COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
City Services
- Is garbage, recycling and yard waste collection still being done and, if so, is it following the normal schedule?
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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:
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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.
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- Is the City of Burnaby still enforcing parking regulations?
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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.
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- Will the City of Burnaby be deferring property tax payments?
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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 »
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- What are considered essential services and stores?
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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 »
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Parks and Outdoor Spaces
- Can I have a picnic or barbecue in city parks?
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Picnics are allowed. Picnic sites are not available to book in advance so sites are on a first come basis with single table, single family use only. Propane barbeques are allowed in all parks. Charcoal and open flame barbeques are allowed only at Deer Lake, Central Park, Robert Burnaby, Confederation and Barnet Marine Park as these locations have ash pits on-site for the safe disposal of hot ashes. Campfires are not allowed in any of our parks.
The large group picnic areas at Barnet Marine Park, Confederation Park, Central Park and Fraser Foreshore Park are closed for bookings until further notice, due to the difficulty of maintaining a safe physical distance. There are picnic tables at these locations that are first come basis with single table, single family use only.
Staff are undertaking enhanced patrolling of popular parks and public spaces to ensure people are not gathering in large groups. The province of BC has adopted and implemented a graduated compliance and enforcement approach that starts with providing information, education and advice. Through new measures introduced under the Emergency Program Act, police are also empowered to issue violation tickets for people who contravene the provincial health order on large gatherings.
Please note, small social gatherings with physical distancing are allowed in our parks. Everyone must make informed choices about how to safely interact with each other. The choices you make about expanding your social circle will depend on your age, occupation and the health of the people you live with. The best ways to protect everyone is to observe physical distancing and to wash your hands regularly. If you feel unwell, protect others by staying at home and not visiting our parks.
BC’s Restart Plan emphasizes safe, social interactions by following these principles:
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Meet with small numbers of people. When seeing friends and family outside your household or bubble, only gather in small groups (2-6 people) » Maintain physical distancing with those outside your household or bubble (no handshaking or hugging, small number of contacts, keep a safe distance)
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- Can I use my canoe/kayak/paddleboard at Deer Lake, Burnaby Lake and Barnet Marine Park?
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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.
Physical distancing must be adhered to, on and off the water. Staff will monitor to ensure physical distancing and other public health measures are followed. Failure to follow public health guidelines may result in facilities being closed. If you feel unwell, protect others by staying at home and not visiting our parks.
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- Will the City be enforcing physical distancing in parks?
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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 through a variety of means, including signage in our parks, our website and social media channels. We are encouraging everyone to do their part and be responsible in keeping their distance from one another.
In addition, staff are patrolling popular public parks and outdoor facilities to ensure people are not gathering in large groups. The province of BC has adopted and implemented a graduated compliance and enforcement approach that starts with providing information, education and advice. Through new measures introduced under the Emergency Program Act, police are also empowered to issue violation tickets for people who contravene the provincial health order on large gatherings.
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- Can I still fish at Deer Lake?
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The boat launch (dock) located at Deer Lake is open for use. Fishing is permitted from the boat launch (dock), the shore or from a belly boat. Physical distancing must be adhered to, on and off the water. Staff will monitor to ensure physical distancing and other public health measures are followed. Failure to follow public health guidelines may result in facilities being closed. If you are feel unwell, protect others by staying at home and not visiting our parks.
If you are 16 years of age or older you must have a valid basic freshwater fishing licence to fish recreationally in non-tidal waters in B.C. You must also purchase the appropriate supplementary licences and stamps. If you are under 16 and a resident of B.C., you may sport fish without any licence or stamp but must still abide by the regulations.
Visit Go Fish BC for fishing opportunities and guidelines for urban fishing.
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- Can my friends and I gather at the park if we are physically distancing?
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Small social gatherings with physical distancing are allowed in our parks, with the reminder that it is essential to keep the recommended physical distance of two metres between yourself and anyone outside your bubble. Your bubble includes members of your immediate household and can be carefully expanded to include others. Please keep in mind every time you add someone to your bubble, you are also connecting with everybody in their bubble.
Everyone must make informed choices about how to safely interact with each other. The choices you make about expanding your social circle will depend on your age, occupation and the health of the people you live with. The best ways to protect everyone is to observe physical distancing and to wash your hands regularly.
