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COVID-19 and the Heritage Sector

Posted on March 16, 2020 by Heritage BC

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A message from BC Museums Association and Heritage BC:

As communities across British Columbia follow news on the global spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the BC Museums Association and Heritage BC would like to direct members to relevant information and resources. These resources are not to be taken as legal advice or definitive answers to the challenges facing our sector, but rather as links to trusted sources of information from official government channels. We urge all members to look to local, provincial, and federal levels of government for information and best practices to help safeguard our communities’ wellbeing. The situation has been changing rapidly and it is important to seek up-to-date information from reliable sources.

This is a time for all of us to reflect on the meaning of heritage: it is about what matters, and it is about the stories that connects us. Ultimately, it is about all people, their communities, and our humanity. It is for those reasons that we must choose to self-educate and share credible sources, as we help our communities in choosing empathy and compassion. As custodians of history and heritage, we know what history has to teach us and we have a responsibility to educate against harmful misconceptions and prejudiced ideas and acts.

The following is information is assembled on March 13, 2020. It is important that you refer to authoritative sources and rely on up-to-date science-based information.

Currently, provincial health officials recommend the following containment measures (source):

  • Event organizers cancel any gathering in British Columbia larger than 250 people.
  • Canadians are to avoid all non-essential travel outside Canada, including to the US. Anyone who chooses to travel outside Canada should stay away from work or school for 14 days on their return.
  • Workplaces should start thinking about social distancing measures.

 Provincial Resources:

 Federal Resources: 

Workplace Advice for Employers (Considerations, contingency planning)

 Updates: Employment Insurance Benefits and Other Measures

 Resources and Responses from BC NFP Organizations

 Other Useful Resources 

Statements from Provincial and Territorial Museum Associations:

For best practices exploring personal preparedness, preparing for public gatherings, collections/facilities care, and human resources & business continuity planning, the Ontario Museums Association and the American Alliance of Museums have both created significant compilations of existing resources.

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As an organization of provincial scope, Heritage BC recognizes that its members, and the local history and heritage they seek to preserve, occupy the lands and territories of B.C.’s Indigenous peoples. Heritage BC asks its members and everyone working in the heritage sector to reflect on the places where they reside and work, and to respect the diversity of cultures and experiences that form the richness of our provincial heritage.