COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions

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City Services

• Is garbage, recycling and yard waste collection still being done and, if so, is it following the normal schedule?

  • Yes, the City of Burnaby will continue to provide essential services such as curbside collection. The Burnaby Eco-Centre is also open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week. For health and safety reasons, the Eco-Centre is not accepting cash payments at this time. Debit and credit card payments are accepted.

    Please note for the safety of our collection team:

    »	Please dispose of all used tissues, hygiene products, medical waste, cleaning cloths, face masks, gloves and similar products in securely tied bags, and place the bags in the garbage bin. Un-bagged or loose items will not be collected.
    »	If you or someone in your household is sick, all personal waste should be double bagged in plastic garbage bags; securely tie all bags shut and place them in your garbage bin.

• Is Burnaby Public Library offering curbside pickup?

  • People can now borrow library materials through a contact-free Paper Bag Pickup service. The service is available at all four branches from Monday to Saturday, 10am-4pm, and will be in effect until branches re-open for normal operations. View details »

    Up to 25 items can be borrowed at one time, including: books, movies, music, language-learning tools, magazines and more. To order, please search the library catalogue, place a hold using your library card and PIN, and select a pick up location.

    Library items can be returned at dropboxes at all four branches from Monday to Saturday, 10am-4pm. There are no late fees.

    To order a free library card or for more information, please visit: www.bpl.bc.ca or call 604-436-5400.

• Is the City of Burnaby still enforcing parking regulations?

  • We continue to enforce parking regulations to ensure public safety on city streets is not compromised. However, we are not enforcing parking time restrictions surrounding the hospital during the COVID crisis.

• Will the City of Burnaby be deferring property tax payments?

  • Property owners in Burnaby recognize the due date for property taxes as the second business date in July. To avoid any confusion, the City of Burnaby is keeping the property tax due date the same as in previous years but not applying any penalty for property tax payments not received by July 3, 2020. Recognizing the financial challenges some residents and businesses are facing at this time, property owners will have until September 30, 2020 to pay without penalty. Learn more »

• What are considered essential services and stores?

  • Emergency Management BC, in consultation with other government ministries and the Provincial Health Officer (PHO), have identified essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic. View list of essential services »

Parks and Outdoor Spaces

• Are City of Burnaby parks, trails and park washrooms open?

  • Our parks and trails remain open, with the reminder that it is essential to keep two metres between yourself and others. City staff are conducting patrols of public spaces and parks in Burnaby to remind residents to comply with physical distancing protocols. To prevent gatherings and to encourage physical distancing, barbecues, fire pits or open flames are not permitted in any of our parks.

    Deer Lake Park: a one way route has been established to help facilitate physical distancing. There is a map at each major entrance and directional arrows along the trail. Due to concerns with crowding at Deer Lake, the parking lots at Burnaby Art Gallery, Shadbolt Centre for the Arts and Burnaby Village Museum are closed until further notice. We encourage you to visit your local, neighbourhood park instead of driving to a popular destination park.

    Barnet Marine Park: users can enter the park from the west side. The east side entrance and parking lot are closed. The overpass from the west parking lot is also closed.

    All eight of our off-leash dog parks remain open. We are reminding all dog park users to maintain physical distance and stay at least two metres (6.5 feet) apart.

    Please note that dogs are not permitted at anytime to be off-leash on playing fields, tennis courts, golf courses, basketball courts, baseball diamonds, skate parks and lacrosse boxes.

    All of our park washrooms are open. Additionally, there are accessible, portable washrooms at Bonsor Park, Edmonds Park and Cameron Park. View map of open washroom facilities in Metro Vancouver »

• Which outdoor facilities are now open?

  • The following City-owned outdoor facilities are open for casual play only: sports fields and baseball diamonds attached to sports fields (Swangard and Burnaby Lake Sports Complex West fields are closed. Baseball diamonds at Kensington K6, Robert Burnaby Park and Central Park are closed), tennis and pickleball courts (single matches only), basketball courts, sports courts (badminton, bocce, horseshoe, table tennis, tetherball, volleyball), skate parks, disc golf, Mountain Air Bike Skills Park and Taylor Park Bike Park.

    Please note organized games, drills and practices are not allowed at this time on our fields and courts.

    On June 1, outdoor fitness circuits and playgrounds at Burnaby parks will begin re-opening.

    Currently, the following walk tracks are open to the public: Burnaby North Secondary School (Kensington), Burnaby Central Secondary School, Byrne Creek Secondary School, Cariboo Hill Secondary School and Confederation Park. Swangard Stadium is open Monday to Friday from 7am-2:30pm.

