In a statement released on Thursday, the Ministry of Attorney General announced further measures to support essential service providers throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The measures are meant to ensure that essential service providers cannot be held liable for damages caused by exposure to COVID-19 while they continue to operate, as long as they comply with provincial health orders and directives from other health authorities.
These steps were announced after a number of essential service providers reported experiencing trouble with their insurance companies since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
“For example, a child care provider will not be liable for a child in their care or a family member being exposed to COVID-19, so long as they are following established protocols on how to prevent the spread of the virus, like proper handwashing, regular cleaning and disinfecting and identifying children who are sick,” reads the statement from the Ministry.
Those who are found disobeying health authorities’ orders will not be included in the measures and can still be held liable.
The order will remain in effect until any relevant limitation periods have expired.
Here is the list of services, businesses, and workers deemed ‘essential’ in British Columbia.
This announcement comes along with another made by the provincial government today, implementing measures that provide senior citizens and those currently on disability or income assistance an extra $300 per month, along with other financial supports.
See all the latest updates about the global COVID-19 pandemic on Vancouver Island
According to the latest updates, there are 1,066 cases of COVID-19 in British Columbia, including 72 on Vancouver Island.
In good news, a total of 606 people have now recovered from the virus in B.C.
The BCCDC has set up a 2019 novel coronavirus telephone information line at 1-833-784-4397 for those who have further questions about this disease.
Anyone concerned that they may have been exposed to, or are experiencing symptoms of the novel coronavirus, should contact their primary care provider, local public health office, or call 8-1-1.
The Province has also created the 1-888-COVID-19 line to connect British Columbians needing non-medical information about the coronavirus pandemic.
As of the time of publication, the total number of COVID-19 patients worldwide has risen to 1,007,793.
Over 52,600 people have died from the illness and 210,838 have made a full recovery.