BC’s Restart Plan emphasizes safe, social interactions by following these principles:
»
Meet with small numbers of people. When seeing friends and family outside your household or bubble, only gather in small groups (2-6 people) » Maintain physical distancing with those outside your household or bubble (no handshaking or hugging, small number of contacts, keep a safe distance)
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- What are the rules for playing on an outdoor tennis and pickleball court?
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To keep our tennis and pickleball courts safe, the City of Burnaby has implemented these protocols and guidelines which are on signage posted at our courts:
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Casual play only. Singles matches/games only. No double matches. No allotments, no lessons and no league play. » Players to queue outside the courts, maintain at least 2 metres from one another, and have no physical contact. Players go around opposite sides of the net at changeovers. » Players use separate sets of balls (and mark them clearly prior to play). Players should not share equipment (racquets, towels, water bottles, etc.) » Other posted City of Burnaby sport court rules still apply
Failure to follow rules may result in facilities being closed. Staff will intermittently monitor these outdoor facilities to ensure people are not gathering in large groups. It is everyone’s responsibility to do their part and practice physical distancing.
Please be courteous to other users and limit your time using these facilities when they are busy.
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- How often are you cleaning playgrounds?
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Although we clean our equipment, parks equipment cannot be sanitized regularly, so we encourage all visitors to wash or sanitize their hands before and after playground use. We also remind visitors to follow the protocols and guidelines on signage posted at these facilities. Maintaining physical distance and staying home when ill will help protect our community and keep our playgrounds safe.
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- I see groups of people playing sports in City parks. Is this allowed?
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All of our outdoor amenities are open for public use. 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 through a variety of means, including signage in our parks, our website and social media channels. In addition, staff are intermittently patrolling popular public parks and outdoor facilities to ensure people are not gathering in large groups.
We are encouraging everyone to do their part and be responsible in keeping their distance from one another. Small social gatherings with physical distancing are allowed in our parks, with the reminder that it is essential to keep the recommended physical distance of two metres between yourself and anyone outside your bubble. Your bubble includes members of your immediate household and can be carefully expanded to include others. Please keep in mind every time you add someone to your bubble, you are also connecting with everybody in their bubble.
The province of BC has adopted and implemented a graduated compliance and enforcement approach that starts with providing information, education and advice. Through new measures introduced under the Emergency Program Act, police are also empowered to issue violation tickets for people who contravene the provincial health order on large gatherings.
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- How do I report a concern about a large gathering?
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If you are aware of a large gathering that violates provincial health order requirements, please contact COVID19@burnaby.ca or contact our call centre at 604-294-7878 from 9am to 4pm, Monday through Friday (closed statutory holidays). For COVID compliance concerns after business hours, please call 604-294-7200.
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- Is the City of Burnaby offering any free online classes or activities?
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City of Burnaby programmers and instructors have created some at-home resources to help guide you. Visit www.burnaby.ca/onlineactivities to stay active, creative and curious while staying at home.
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Business
- I am concerned about the health and safety practices in a business. Where can I report this?
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Businesses must ensure that they are in compliance with orders from the provincial health officer and they are required to develop a COVID-19 Safety Plan that outlines the policies, guidelines, and procedures they have put in place to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
If you are concerned about the health and safety practices in a business that is a restaurant or food service location, or that provides a personal service such as hair salons, spas and tattoos, please contact Fraser Health at 604-587-3936 or email HPBurnaby@fraserhealth.ca.
For all other businesses, please email COVID19@burnaby.ca and we will we will forward your concern to the appropriate department for review and action.
We also encourage you to speak to the store manager or contact the store’s head office to voice your concern.
If you are an employee of any type of business and you don’t feel safe in your workplace, 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.
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- Why aren’t employees in ALL businesses wearing masks or gloves?
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With the exception of healthcare workplaces, the use of masks and gloves are not requirements for most workplaces to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Businesses may choose to incorporate the use of masks and gloves into their plan to protect workers from the spread of COVID-19, in combination with other health and safety measures. Additionally, some businesses, at their discretion, may choose to ask their patrons to wear masks or face coverings when visiting their establishments. The Provincial Health Officer has recommended the use of non-medical masks when physical distancing isn’t possible such as using transit or shopping.
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Other Topics
- What do I do if I have symptoms of COVID-19?
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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.
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- Can I defer or skip rent this month?
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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 »
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- I heard Burnaby has a COVID testing site. Can I go get tested?
