanitizing stations available for your use and have enhanced cleaning protocols in operation.
Fire Rescue & Policing
24 Hour Fire Rescue Service
24 Hour Policing Service
The Merritt RCMP is fully operational and continues to provide 24 hour policing services with COVID-19 precautionary measures. We encourage community members to call the RCMP detachment rather than visit in-person unless absolutely necessary. For more info contact the Merritt RCMP office at 250-378-4262.
What you can do
Safety and well-being remains a top priority and both staff and public have the ability to help prevent the spread of viruses, including Covid-19, and other communicable diseases and illnesses with a few simple habits:
- getting vaccinated
- washing your hands often with soap and water or hand-sanitizer for at least 20 seconds
- coughing or sneezing into your sleeve (or tissue) and not your hands
- avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
- staying home if you are sick to avoid spreading illness to others
- wear a mask in indoor public spaces (recommended)
- maintaining physical distancing where possible and avoiding large groups
Helpful Resources
COVID-19 Information
- BC’s Response to COVID-19
- BCCDC Information about COVID-19
- Symptoms of COVID-19
- BC COVID-19 Self Assessment Online
- Testing for COVID-19
- Health Canada
- Health Questions? Contact HealthLinkBC Online or by phone at 8-1-1 and for the deaf and hard of hearing, call 7-1-1
Support for Individuals, Families, Businesses and Other Organizations
- Benefits and services to help Canadians and businesses impacted as a result of the global COVID-19 outbreak.
- New dedicated toll-free number to support inquiries related to EI: 1-833-381-2725
- Provincial supports for individuals, families, businesses and organization.
Transportation
Related Links
- Merritt RCMP
- Thompson Nicola Regional District
- School District 58
- Interior Health Authority
- Merritt Regional Transit System
- Community Policing Crime Prevention Business Security Checklist
- Health Link BC
- BC Hydro – COVID-19 Updates
- Government of BC
- BC Parks Closures
- BC COVID-19 Symptom Self-Assessment Tool
- BC COVID-19 Information for Unsheltered People
- BC State of Emergency Extended
- BC Centre for Disease Control COVID-19 Updates
- BC Centre for Disease Control COVID-19 Harm Reduction and Overdose Response
- British Columbia Pandemic Provincial Coordination Plan
- Pandemic Preparedness
- Government of Canada
- How to Coronavirus-proof your Home
- Recommendations on protecting yourself and your community
- COVID-19 pandemic preparedness and planning materials from BC
- Guidance on mass gatherings from the World Health Organization
- Temporary foreign workers self-isolating
- Federation of Canadian Municipalities: COVID-19 Resources
- World Health Organization COVID-19 Situation Report
- Essential Services in B.C. during the COVID-19 pandemic – March 26, 2020
Links for Business
- WorkBC Merritt
- BCEDA #COVID19 Resources for BC Businesses Guide
- Small Business BC: Resources for Small Businesses Affected by Coronavirus
- BC Chamber of Commerce
- Province of BC – Support and Information
- Western Economic Diversification Canada: COVID-19 and the Western Canadian Economy
- Support for commercial truck drivers during COVID-19 crisis
- Business Development Bank of Canada
- Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses
- Canadian Chamber of Commerce
- Government of Canada – Buy and Sell
- Government of Canada – Resources for Canadian Businesses
- Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: Support for Canadians and Businesses
- Trade Commissioner
- Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
- Destination BC
- Destination Canada