    The following City-owned outdoor facilities remain closed until further notice: baseball diamonds at Kensington K6, Robert Burnaby Park and Central Park, lacrosse boxes, outdoor pools, spray pools and pads, wading pools, and the field at Swangard Stadium.

• Are Burnaby playgrounds open?

  • As of June 1, the City of Burnaby and Burnaby School District are beginning to reopen playgrounds at all Burnaby parks and schools. Although we clean our equipment, parks equipment cannot be sanitized regularly, so we ask all visitors to wash their hands before and after play. Please maintain physical distancing and stay home if you are feeling unwell.

    Please ensure you follow the protocols and guidelines on signage posted at these facilities and maintain 2 metres distance between yourself and other visitors. Failure to follow rules may result in facilities being closed.

• What are the new rules for playing on an outdoor tennis and pickleball court?

  • To keep our tennis and pickleball courts safe, the City of Burnaby has implemented these protocols and guidelines:

    »	Maintain a physical distance of 2 metres (6.5 ft) at all times
    »	Singles matches/games only
    »	Casual game play only: lessons and league play are not allowed
    »	No physical contact
    »	Players are to go around opposite sides of the net at changeovers
    »	Players are to queue outside the courts, maintaining physical distance
    »	Players use separate set of balls and clearly mark them prior to play
    »	Do not share racquets or other equipment
    »	Other City of Burnaby sport court rules still apply

    
    

    Please follow the protocols and guidelines on signage posted at these facilities. Failure to follow rules may result in facilities being closed. Staff will monitor these newly re-opened facilities to ensure people are two metres apart and not gathering in large groups.

    Please limit your time using these facilities when they are busy. If you are feeling unwell, please protect others by staying at home.

• Why aren’t you closing all parks and green spaces?

  • The City of Burnaby is following recommendations and guidance from the Provincial Health Officer. There is currently no order to close parks as green space can provide physical and mental health benefits during the outbreak. However, we are reminding all park users to maintain physical distance and stay at least two metres apart.

• What measures is Golf Burnaby taking to ensure staff and golfers safety and to prevent the spread of COVID-19?

  • The two 18-hole golf courses and driving ranges (Burnaby Mountain and Riverway) and the two pitch and putts (Central Park and Kensington) are open as of May 1. A comprehensive “customer flow” plan has been created that starts from the arrival of golfers in the parking lot to their departure. This plan includes the physical distancing measures, increased and enhanced cleaning and sanitation, reduction of touch points, reduction of tee times and modified check in and payment procedures. Learn more/book a tee time »

• Can I have a barbecue or picnic in city parks?

  • Picnics are allowed. Picnic sites are not available to book in advance so sites are first come, first served. Single table, single family use only. Barbeques (charcoal, propane, open flame or campfires) are not allowed.

    The large picnic areas at Barnet Marine Park, Confederation Park, Central Park and Fraser Foreshore Park are closed until further notice, due to the difficulty of maintaining a safe physical distance.

    Staff will patrol popular parks and public spaces to ensure people are not gathering in large groups.

• Can I use my canoe/kayak/paddleboard at Deer Lake, Burnaby Lake and Barnet Marine Park?

  • The boat launches (docks) located at Deer Lake, Burnaby Fraser Foreshore and Barnet Marine Park are now open for use. Canoes, kayaks and paddleboards are currently permitted at Deer Lake and Barnet Marine Park with access to launch from the boat launch or beach area at both locations.

    At Burnaby Lake, there is no formal boat launch. Canoes, kayaks and paddleboards are permitted and there are areas around the lake where you can launch from the shore, including an area off of Piper St. There is no access to launch at the Burnaby Rowing Pavilion as it is closed for construction that is set to take place on the dock and platform around the building.

• How is the City of Burnaby enforcing the closure of closed park facilities?

  • The City is stepping up enforcement by issuing Bylaw Violation Notices and a $500 penalty to people found using or entering a closed facility. There is signage posted and where possible facilities are taped off to indicate these facilities are closed.

• What is the City of Burnaby doing to encourage physical distancing in parks and public areas?

  • The City is promoting the physical distancing recommended by public health authorities in relation to COVID-19. We are doing so in messages to residents and businesses encouraging everyone to do their part and be responsible in keeping their distance from one another. This includes signage in parks. To prevent gatherings and to encourage physical distancing, picnic site rentals have been cancelled and barbecues, fires or open flames are not permitted in any of our parks.

  • In addition, staff will intermittently patrol popular public areas to encourage appropriate physical distancing.

