Coronavirus--where do I get good information?

My friend Sylvia said this the other day when we were talking and I think it is something we need to consider as we make a decision about things being normal. The biggest challenge for me is that while I feel just fine, I cannot in good faith guarantee that I have not been in contact with someone who is carrying the disease and is also, at the moment, feeling fine. This is not like inadvertently giving someone your cold that has not yet manifested itself. With an elderly person, such passing on could be a death sentence or, at the very least, a serious illness.

I cannot in all good conscience take that chance with any group of people, let alone a group that we have been told again and again are in the most vulnerable category. We, are in that category and have been cautioned to particularly watch out and try our level best not to catch this virus.

So, not only could I inadvertently give the virus to someone if I am out and about acting normally, they could do the same to me, both of us without knowing we had done so till weeks later. I am not prepared to live with that knowledge in order to do something that is not a life-critical event. How about you, what changes are you making during this emergency?

The next question is where do you get accurate information about this virus as part of your Emergency Preparedness is a good question? We have some links that may help you get the information you need to protect yourself and your loved ones.

The links below start from the World Health Organization and then go to my country, my province and my city. Each area has its own information so I would encourage you to start with the World Health Organization link which is here https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019 and then drill down using their site to find out more about what your country is doing.

For the latest on what Canada is doing about the virus follow the links below:

The Public Health Agency of Canada empowers Canadians to improve their health. In partnership with others, its activities focus on preventing disease and injuries, promoting good physical and mental health, and providing information to support informed decision making. It values scientific excellence and provides national leadership in response to public health threats. For the latest information on the Coronavirus in Canada go to the links below.

COVID-19 updates

Current cases, the risk to Canadians, monitoring, news and updates

Travel advice

Countries with travel notices, safety abroad, planning a cruise, returning travellers

Being prepared

Planning, prescriptions, essentials, caring for those who are ill, communication

Symptoms and treatment

Symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, about coronaviruses

Prevention and risk

How it spreads, prevention, risks of getting coronavirus

Canada’s response

Airports, assisted departures, collaboration with provinces and territories

For the latest on what British Columbia is doing about the virus follow the links below:

To support BC’s health care providers, this web resource (BC Ministry of Health current health issues) has been established to provide a centralized, current, and evidence-based source of current information about the emerging health issues in BC.

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

PHO’s statement on the first case of Novel Coronavirus in B.C.

Latest joint B.C. government statement on Novel Coronavirus

BC Centre for Disease Control clinical resources for health professionals

BC Centre for Disease Control information for public

BC Centre for Disease Control latest case counts

Health Canada Novel Coronavirus

Government of Canada travel advice and advisories

This information is updated almost every day, it is from the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority

A new coronavirus is the cause of an outbreak of respiratory infections, now known as COVID-19. The number of cases worldwide is changing quickly. B.C. has confirmed cases of coronavirus; however, the risk to Canadians continue to be low. 

What you need to know

Risk: The risk of coronavirus disease transmission continues to remain low for residents of British Columbia. People without symptoms do not pose a risk.

Prevention: Proper hand washing, covering your mouth and nose, when coughing or sneezing and staying home when you’re sick, is the best protection.

Symptoms: Reported signs and symptoms include: fever, coughing, difficulty breathing, and/or pneumonia in both lungs.

Experiencing symptoms: If you think you have the symptoms of coronavirus disease, please stay at home and call 8-1-1.

Returning from travel in Hubei province (including Wuhan city) in China or Iran: If you have returned from these areas, monitor for symptoms and avoid contact with others for 14 days after leaving those areas.

Returning from any travel: Travellers returning from other parts of the world are not asked to self-isolate but should monitor themselves for symptoms. If you have been travelling and you become ill or become ill after you return home, tell your health care provider about recent travel and your symptoms. You should also tell your provider if you had close contact with a sick person or had another high-risk exposure such as direct contact with animals. 

Health questions: If you have health concerns, call
HealthLink BC at 8-1-1.

Fraser Health Authorities web page on the virus is here

At Fraser Health, the health and safety of our residents and staff are our top priority.

We are working closely with Fraser Health sites and programs, the BC Centre for Disease Control, and the Public Health Agency of Canada to respond to the evolving novel coronavirus situation. 

The critical steps to ensure the safety of our employees and the people we serve at Fraser Health include early identification of cases, prompt isolation, testing and monitoring, and executing proper infection, prevention and control practices within facilities.

In addition to keeping you informed via this Q&A, we have organizational structures, plans and processes in place to address and monitor emerging issues like this one.

Coronavirus Questions – General Public

Information for Fraser Health-area residents about the novel coronavirus (named COVID-19)

Coronavirus Questions – Fraser Health Employees, Volunteers and Patient Partners

Information to help support you as a Fraser Health employee, volunteer and patient partner.

The BC Center for Disease Control page says

A new coronavirus is the cause of an outbreak of respiratory infections, now known as COVID-19. The number of cases worldwide is changing quickly. B.C. has confirmed cases of coronavirus; however, the risk to Canadians continue to be low.

The City of Port Coquitlam has information on the City’s webpage and they did put out a press release, which I missed. The webpage can also be accessed here: https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/city-services/community-safety/emergency-preparedness/covid19/ The web site has some good links and has the following information that is useful to know: (The following is from our webpage)

What Port Coquitlam is Doing

The city is committed to providing a clean and safe environment for all our facility users. To further prevent the spread of viruses, it has measures in place for daily cleaning and has increased cleaning of public touchpoints in city facilities.

The city also has emergency plans and processes in place if the risk increases.

The city is also advising staff and facility users to follow proper hygiene etiquette as directed by local health authorities. This includes:

Regularly and thoroughly washing hands with soap and water (use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available),

Avoid touching your face,

Not coughing in your hands,

Discarding tissues into a waste container,

Using cleaning supplies provided to wipe down fitness equipment before and after use, and

Not attending public facilities, events or gatherings if you are sick.

For all health-related concerns, the public is advised to call 811 or contact their health-care provider or local public health office.