COVID-19 Industry Updates

March 24 2020

Our thoughts are with the people who have been affected by this unprecedented event, and our deep gratitude goes out to the healthcare workers, local communities, and governments around the world who are on the front line working to contain COVID-19.

We at INfilm are currently working from home and are confident that we can continue to provide service to the region and the clients without placing any of us in a risk situation.

The following is important information gathered from provincial, federal and industry websites to assist crew, contract workers and small businesses in what support is available to you.

COVID-19 Provincial Support and Information (Office of the Premier):

COVID-19 Action Plan: B.C.’s first steps to support people, businesses

Updated March 23, 2020

For more information on B.C.’s COVID Action Plan and other government resources and updates, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/covid19

Self-assessment tool: https://covid19.thrive.health/

Resources and best practices can be found on the BC Centre for Disease Control website: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19

Creative BC: Creative BC has created a COVID-19 resource page centralizing key information for B.C.’s creative industries.

COVID-19 Update for the Creative Industries of BC

Federal Government Aid Package:

Canada Emergency Response Benefit (Mar 25)

Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: Support for Canadians and Businesses

PROVINCIAL HEALTH UPDATE: (credit DGC/BC website)

Dr. Henry and Minister Dix continue to stress the crucial importance of social distancing. Some examples of this are as follows:

DON’Ts

• Visit with people in person
• Take part in sport activities
• Eat in restaurants
• Engage in non-essential shopping

DOs

• Shop for necessities like groceries and medication
• Go out in the sunshine
• Order take out or eat at home
• Stay two arm lengths from other people in all cases
• Self-isolate for 14 days if you have been outside of Canada

• BC Provincial Government declared a Provincial State of Emergency; a Public Health Emergency has been declared.
• Though recommendations around social distancing and isolation are voluntary at this time, the Health Ministry implore BC residents to do their civic duty and abide by them.
• **NEW: It’s okay to go outside but people must not gather in groups.
• **NEW: To promote social distancing, Canada and BC Parks have all been closed.
• Health order to close all bars, clubs and any restaurants that can’t maintain a 2 meter space between patrons in compliance with social distance recommendations.
• Take out options may stay in operation.
• A Self-assessment tool has been introduced: https://covid19.thrive.health
• Restriction on public gatherings remains at 50 people.
• Most civic buildings and facilities remain closed.
• Non-essential travel outside of Canada strongly discouraged.
• Travelers returning to Canada strongly advised to self-isolate 14 days upon return.

• Canada/US border closure expected to take effect Friday night into Saturday. Canada/US border closure for non-essential travel. Will not affect trade/supply chain.
• All airlines have a ban on any travelers with symptoms. As of March 18 only Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver & Calgary accepting international flights.
• Tax filing deadline extended to June 1. Payment due as of August 31.
• Here is an overview of EI/Emergency Benefits

• Emergency Care Benefit: for workers who do not qualify for EI. $900 biweekly if unable to work because they are sick or caring for someone who is sick, have children who are not in school due to closures or have been told to self-isolate. The Guild is seeking clarification on whether this includes workers whose regular place of employment has shut down but also meet the above criteria.
• Emergency Support Benefit: for self-employed workers who are currently unemployed due to coronavirus, but do not qualify for EI. The program will be administered through the Canada Revenue Agency, not through EI. Details on how to apply have not yet been provided. $5 billion is earmarked, but no details on the amount of individual benefits.
• ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
  Non-medical information about COVID-19 from the BC Centre for Disease Control can be accessed 7:30am-8pm at 1 888 COVID19. For health related enquiries, call 811.
  Dues relief: waiving all 2nd quarter dues for Members. Members who have prepaid will receive full credit for 2020 Q2 when they pay 2021 dues.
  EI: Service Canada has a dedicated number to help with EI claims for quarantine, work closures, illness, etc: 1 833 381 2725
  Document sourced on Facebook re how to apply for EI, updated 18 March available here.