  • Currently, there is no ban on being outdoors and the Provincial Health Officer is encouraging people to get outside and get fresh air as long as physical distance is maintained.

• Will the City of Burnaby be enforcing physical distancing in parks?

  • The City is promoting the physical distancing recommended by public health authorities in relation to COVID-19. We are doing so in messages to residents and businesses encouraging everyone to do their part and be responsible in keeping their distance from one another.

    This now includes signage in busy parks such as Deer Lake Park. In addition, staff are patrolling popular public parks and reminding people to practice appropriate physical distancing.

• I’ve noticed a large gathering of people in Burnaby – where can I report this?

  • If you have a concern about people not following physical distancing, please call our Call Centre at 604-570-3800 (8am-6pm daily), or email COVID19@burnaby.ca. The City of Burnaby has a COVID-19 Action Team to look into residents’ inquiries and concerns.

    Our COVID-19 Action Team is comprised of staff from departments across the city whose role is to assess each complaint and determine the best course of action to ensure compliance. These actions may include warning letters right up to and including actions that would prevent a business from continuing to operate.

Programs and Events

• When will recreation centres re-open?

  • We understand that our recreation facilities are an important space for Burnaby residents to gather, exercise and enjoy social connection. The decision to close these facilities was not taken lightly. However, in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and comply with provincial health orders to limit gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing these facilities was necessary. We continue to follow the recommendations and guidance of health authorities and will re-open our civic facilities when it is safe to do so.

• Where do I find a list of cancelled events and programs?

  • The complete list can be found in the staff report on the May 11, 2020 City Council agenda.

• Are all summer camps cancelled, even the ones that are slated to take place outdoors?

  • The City has formally cancelled all programs including summer camps that normally operate out of City facilities, including community recreation centres, cultural facilities and parks. View the staff report from the May 11, 2020 City Council agenda for a full list of cancelled programs.

• Why are programs cancelled all the way to September 30, when the Province has announced that we are gradually relaxing restrictions?

  • The Provincial Health Officer has indicated that physical distancing measures and limits on gathering will be with us in some form until a vaccine, treatments for COVID-19, or community immunity has been achieved. As there is no clear relaxation anticipated to the distancing requirements and crowd restrictions currently in place for the foreseeable future, there is a need to formally cancel these programs.

• How do I get a refund for registered programs, Be Active Pass or punch card?

  • Full refunds are available for any remaining sessions for current courses and for upcoming courses. Refunds are not available for past sessions or completed courses prior to March 12, 2020. Full refunds are available for any remaining punches on a punch card (purchased within the past two years), or for any remaining dates on a monthly, three month or annual Be Active Pass.

    A credit will be placed on your City registration account. If you would like a refund in a different form, please contact a community centre. While community centres are currently closed to the public, staff are still available to answer phone calls.

• How do I obtain a refund for the Burnaby Blues and Roots Festival?

  • People who purchased their tickets via Ticketmaster will receive a full refund (including service charges). Ticket holders received refunds automatically beginning May 1 via the original method of payment. The cost of expedited shipping and merchandise will not be refunded. If you have not received your refund, visit help.ticketmaster.ca or call 1-855-985-HELP (4357).

    People who purchased tickets through the Shadbolt Centre Box Office should have received a phone call on or before May 4 to process their refund. If you haven’t received your refund please call 604-205-3000.

Business

• What businesses can open under BC’s Restart Plan?

  • BC’s Restart Plan maps out a cautious, four-phase approach that allows a variety of businesses, organizations, facilities and services to start re-opening in mid-May as long as they can incorporate measures such as physical distancing and limits on gathering intended to keep the spread of COVID-19 under control.

    The following may begin to re-open under enhanced protocols beginning in mid-May:

    »	Restoration of health services / rescheduling of elective surgery
    »	Medically related services (dentistry, physiotherapy, registered massage therapy, chiropractors, physical therapy, speech therapy and similar services)
    »	Retail sector
    »	Hair salons, barbers, and other personal service establishments
    »	In-person counselling
    »	Restaurants, cafes, and pubs (with sufficient distancing measures)
    »	Museums, art galleries, and libraries
    »	Office-based worksites
    »	Recreation and sports
    »	Parks, beaches, and outdoor spaces
    »	Child care

    
    

    Businesses and organizations that are not covered by a Provincial Health Officer order may re-open or continue to operate, but they will be expected to adopt and implement sector safety plans as they are finalized. Learn more »

• How do I know if a business has been approved to re-open?

