The Government of BC has confirmed a list of essential services, and some non profits are included in this list. “Essential services are those daily services essential to preserving life, health, public safety and basic societal functioning. They are the services British Columbians rely on in their daily lives. These services should and are encouraged to remain open. They must, however, follow the orders and guidance provided by the PHO to ensure safe operations and reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19.”
Essential Service include:
- Vulnerable population service providers
- businesses and non-profits that provide food, shelter, social and support services, and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise vulnerable individuals, such as:
- food banks, community kitchens, and voluntary and community service providers;
- residential health facilities, mental-health, substance-use and addictions services;
- transitional, social and supportive housing, and single-room occupancy housing;
- community services and outreach for immigrants, refugees, vulnerable populations and non-market housing, including businesses that sell, rent or repair assistive/mobility/medical devices, aids and/or supplies;
- care for seniors, adults, children or individuals with disabilities;
- child care services for those persons providing essential services;
- caregivers for children in care and out of care;
- elder and disability care, including disabled service support for people with physical and cognitive disabilities;
- residential care for individuals with mental health and substance use challenges, including licensed and registered treatment and recovery facilities;
- government and non-profit service delivery staff who provide access to income supports for people in need of food and shelter;
- residential and care facilities and shelters for seniors, adults, children and people with disabilities;
- overdose prevention sites, clinical overdose prevention services or medical marijuana provision; and
- non-profits that provide support services to citizens and businesses on behalf of government – these include but are not limited to: income assistance and disability assistance, pensions, residential tenancy, BC Services Card, drivers’ licensing, Affordable Child Care Benefit, Medical Services