“We’re doing our part, now we need you to do yours.”
That’s the message in the latest media release from Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH), which has seen the largest number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in BC since the global pandemic started.
In coordination with the provincial government’s advanced COVID-19 response plan, VCH has been executing its own regional pandemic outbreak response plan for several weeks in preparation for an expected increase in confirmed cases, according to the media release. Under that plan, VCH has activated emergency operations centres, is managing bed and critical care capacity, and is working to get medical supplies and equipment to where they’re needed.
According to VCH, the success of efforts to contain COVID-19 depend equally on planning and preparation within our health-care system and the cooperation of the public in keeping their distance from each other.
To ensure the work has the best possible outcome, residents have been asked to reduce personal risk by washing their hands often for at least 20 seconds, avoiding touching their face, and sneezing into their elbow.
To help flatten the curve, residents are also asked to continue to practice physical distancing by staying two metres from others and socializing online instead of physically.
While physical distancing is a helpful response to flatten the curve, VCH states that residents can still connect and care for their friends, family, neighbours and community, and look out for seniors isolated at home. A simple phone call, video chat or regular update emails can go a long way to reducing isolation and establishing a connection, according to VCH, as well as offering to run errands and get supplies for those who are older or have underlying health issues that make them more vulnerable to the coronavirus.
Going outside is still encouraged and does not pose a risk, just not in large groups.
