News & Updates

Dear Blue Skies 2020 Participants,

Thank you for your interest in furthering the mental health conversation by attending the Blue Skies 2020 Canadian Burn Survivors Conference.

During this time of uncertainty, we have made the decision to postpone the Blue Skies Conference that was to be held at the Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront from May 20 - 23, 2020.

The health and safety of the entire Burn Fund Community is a top priority of the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund. We are actively monitoring updates regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and are following the guidance and recommendations from the Ministry of Health and the Office of the Provincial Health Officer. This includes the cancelation of events larger than 50 people.

Our goal is to support first responders and the medical community during this time by working together to help flatten the curve of this virus and by not overwhelming the health care system. We respect that this is a difficult time for many, and while we hope to reschedule this conference within one year, we will not be setting a new date at this time.

We will be reaching out to all registrants, sponsors, and vendors to refund or place a hold on tickets so that participants may attend the event once rescheduled with the same ticket. We appreciate your patience while we work to find solutions for ticketing processes.

We hope that you all stay safe and will be in touch soon regarding ticketing and updates.

Sincerely,

Sheila Kern

Executive Director

BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund

We are actively monitoring updates regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), and following guidance and recommendations from Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, WorkSafeBC, the BC Centre for Disease Control, and the Office of the Provincial Health Officer.

What's the update?

• The risk of COVID-19 spreading within BC is low, according to public health officials.
• BC has confirmed 32 cases of COVID-19.
• Yesterday, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced the first COVID-19-related death in the country. The man is in his 80s and had underlying health issues. He was one of two residents of a North Vancouver care home who was diagnosed with the virus last week.

What are the measures that the Pinnacle Harbourfront Hotel are taking?

• Posting all updates from the Provincial Health Authority in all public washrooms.
• Added hand sanitizer stations to all meeting floors, lobby area and other public spaces.
• Housekeeping have added additional sanitizing methods to guestrooms, door handles, elevators, washrooms, public spaces and common touchpoints.
• Banquet teams are implemented additional sanitizing of all tables, glassware, cutlery, doors and other touch points.

How can we prevent COVID-19?

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds - that’s about the same length it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice.
• Avoid touching your face - eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• When coughing or sneezing:
  • Cover your mouth and nose with your arm or tissues – or better yet, your elbow.
  • Immediately dispose of any tissues you have used into the garbage and wash your hands afterwards.

Where can I go for more information?

• Vancouver Coastal Health
• BC Centre for Disease Control
• HealthLinkBC

Concerned about cancelling/booking your trip?

• Registration fee: we will be extending the early bird rate until May 20, 2020. We will also offer refunds on registration fees if needed.
• Hotel cancellation policy: guests can cancel their reservations with no penalty as long as they cancel 48 hours prior. If a guest cancels their reservation within the 48 hours prior to arrival then the hotel would charge for one night room and tax.
• Flights: please consult your air travel provider for more details and updates.