Please refer to the resources below for information on COVID-19 and how to protect yourself and the community. Please be advised that this information continues to change rapidly. As such, we recommend that you visit the website links provided for the latest updates.
Key information on COVID-19:
- BC Centre for Disease Control: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/coronavirus-(novel)
- Vancouver Coastal Health: http://www.vch.ca/about-us/news/vancouver-coastal-health-statement-on-coronavirus
- Translated content from BC CDC: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/about-covid-19/translated-content
Prevention:
The most important thing you can do to prevent infection and protect loved ones is to wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face. To help reduce your risk of infection:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Using soap and water is the single most effective way of reducing the spread of infection.
- If a sink is not available, alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHR) can be used to clean your hands as long as they are not visibly soiled. If they are visibly soiled, use a wipe and then ABHR to effectively clean them.
- Do not touch your face, eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue or the crease of your elbow when you sneeze or cough.
- Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
- Do not share food, drinks, utensils, etc.
Physical Distancing:
There are many ways to practice physical distancing:
- Limit activities outside your home
- Work from home
- Use virtual options to connect with others
- If you are out in public, keep 2 metres between yourself and others.
- Keep your hands at your side when possible
- Stay home when you are sick
- Cough into your elbow or sleeve
- Avoid social activities in large gatherings
- Greet with a wave instead of a handshake, kiss, or hug
- Exercise at home or outside
- Get groceries and medicines at off-peak times
Other useful information on COVID-19:
- World Health Organization Coping With Stress: https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/coping-with-stress.pdf?sfvrsn=9845bc3a_2
- World Health Organization Coping With Stress for Children: https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/helping-children-cope-with-stress-print.pdf?sfvrsn=f3a063ff_2
- Vancouver Coastal Health How to Wash Your Hands: http://www.vch.ca/Documents/How-to-handwash-poster.pdf
Safety at Home
Families can have a very challenging time as they respond to the COVID -19 crises by staying at home. It is well researched that in times of social stress, violence in the home can increase. Please reach out if you are experiencing abuse in your home, or if you are not sure your children are safe, connect with
Battered Women’s Support Services:
Tel: 604-687-1867 or toll-free at 1-855-687-1868
Text: 604-652-1867 or Email intake@bwss.org
Website: www.bwss.org
If you are in immediate danger please call 911.
If you are experiencing feelings of extreme distress, crises or you are feeling that life is not worth it or if you or someone in your family are having thoughts of suicide please call 1-800-784-2433 (1-800-SUICIDE), or call your local crisis centre. You can also receive support from the following services:
Anywhere in BC 1-800-SUICIDE: 1-800-784-2433
Mental Health Support Line: 310-6789
Vancouver Coastal Regional Distress Line: 604-872-3311
Online Chat Service for Youth: www.YouthInBC.com (Noon to 1 am)
Online Chat Service for Adults: www.CrisisCentreChat.ca (Noon to 1 am)
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 (24/7) or Text 686868 or Live Chat: https://kidshelpphone.ca/live-chat/