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Workers look for protections
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THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020
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SHUT DOWN: Playgrounds in Burnaby parks and schools are now closed to the public in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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City adjusts services in the wake of COVID-19 Dustin Godfrey dgodfrey@burnabynow.com
People doing business at Burnaby City Hall will soon need to make an appointment ahead of time as the city looks to limit the number of people in public facilities that are still open. The move is the latest from the city, which is doing its part to encourage social distancing amid a COVID-19 pandemic. The rules took effect on Monday, March 23 and will be in place indefinitely. “To protect the pub-
lic and to protect our staff from the spread of COVID-19, we want you to do your city business online or over the phone if you can,” said Mayor Mike Hurley in a news release. “If it’s absolutely urgent to do in person, we’re here. But otherwise, this is a time for all of us to take every precaution possible.” City business, such as paying or disputing fines, can be done remotely online or over the phone. Phone numbers for city departments can be found on the directory page of the city’s
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website. Those who can delay their business with the city should do so, officials say. The city has also begun reducing staff on site in a number of ways, said Chris Bryan, a communications manager with the city. For some, that could mean a reduction of work hours, while for others it could mean working from home or working rotating shifts. However, workers with reduced hours will not have their paycheques reduced as a result, the city assured staff in an email obtained by
the NOW. As of late last week, Mayor Mike Hurley said building inspections are “still going ahead now,” but with limits on attending seniors’ residence. The City of Toronto announced last week it will be suspending non-emergency building, bylaw, and health inspections, along with enforcement of expired business licences. “I’m sure most of us will likely get there at some point, but at this point that hasn’t happened in Burnaby,” Hurley said. “Ev-
erything’s changing by the hour. It’s a whirlwind, what’s been going on.” Hurley said he’s been to the city’s emergency operations centre, set up to deal with the emergent situation around COVID-19, a number of times and said it’s been a busy place. “It’s a hub of action and many, many people putting in many hours just planning and logistics and, if we have to wind things down, how are we going to do that,” he said. “Morale is good. Our people are top-notch, and everyone’s giving their very
Complimentary Business Listing We’re offering free GuidedBy.ca listings, courtesy of the Burnaby Now, to help connect locals to your business during these trying times. Burnaby staff are busy setting up profiles now. Email Diana Jurevica at djurevica@glaciermedia.ca and we’ll get you connected.
best to ensure that we’re doing all the right things and staying on top of things. Unfortunately, I don’t see this coming to an end anytime soon. It looks like this is going to be a long haul.” The City of Burnaby has also closed all city-owned facilities, including community centres, arenas, libraries, arts and cultural facilities, golf courses and restaurants, as the COVID-19 strain of the coronavirus continues to spread. Playgrounds in city parks and schools are also closed to the public.