As of Oct. 5, 2021, B.C. is reporting 593 new cases of COVID-19, for a total of 190,372 cases in the province. We are seeing an average of 500-600 new cases daily in the province. Please continue to be vigilant at protecting yourself and others.
COVID19 Prevention Reminders: a combination of measures below can protect against COVID-19.
-Public Health Measures: get vaccinated, follow Provincial Health Officer Orders
-Environmental Measures: clean and disinfect workspace and cell phones, maintaining physical distance
-Administrative Measures: follow workplace policies and procedures (ie. staggered appointments, use virtual health if able, health check)
-Personal Measures: stay home if ill, wash your hands/sanitize hands frequently, avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth
-PPE: wear your mask, change it daily or if it becomes wet
Vaccination Info:
Weekly vaccination clinics are happening at health. Please contact Janice Ashton to book an appointment for yourself or any clients that may wish to be vaccinated.
Valid contraindications and deferrals to the vaccine can be found here:
Link for BC Vaccine Card: https://www.healthgateway.gov.bc.ca/vaccinecard
Visitor policy for long-term care and all other health-care settings in B.C. is being updated. Starting Oct. 12, 2021, visitors to long-term care and assisted-living facilities will need to show their vaccine card for proof of full immunization. Starting Oct. 26, 2021, visitors to acute-care settings will also need to show they are fully vaccinated.
Workplace Mental Health Support:
Care to Speak: peer support for B.C. healthcare workers
If you are experiencing tough times or challenges with your mental health, access online chat support or call 1-866-802-7337 (PEER) for peer support Monday to Friday, 5pm to 9pm, or Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Peer volunteers have healthcare experience within the continuing care sector. They are trained to provide virtual support and can refer you to additional resources.
Care for Caregivers: mental health support for healthcare providers
Trusted information, free workshops to support employees and quick daily coping tips are available through the Care for Caregivers hub for healthcare workers. This site provides a range of easy to use resources to support mental health and well-being.
Mobile Response Team (MRT)
Mental health support for healthcare workers in long-term care facilities and those working on the frontlines of the Overdose Public Health Emergency. Call 1-888-686-3022 or email the Mobile Response Team to access this service.
Workplace Mental Health Hub
Free workshops, webinars and information to help employers and employees in industries hard-hit by the pandemic manage stress and build resiliency. The Workplace mental health hub provides a range of tools for workers in the tourism, hospitality and community social services and other sectors to improve their overall mental health as well as navigation support to connect to other mental health services, including counselling and peer support.