Public Statement Regarding Emergency
Change of Hours
Thursday, March 19th 2020
As of Monday March 23, the Victoria Cannabis Buyers Club will limit our open retail hours to Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, with extended open hours from 9 am to 9 pm. Additionally, all sign ups will be processed over the phone by appointment on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. We will be closed completely on Sundays.
Out of care for the well-being of our community, and in accordance with government recommendations, we will be reducing our store hours to contribute to the collective effort to curb the spread of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus. Keeping our community safe and informed is our top priority because we serve chronically sick and immun-compromised patients. We are centering the safety of our members and our staff in this decision.
We hope that this temporary measure, along with other proactive actions, will be enough to protect our staff and members during this unprecedented situation.
Staff will be cleaning diligently throughout the day when we are open. Some of the precautionary measures we are taking include keeping the front door wide open, making sure all surfaces are constantly being wiped with antiseptic and disinfectant, getting staff to continuously wash their hands and avoid touching their face, asking members to keep a safe distance from each other and shutting down all activities in the club that could lead to multiple members touching the same surface. For the time being we have closed our safe consumption box as an additional safety measure.
It is with deep regret that we cannot simply switch over to a delivery system. There are many factors that make arranging this system extremely difficult. In fact, as of Thurs March 19, the VCBC will not be taking on any new mail order or delivery members. Only members who have previously accessed these services will be able to receive a delivery or mail order.
We are struggling to maintain our current operations and do not have the capacity to deal with a massive surge in deliveries or mail orders. There are many logistical factors that under the current circumstances make it impossible for us to expand our services, despite the desperate need we feel around us. In the meantime please feel free to call our store (250)-381-4220 and arrange for caregivers to pick up medicine for you on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
If the club is forced to close its doors we will not be able to offer deliveries or mail orders. We have to prepare for a possible complete temporary shutdown of the club but will do everything possible to hold back from doing that until it appears absolutely necessary. We cannot afford to have Island Health come here to shut us down due to non-compliance if the province deems it necessary to close retail stores as a preventative measure to curb the spread of the virus.
Our main goal in this decision is the protection of our staff. If one of our staff gets sick, then we are all likely to be quarantined and the organization will be in much more difficulty. We need to protect the backbone of this organization during these trying times.
This is an unprecedented situation that will require great patience, thoughtful actions and compassion for others. We have faith that our organization and community will soon be back to normal, if we take the necessary precautions now. The staff greatly appreciate all of the offers of assistance and well wishes we are receiving during these troubling days.
Wishing everyone good health and well-being.
Ted Smith
Founder and President
Victoria Cannabis Buyers Club
