COVID-19 Update: March 16, 2020
Stay connected. Stay healthy. And be kind
Everyone on the Inclusion BC Team is now working remotely from their home offices. We are doing our part to help stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus and stay healthy. While our office will be closed, we will continue to be available for support via email and phone.
Thank you to everyone working in B.C.’s healthcare and social sectors. We appreciate your extra efforts during these difficult times. You are making the difference and helping us all stay connected, healthy and safe.
Many people have questions about receiving support services while protecting their health and preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus. We know that people have concerns about their day programs, the duties of their service providers, and getting access to necessary medical treatment. The answers to these questions will depend on many factors, especially as the situation continues to evolve. Our recommendations will always be to contact your service organization and follow the directions of your local public health experts.
If you have questions about COVID-19, please call:
- COVID-19 Questions: 1-888-COVID19 (1-888-268-4319)
- BC HealthLink: Dial 811
Please refer to the BC Centre for Disease Control for steps for prevention and report any concerns of illness to the provincial hotline 811. Your local health authority will take the lead in providing immediate response to any health and safety incidents.
We would also like to remind everyone that we have postponed our annual conference until October 4-6, 2020.
For more information, see: www.inclusionbc.org
We can do this! Stay healthy!
British Columbia: March 16, 2020, COVID-19 Update
British Columbia has reported three new coronavirus deaths bringing the total fatalities in the province to four. The ministry also announced a total of 103 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the B.C.
The ministry has also announced the new phone line: British Columbians can reach service representatives seven days a week, from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., by calling 1-888-COVID19 (1-888-268-4319). Information is available in more than 110 languages.
Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, have issued the following joint statement regarding updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response in British Columbia:
“We are also announcing 30 new cases of COVID-19 for a total of 103 cases in British Columbia. The individuals are in the Vancouver Coastal, Fraser, Interior and Island health regions and were confirmed positive, based on BC Centre for Disease Control testing.
“We have also taken additional action to enhance social distancing and limit transmission. These efforts are not forever, but they are important for now.
“We are issuing a new order prohibiting all public gatherings of more than 50 people. This includes indoor and outdoor sporting events, conferences, meetings, religious gatherings and other similar events.”
B.C. Premier John Horgan has also issued a statement saying, “We will get through this by pulling together, by listening to the experts and by each of us doing our part.”
See More: BC Ministry of Health
BC People First: All about COVID-19
Information about COVID-19
You have probably heard a lot about the COVID-19 virus that is affecting our whole world right now. Events are being cancelled. And people are being quarantined. This means that they are being isolated from other people so they don’t spread the virus to them. Here is some information about the virus.
What is it?
COVID-19 is a virus that is very similar to the flu and the common cold. You may not know if you are infected unless you get tested.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms are much like the flu and the common cold. These include fever, cough, and breathing problems. Sometimes people will also have a headache.
What should you do if you have symptoms?
What to do if you have symptoms will be different for each person. If you are healthy and under 50 years old you should just stay home. You should do the same things you would if you had the common cold. That would be getting fluids, getting rest and avoiding other people.
For other people, they may need to contact a doctor. This includes people who are older than 50 who are sick and have breathing problems. This also includes people who may have immune system diseases and are sick. Or people who have already have medical conditions and are now sick.
Most provinces and territories are asking people to call ahead before they go to the doctor, hospital or clinic. You should find out the number to call in your community.
How can you avoid being infected?
The virus spreads from person to person. People are being told to keep at least 6 feet of distance between each other. This will help the virus from being spread around more.
There are other things you can do to reduce your risk of getting the virus. The most important one is washing your hands often.
- Wash your hands
Wash your hands often. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use a hand sanitizer if you do not have soap and water. - Do not touch your face
Do not touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. - Use tissues for coughs
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue. Then throw the tissue into the trash. - Avoid people who are sick
Avoid being in contact with people who are sick. This includes your family members. - Clean and disinfect
Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that are touched a lot. This includes things like doorknobs and countertops. - Stay home if you are sick
If you are sick you should stay home. This way you will not spread the virus to other people.
Share PDF: People First BC: Information about COVID-19