  • Any business restarting operations must ensure that it is in compliance with orders from the Provincial Health Officer and in accordance with the requirements and guidance provided by WorkSafeBC. WorkSafeBC will not be reviewing or approving the plans of individual businesses but they will be engaging directly with businesses and employees in returning industries through education, consultation and workplace inspections. Enforcement measures will be considered if businesses do not develop and implement a plan to protect workers from COVID-19 exposure. Learn more »

• Who is enforcing/checking to ensure businesses that were ordered to close (e.g. hair salons/restaurants/pubs) are following safety guidelines once they re-open?

  • WorkSafeBC will be engaging directly with employers and workers in returning industries through education, consultation and workplace inspections. Enforcement measures will be considered if employers do not develop and implement a plan to protect workers from COVID-19 exposure.

    If you are concerned about the health and safety practices in a business, please contact Fraser Health at 604-587-3936 or email HPBurnaby@fraserhealth.ca.

    If you are an employee of this business, please contact WorkSafeBC’s Prevention Information Line at 604-276-3100 in the Lower Mainland (toll-free within B.C. at 1-888-621-SAFE). You’ll be able to speak to a prevention officer to get answers to your questions, and if required, a prevention officer will be assigned to assess the health and safety risk at your workplace.

• When can indoor private gyms/fitness centres and yoga studios re-open?

  • Starting May 19, private indoor gyms and fitness facilities such as weight training, gymnastics, yoga and dance studios, and other similar facilities, will be allowed to re-open if they can meet provincial requirements to protect staff and customers against the spread of COVID-19. Facilities wishing to re-open must develop a plan that follows safety measures laid out by the Provincial Health Officer and WorkSafeBC. Learn more »

    Please note at this time we do not have an exact date as to when City of Burnaby recreation centres will re-open. We welcome BC’s Restart Plan as a blueprint and the City is hard at work on our plan outlining the timing and scope for increased access in a way that is safe for our community and staff, as well as consistent with provincial guidelines. We will be sharing details of our plan soon and we thank you for your patience.

• I am a physio/dentist/chiropractor/counsellor in Burnaby — what do I need to do to safely reopen?

  • WorkSafeBC has created a COVID-19 and returning to safe operation page that provides general guidance on developing your reopening plans. It lays out a six-step process that employers should follow to prepare to return to operation safely, in a manner that reduces the potential for COVID-19 transmission. A planning tool will soon be available to assist employers in applying this six-step process at their workplace.

    WorkSafeBC is working closely with industry associations to provide industry-specific guidance, and they will be reviewing their industry plans and providing input. While WorkSafeBC will not be posting industry plans, they expect that many industry associations will make their plans publicly available. 

Other Topics

• What do I do if I have symptoms of COVID-19?

  • Anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or who may have been exposed to COVID-19, should contact their primary health care provider or call 8-1-1. The province has created a phone service to provide non-medical information about COVID-19, including the latest information on travel restrictions and physical distancing. Information is available in more than 110 languages, 7:30am-8pm at 1-888-COVID19 (1-888-268-4319) or via text message at 604-630-0300.

• Can I defer or skip rent this month?

  • We understand these are challenging times, and many Burnaby residents may have concerns about covering their expenses, including rent. If you are in need of financial relief, we encourage you to speak directly with your landlord to see if alternate payment arrangements can be made. In addition, during the COVID-19 outbreak, the province of British Columbia is offering support to renters in the form of a rental supplement. Learn more »

• Can people from different households travel together in one car? (Will they be fined)

  • We encourage all residents to follow the recommendations put forward by the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) and Provincial Health Officer. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, the BCCDC recommends practicing physical distancing with people outside your immediate household. This means keeping about two metres apart.

Resources

Health Related Resources:

• Burnaby Primary Care Networks: Self Assessment Tool for Burnaby Residents
• Burnaby Primary Care Networks: Social Supports
• BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC)
• Fraser Health Authority
• Health Canada
• World Health Organization
• BC Ministry of Health
• COVID-19 BC Support App and Self-Assessment Tool

Resources for Business: 

• Burnaby Board of Trade: COVID-19 Updates and Resources 
• Burnaby Board of Trade Business Resilience Service Hotline 
• Burnaby Board of Trade: Business Recovery Task Force Survey

Housing Resources: 

• Burnaby Rent Bank
• Provincial Government: Supporting Renters, Landlords during COVID-19
• BC Hydro: Customer Crisis Fund and COVID-19 Relief Fund
• BC Temporary Rental Supplement Program - Simplified FAQs
• CMHC: COVID-19 Understanding Mortgage Payment Deferral 

Other Resources: 

• TransLink: Transit Service Changes
• Government Financial Relief Resources