FAQs on CFB Esquimalt and COVID-19

A letter of appreciation for the CFB Esquimalt Defence Team

25 March 2020
LETTER OF APPRECIATION
CFB ESQUIMALT DEFENCE TEAM

––––

Team, I could not be more proud of the way the CFB Esquimalt Defence Team (military, civilians and contractors) has responded to the CDS’s intent of preserving our capabilities while still ensuring that critical core activities are being maintained. Your dedication and creative thinking have allowed the Base to keep supporting Fleet operations over the last week while also safely maintaining service continuity across the Formation.

As we adapt to the new way of delivering these services, we also have to think about sustaining our support capabilities. This means that we will continue to have the minimum personnel on-site in order to keep the Base safe and operational.

Remember that while at home strict social distancing measures are to be followed according to guidelines set by provincial health authorities and the Public Health Agency of Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/social-distancing.html

If you are experiencing any symptoms or have been exposed to someone who is showing symptoms or has been diagnosed with COVID-19, you should complete the BC COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool at https://covid19.thrive.health. Please follow the Tool’s guidance and inform your supervisor of your exposure or symptoms and of any fellow employees that may have been exposed to you.

In these uncertain times, please don’t hesitate to reach out for support if you need it. There are a number of resources available to you, including:

For Military Members

  • Chaplains: To speak to a Chaplain during the day (0800 to 1600), contact the Naden Chapel Offices at 250-363-4030. Outside of regular hours, you can speak to a Duty Chaplain 24/7 at 250-818-2794; and
  • The MFRC: The Military Family Resource Centre can be reached at 250-363-2640. If you require immediate assistance, you will receive a prompt to connect with the Family Information Line (1-800-353-3329) where you can receive confidential, bilingual counselling. For more information visit https://esquimaltmfrc.com/temporary-closure-of-all-locations; and

For Civilians

All citizens can also access mental health support and resources at the following sites:

Government of Canada – Mental Health Support: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/mental-health-services/mental-health-get-help.html);

Canadian Mental Health Association: https://cmha.ca;

BC Mental Health Services: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/criminal-justice/bcs-criminal-justice-system/services-and-resources/services-by-need/mental-health-services; and

HealthLink BC Mental Health Resources: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/mental-health-substance-use/resources.

For those looking for a fun way to stay fit from home, our PSP team will be providing livestream workouts every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11am. You can join in on their Facebook page: Naden Athletic Centre.

Lastly, remember to follow our Base social media pages (Facebook: CFB BFC Esquimalt; Twitter and Instagram: @MayorCFBEsq) for the latest updates or visit https://www.lookoutnewspaper.com/covid-19.

I can’t thank you enough for your professionalism and dedication during this time. CFB Esquimalt has been here for over 150 years, always delivering on our mission of “support for all,” and together we will continue to do so!

Yours Aye,

Captain (Navy) Sam Sader
Commander CFB Esquimalt