Our partners at SafeCare BC have prepared the bulletin below to keep people working in seniors care up to date on issues related to the spread of the COVID-19 virus. In addition to the update provided below, it is important to consider the following factors:
- Visitors who are experiencing respiratory illness (e.g. cough) should not visit care homes, which is a practice that should be observed year-round.
- Travellers returning from Hubei province or Iran should self-isolate for 14 days upon their return to Canada. The advice for other international travelers still stands (e.g. self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days).
For the most up-to-date information on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), please visit this information page provided by the B.C. Centre for Disease Control.
SafeCare BC Update on Protective Supplies
COVID-19, also known as the Coronavirus, continues to be a prevalent topic of conversation. SafeCare BC has the latest information for you.
Earlier, we surveyed your organization to see if you are experiencing any issues securing personal protective equipment (PPE). Here’s what you told us:
- More than half – 57% – of respondents are reporting issues ordering PPE.
- 54% of those reporting issues are having difficulty ordering supplies across multiple categories of PPE.
- The items reported as being the most challenging to order are:
- Surgical masks (88%)
- N95 masks (42%)
- Gloves (29%)
- Disposable gowns (13%)
- Hand sanitizer (13%)
- 33% of respondents reported their staff has concerns about the virus
We’d like to thank everyone who took the time to participate in this survey. Your feedback gives SafeCare BC the data we need to help you.
For those experiencing issues ordering hand sanitizer, the Ministry of Health recommends Purell Advanced 45 ml. as an alternative to IsoGel. The vendor that offers it is Stevens, and the product number is 391-691-24-TV.
For other supplies – such as gloves and masks – there may be alternative suppliers. Please contact info@safecarebc.ca for more information if you are experiencing difficulties ordering supplies.
BC Care Providers and SafeCare BC is continuing to work with the Ministry of Health to address your concerns about the virus. We’ll keep providing you with accurate, up-to-date information.
Here’s the latest information you need to know:
- The Public Health Agency of Canada is advising anyone returning to Canada from international travel to monitor themselves for symptoms for 14 days
- If they are experiencing a cough, fever, and/or trouble breathing, they are advised to call Health Link BC at 811
- The World Health Organization has NOT declared a pandemic
- Droplet / contact precautions with suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 are currently being advised by the Public Health Agency of Canada. This is the approach being followed in BC.
- Areas where there is evidence of sustained person-to-person transmission in the general community :
- Mainland China
- Hong Kong
- Iran
- Italy
- Japan
- Singapore
- South Korea
An updated list of areas can be found on the Government of Canada’s website.
We strongly recommend that you review internal infection prevention and controls practices with your staff. Virus-specific infection prevention and control guidance for acute care are also applicable to home care workers with cases (either suspected or confirmed) of COVID-19; view up-to-date guidelines here.