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Burnaby Primary Care Network has opened satellite testing at Central Park, open daily from 12-6pm. The location is the parking lot for Central Park Pool. This is a testing centre for those with COVID-19 symptoms, those with a doctors’ referral, or those sent by Public Health. Please note if you are asymptomatic (showing no symptoms) you will not be able to get tested without a referral. If you have any concerns, please contact your physician or call Fraser Health at 811. They have created a website burnabycoronavirus.com for more information.
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- How many COVID-19 cases are there in Burnaby?
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The Provincial Health Officer reports the number of COVID-19 cases by Health Authority region. Burnaby is included in the Fraser Health Authority region. We do not receive a breakdown of cases specific to the city.
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- Are yard sales allowed during COVID-19?
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A permit from the City of Burnaby is not required to host a yard sale.
At all times, everyone should be taking measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The City has been following the recommendations of our public health authorities and we encourage our residents to do the same. Those recommendations are to practice physical distancing, avoid gathering and practice good hygiene by washing hands often.
If you are holding a yard sale, you should look into what safety measures you can take to reduce the risk of possibly spreading COVID-19. You would be responsible for preventing crowds and ensuring people practice physical distancing. Also remember to be a good neighbour, and remove unsold items at the end of your yard sale and do not leave any items on the boulevard and the yard after the event.
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- Can I have a gathering if it is under 50 people?
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By the order of the Provincial Health Officer, gatherings larger than 50 people are not permitted. Property owners and operators are permitted to host events with up to 50 people in attendance if the following conditions are met:
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An organizer is present. » If the organizer is not the owner or operator of the place, the organizer must provide the owner or operator with the first and last names and telephone number, or email address, of the patrons who attend the event. »
Access to the event is controlled. » The number of patrons is closely monitored. »
There is sufficient space available to permit the patrons to maintain a distance of two metres from one another. » The patrons maintain a distance of two metres from one another when standing or sitting, unless they belong to the same party. »
If tables are provided, no more than six patrons sit at a table, even if they belong to the same party, and there are at least two metres between the backs of the chairs at one table and the backs of the chairs at another table, unless the chairs are separated by a physical barrier. » If live performance is provided, or there is a presenter or a presider, a physical barrier must be installed between the performer, presenter or presider and the patrons that blocks the transmission of droplets from the performer, presenter or presider, or there must be at least a three metre separation between the performer, presenter or the presider and the patrons. » Hand sanitation supplies are readily available to patrons » Washroom facilities are available with running water, soap and a sanitary means for drying hands for handwashing purposes or hand sanitation supplies.
We have a responsibility to keep each other safe, protect our most vulnerable and curb the spread of COVID-19. Property owners or operators, or event organizers, may face $2,000 violation tickets if they fail to comply with these requirements.
Everyone must make informed choices about how to safely interact with each other. The choices you make about expanding your social circle will depend on your age, occupation and the health of the people you live with. The best ways to protect everyone is to observe physical distancing and to wash your hands regularly.
BC’s Restart Plan emphasizes safe, social interactions by following these principles:
»
Meet with small numbers of people (when you are seeing friends and family who don’t live with you, only get together in small groups of around 2-6 people) » Maintain physical distance between you and others » Consider the size of the room you are meeting in: the bigger, the better » Choose outdoor interactions over indoor
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- How do I report a concern about a large gathering?
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If you are aware of a large gathering that violates provincial health order requirements, please contact COVID19@burnaby.ca or contact our call centre at 604-294-7878 from 9am to 4pm, Monday through Friday (closed statutory holidays). For COVID compliance concerns after business hours, please call 604-294-7200.
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- I know of someone who is in violation of the Quarantine Act and is not self-isolating. How can I report this?
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As of March 25, 2020 it is mandatory under the Quarantine Act that anyone arriving in British Columbia from outside of Canada self-isolate and monitor for symptoms for 14 days upon their arrival and complete/register a self-isolation plan and complete the federal ArriveCAN application.
There are some individuals who are exempt from this order to provide essential services, but they still need to self-monitor for symptoms.
The Quarantine Act is enforced by the RCMP. If you suspect that someone is in violation of the Quarantine Act, please contact the Burnaby RCMP non-emergency line at (604) 646-9999.
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Additional Questions?
For questions about City services, programs and facilities that weren't answered above, please contact our call centre at 604-294-7878, 9am-4pm, Monday-Friday (closed statutory holidays), or send an email to covid19@burnaby.ca.
If you have a concern about compliance with a COVID-19 public health order, please call 604-294-7878, 9am-4pm, Monday-Friday or 604-294-7200, after-hours and on weekends.
