BCSLA

Addresses COVID-19 Concerns

Through BCSLA’s cooperation with the Provincial Government of BC, we are working to provide timely, informative updates to our members and to those living in our communities and their loved ones. This document will be populated with updates as we receive them, so be sure to check back regularly. It is recommended that you contact the seniors’ community or residence prior to any visitation.

For those who have any questions or concerns, please email them to: info@bcsla.ca

 


 

Daily COVID-19 Updates:

BC’s Private Independent and Assisted living communities to Receive Third Dose Vaccinations
Joint Statements on BC’s COVID-19 Response

 

Directives and Orders:

Province-wide Restrictions – March 29, 2021

Prevention Regional Measure – December 07, 2020
Gatherings and Events – November 10, 2020
Amendment: Deployment and Redeployment of Staff – October 26, 2020
BC Restart Plan Phase 3 – June 24, 2020
Workplace Safety Plans – May 14, 2020
Licensed Practical Nurse Swabbing – May 7, 2020
Long-Term Care Facility Staff Assignment – May 7, 2020

 

Information about COVID-19:

Ministry of Health Website
BC Centre for Disease Control – COVID-19
Public Health Agency of Canada Website
BC COVID-19 Data Dashboard
BC COVID-19 General Guidance Documents
HealthLink BC Resources for COVID-19
Public Health Agency of Canada – Preparedness and COVID-19
BC COVID-19 Preparedness

 

Guidance Documents and Links for Providers:

Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: Support for Canadians and Businesses – Canada.ca

Mask Use in Healthcare Facilities

Health Career Access Program
Long-Term Care & Assisted Living Visitor Policy
BCCDC Long-Term Care & Assisted Living Resources
VCH: COVID-19 Information for Long-Term Care & Assisted Living
FH: COVID-19 Questions – Long-Term Care & Assisted Living
Guidance for Employers – Operationalizing the Single Site Model
BCCDC COVID-19 Care – Vulnerable Populations
Quick Facts about COVID-19
Policy Communique: COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control – May 19, 2020
PPE Supply, Assessment, Testing and Distribution Protocol – May 1, 2020
COVID-19 Ethical Decision-Making Framework – March 28, 2020
COVID-19 Ethics Analysis: What is the Ethical Duty of Health Care Workers to Provide Care during the
COVID-19 Pandemic? – March 28, 2020
COVID-19: Emergency Prioritization in a Pandemic PPE Allocation Framework – March 25, 2020

 

Health Authority Information:

Interior Health: What you need to know about COVID-19
Island Health: COVID-19 Information
First Nations Health Authority
Fraser Health Authority: COVID-19
Northern Health: COVID-19 Information
Vancouver Coastal Health: Information on COVID-19

 

BC COVID-19 Phases:

BC Restart Plan Phase 1 – Ended May 18, 2020
BC Restart Plan Phase 2 – Ended June 23, 2020
BC Restart Plan Phase 3 – June 24, 2020 Onwards
Note: The phased approach to BC’s Restart Plan is on pause for the duration of province-wide
restrictions.
BC Restart Plan Phase 4 – Conditional on global availability of vaccine or treatment

 

Sites Requiring PPE and Sanitization Supplies:

For those sites who have a critical shortage (three days or less of supply) of any PPE or sanitization products should send an email to info@safecarebc.ca with the list of PPE or supplies needed and the name of your current suppliers.

 

Visitation Guidelines for Family and Loved Ones:

Although most BCSLA members are already practicing common sense approaches to their site specific visitation guidelines, the Public Health Officer has issues a communique regarding the restriction of visitors. Although the notice implicitly applies to Long-Term Care and Assisted Living sites, the Ministry of Health (MoH) officials have been notified that some measures may be adopted by Independent Living operators to help assist in any enforcement of visitor restrictions. In addition, a Residential Tenancy Board FAQ regarding Independent Living sites has been included for your information.

But to be prudent and safe, it is recommended that you contact the residence prior to visiting to ensure that any site-specific guidelines are adhered to.

 

For visitors to Independent Living sites, please visit the Residential Tenancy Board FAQ:

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/residential-tenancies/covid-19#legal

 

Select Standing Committee Finance: Pandemic Pay and COVID-19 PHO Compliance Costs:

https://www.bcsla.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Select-Standing-Committee-Finance-2021-Budget.pdf

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

 

Q. What is COVID-19? What are the symptoms?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses found mostly in animals. In humans, they can cause diseases ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). The disease caused by this new coronavirus has been named COVID-19. The virus that causes COVID-19 is called SARS-CoV-2.

COVID-19 was first identified in late 2019. It was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020.

Use the self-assessment tool available from the BC Centre for Disease Control: https://bc.thrive.health/


Q. Where can I find the current COVID-19 case counts, surveillance reports and press statements?

B.C. has declared a state of emergency and a public health emergency. Find the latest information
about confirmed cases in B.C. and the surveillance report on our website. You can find the latest press statements and videos of the press briefings on the BC Gov News website.


Q. What is self-monitoring and self-isolation?

Self-monitoring means you should be monitoring your health and the health of your children for symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing. Individuals who are self-monitoring are allowed to attend work and school and take part in regular activities.

Self-isolation is used to lower the chance of spreading infectious germs to other people by avoiding situations where someone could infect others. Self-isolation is one important way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in BC. In this case, you must stay at home, in a hotel or similar place, and avoid all contact with others.

Detailed information can be here found here: https://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseasesconditions/covid-19/self-isolation


Q. What precautions should be taken when visiting with others?

Please follow the guidelines set out by the Provincial Health Officers in regards to “core” bubbles and restrictions in effect. Visit outdoors where possible and practice physical distancing. Do not share food, drinks, utensils, etc. If you are at greater risk (over the age of 60 or with underlying medical conditions), be informed of your risk, think through your risk tolerance, and take extra precautions as needed.


Q. Can I visit family and loved ones who are over the age of 60?

Those over the age of 60 are at greater risk if exposed to COVID-19. Before arranging a visit, make sure they are aware of their risk, taking into consideration any underlying health conditions. During your visit, you may wish to take extra precautions such as avoiding handshakes or hugs and maintaining a physical distance.

If your relative resides in a senior living residence, please call the residence and check their visitor policy before visiting.

Do not plan to visit if you have a cold, flu, or COVID-like symptoms.


Q. ADD: Q. What is a core bubble??

The “core bubble” for a person who lives alone can include one or two others from outside of their household. For example, three people who live alone can join together to form one exclusive “core bubble”. A person who lives alone can also join with a 2-person household to form a 3-person “core bubble”.

The key is that this 3-person core bubble remain consistent and tight for all involved. For more information visit: Social Gatherings

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