Dear Coquitlam residents,
Our lives have been turned upside-down by COVID-19. In addition to the serious physical health risks for some of our population, this global pandemic is significantly affecting our day-to-day lives, our relationships, our livelihoods and our mental health.
We are all under immense stress, in part because of the many unknowns: how long the crisis will last, how it will affect our families, what life will be like when it’s over – and for some, how next month’s rent will be paid.
I encourage you to take comfort in what we do know. We know scientists and health officials are working around the clock to curb the pandemic – we need to trust and heed their advice.
Like local governments across the country, the City of Coquitlam is continually preparing behind the scenes for large-scale emergencies, ensuring a coordinated City-wide response to whatever nature or a disaster can throw at us. We’re relying on the science and experts to ensure we respond appropriately as circumstances change.
Unlike with many emergency scenarios, our important public infrastructure is not at risk; the supply chain is working, there is no risk to electrical power, utilities, transportation or medical infrastructure. And we know that higher levels of government are providing support for businesses and individuals – check www.coquitlam.ca/covid19 for links.
Critical services are fully operational. Water will continue to flow out of your tap and your garbage will be picked up. Our City staff continue to provide essential services and are accessible by phone and email. They’re doing a wonderful job pulling together in this crisis, and City Council is doing what we can to support them and keep them safe.
Each of us has a role to play in slowing the spread of COVID-19. It’s critical that we all – adults and kids alike – keep our distance and keep our hands clean. We need to consider others when we shop and buy only what we need.
It’s time to hunker down. Play together as a family. Take care of your mental and physical health. If you are at low risk, reach out to neighbours – the senior living alone, the single parent – to help with grocery pickup or other errands.
And feel free to get out and enjoy Coquitlam’s parks and trails – but please, keep your distance from anyone not from your household.
Coquitlam is a great community that has always come together in times of crisis. This crisis will test us all, but I know that we will work together, we will help each other, we will listen to experts and heed their advice, and we will get through this.
On behalf of City Council and staff, thank you for working together for everyone’s sake.
Richard Stewart
Mayor
For More Information
For up-to-date information regarding the COVID-19 impacts to City facilities, programs, services and events:
Coquitlam residents are also encouraged to follow the City of Coquitlam on social media (Facebook and Twitter) and to download the CoquitlamConnect mobile app for City updates.
For more information on COVID-19, including updates, answers to frequently asked questions, and translated information, please consult the following resources: