COVID-19 SAFETY PLANS AND PROTOCOL
Introduction
The first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in British Columbia in late January 2020. The World Health Organization declared a worldwide pandemic on March 11, 2020,and a state of emergency was declared in BC on March 18, 2020. We, and the world, have had to adapt and pivot as various public health Orders have been issued. For many months and in some cases years, we have been unable to visit with family andfriends. The Garden Club of Vancouver has been doing all it can under these trying circumstances to continue meetings by ZOOM with some wonderful guest speakersand has offered various outdoor opportunities for members. Clearly, this is not ideal, and we look forward to when our regular schedule of in person general meetings and activities can be resumed.
COVID however is still with us,withdangerous variants such as Delta and the new requirement for a Vaccine Passport.We have developeda Safety Plan to comply withProvincial requirements as well as those of the venues we plan to use. This Plan is outlined below.
Policy
The health and safety of our membership and their families is of the utmost importance to the Garden Club of Vancouver. Therefore, effective October 4, 2021, it is our Board of Directors approved policy to:
• comply with all Provincial Health Regulations and the venues we utilize related to COVID-19 requirements,
• require all members and their guests attending any meetings to be double vaccinated and to provide proof of such,
• require all members and their guests attending scheduled meetings to sign and submit a Declaration Form,
• accommodate members who are legally entitled to accommodation under the BC Human Rights Code, upon receiving written request along with appropriate supporting documentation.
This Policy will remain in effect until modified or rescinded by the Board.
How To Register Declaration & Agreement Form and Proof of Vaccination
Members need to only register once.The same options will apply to any future requirements for booster(s) shots. See Declaration at bottom of document.
• Sign your Declaration & Agreement Form, then
• Email your completed Declaration & Agreement Form to Membership coraa@telus.net or gmb0228@gmail.com; or
• Mail your completed Declaration & Agreement Form to The Garden Club of Vancouver, Membership, c/o C. Ashburner, 2939 West 31st Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V6N 2A5; or
• Bring your completed Declaration & Agreement Form to a meeting you are attending and provide it to Membership; AND
• Bring your proof of vaccination to the first meeting you attend (a copy or your QR code on your cell phone, or a printed PDF of your vaccination record and provide it to Membership)
Garden Club of Vancouver Member Protocols
1. Each member, at their first meeting, must submit their COVID-19 Declaration Form & Proof of Vaccination by email, mail or in person, prior to entry.
2. To minimize congestion upon entry, members are encouraged to email, or mail their documentation ahead of any scheduled meeting. A signed COVID-19 Declaration & Proof of Double Vaccination must be received by email, mail, or in person prior to entry.
3. Every member to sign in at the Registration Desk (even if their forms are submitted). An attendance register will be maintained.
4. If any attendee
• finds outs after attending a meeting that they may have been exposed to COVID-19 within two weeks prior to attending said meeting,
OR
• tests positive for COVID-19 within two weeks following a meeting
they must advise Membershipcoraa@telus.net or gmb0228@gmail.com or a Board member, as soon as possible. The Garden Club of Vancouver will treat such information as confidential.
5. Members are to remain seated and wear masks during general meetings unless they are eating, drinking, or speaking at the podium.
6. If food or beverages are served at any meeting, Provincial Health COVID-19 standards will be followed.
Thank you!
We, along with the entire Board of Directors, would like to thank you again for your patience and understanding as we strive to keep you all engaged, involved and most importantly, safe during this time. Your loyalty and commitment to the Garden Club is a shining light.
Sincerely,
Janice Podmore
Janice Podmore, President
Garden Club of Vancouver
Shane Thornton
Shane Thornton, Vice President
Garden Club of Vancouver