Dear friends, neighbours and colleagues:

I am writing to share an update on how our organisation is addressing COVID-19 within the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and at Government House in Victoria.

While the situation is evolving each day, our ongoing concern is for the safety of our staff and volunteers. Since the early onset of COVID-19, we have implemented increased standards of sanitisation and encouraged consistent personal health practices amongst staff as recommended by Canada’s Public Health Services, the BC Ministry of Health and the BC Centre for Disease Control.

At this time, Government House is closed to all but a few core staff required for security and operational purposes. Employees are well supported, many working from home and connected daily via tools in place prior to these broader changes. The calendar has largely been cleared for the time being of all meetings and events. The Lieutenant Governor is safe and in good health and continues to work with the support of Government House’s executive team.

The grounds of Government House are open to the public, but those visiting should not do so in large groups. Dr. Bonnie Henry, BC’s Public Health Officer, has advised that people should continue to enjoy the outdoors but maintain appropriate social distancing at all times. We recognise the value of community to combat isolation, as well as the therapeutic benefits of gardening, and so you may see members of our volunteer corps, the Friends of Government House Gardens Society, working on the property. The Friends will continue practicing social distance gardening as long as it is safe to do so. Please note the public washrooms on the property have remained open and are cleaned and sanitised daily.

Any questions regarding the above may be directed to me personally via [email protected]. In the meantime, we share our best wishes for British Columbians in these challenging times. Stay well, stay safe. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Jerymy Brownridge

Private Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor and Executive Director, Government House