Those who care for the elderly urge the public to “Stop buying masks!”
Burnaby, B.C. (March 5, 2020): The leading industry associations representing seniors care providers in B.C. are urging members of the public to refrain from making unnecessary purchases or hoarding medical supplies upon receiving reports from their members regarding critical shortages of these supplies. Concerns caused by the COVID-19 health emergency are leading to high public demand, which is in turn limiting supplies for those who are caring for the frail and vulnerable seniors population.
“Care home operators are telling us that it is increasingly difficult to obtain items such as surgical masks and gloves due to the surge in public demand caused by concerns over the coronavirus,” says Daniel Fontaine, CEO for the BC Care Providers Association. “Every report to date indicates that it is older people with underlying chronic health conditions – like those who are living in care homes – who are most susceptible to COVID-19.
“It is therefore imperative that we keep workers, seniors and their family members safe.”
On Saturday, the U.S. Surgeon General’s office issued a statement on Twitter that expressed their exasperation over the run on surgical masks, pointing out that they are not an effective barrier from coronavirus for members of the public. The tweet said: “Seriously people – STOP BUYING MASKS!”
https://twitter.com/Surgeon_General/status/1233725785283932160
“When healthy people purchase items such as surgical masks, they are increasing the risk that care workers won’t have them at care homes or when they provide home care,” says Jennifer Lyle, CEO for SafeCare BC. “We’re encouraging everyone to refrain from purchasing medical supplies unless they are themselves ill and wanting to reduce the risk to other people.”
Reports from several care homes also indicate that not only are the supply of key medical supplies drying up, but the cost for these supplies is spiking. In one example, surgical masks are being sold for up to 11 times what they sold for only a few weeks ago. It is critical during any possible pandemic that a steady flow of supplies be prioritized for health care facilities and care homes throughout our province.
“While the public should take preventative measures for their own health, the stockpiling of medical supplies we are seeing will have serious consequences for our seniors in care,” says Bob Breen, Executive Director for the Denominational Health Association. “Until we can reestablish our supply chains again, members of the public can help seniors care providers by not purchasing these goods.”
In a survey of its members, SafeCare BC reports that 57% are reporting issues ordering personal protective equipment for continuing care workers. Most challenging was ensuring supply of surgical masks, N95 masks, gloves and alcohol-based hand rub.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Mike Klassen
VP, Public Affairs
mklassen@bccare.ca
604-377-5499
About BC Care Providers Association
Established in 1977, BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) is the leading voice for B.C.’s continuing care sector. Our growing membership base includes over 350 long-term care, independent living, assisted living, home care, home support, and commercial members from across British Columbia.
About SafeCare BC
SafeCare BC is a non-profit association working to ensure injury free, safe working conditions for the more than 28,000 continuing care workers in BC.
About Denominational Health Association
Established in 1995, Denominational Health Association represents owners of British Columbia’s faith-based health care facilities in strengthening understanding between them and government. DHA members respond to the needs of local communities in tending to the sick, the elderly, the poor and the marginalized, by providing compassionate and professional care to all in need, regardless of their beliefs.
