Gareth Smart had a busy weekend visiting various doctors’ offices hospitals and labs. Here is his experience:

"The Ashcroft Health Site has changed their procedures in light of COVID-19. Instead of having the doors open as usual they now have you come in and then they give you a time to come back (which in my case was about an hour) then they process your paperwork as usual and you are the only one in the waiting room. It worked out pretty well for me and it was nice to see the health site implementing safe measures as quickly as they did. This isn’t the same for very doctor’s office, in a eye doctors office, chairs were spaced out six feet apart and only a handful of people were scheduled at any given time. What was interesting at this office was the number of citizens that didn’t follow the rules. Then in Surrey Memorial Hospital, they walked everyone where they had to go and sanitize my hands at every opportunity. I was also asked several questions about if I had come into contact with anyone from out of the country, so it was interesting to see lots of security at the Surrey Hospital. At the Kamloops Hospital however, they scanned everyone that came into the building by checking people’s temperature, as well as asking them questions.  Changing gears from doctors and hospitals, on the way home from Surrey, we stopped at a Real Canadian Superstore, and after waiting in a line for 15 minutes, I was treated to several people arguing over food, lots of items missing from shelves, and long lines going to the checkout."

There have been rumors going around that the Ashcroft IDA is closed, that is false. However, it is closed on Saturdays to give the pharmacist a break.

The new COVID numbers in BC are: 970 confirmed cases, and 19 people have died. Numbers will not be provided on a city to city basis, the health officials suggest that you should assume that this pandemic is everywhere and protect yourself accordingly.

Remember that every weekday Mayor Talarico and CAO Dalsin will be available over the phone to take all of your questions in Cache Creek.

Home Hardware in Ashcroft is limiting the amount of people they are allowing into the store at one time to six people. Home Hardware has been deemed an essential service.

The Ashcroft bakery has closed their doors due to COVID19, but the Federal Government will cover up to 75% of people’s wages if you can prove that you have lost 30% of your income due to COVID-19.

Although no province has asked for the military to help, nonetheless the Military is ready to help when and where is needed.

The TNRD transfer station is still taking yard waste, but they suggest that if you don’t have to go, please stay home.

Gareth got a phone call during the video from Ashcroft Citizen David Durksen. David updates us on how the local doctors are coping, and what new rules the doctors have to follow during the pandemic.

Please check us out tomorrow, like, share and subscribe, and we will see you tomorrow.