Check this page regularly. CLBC will post updates as needed.
- Read the Invitation to the March 26 teleconference update on COVID-19 here
- Read the March 19, 2020 Update in plain language for individuals CLBC serves and the BC Self Advocacy community
- Read the March 18, 2020 Update for CLBC Eligible Individuals and Families on COVID-19
A new virus called Coronavirus or COVID-19 is causing an outbreak of illness around the world and in British Columbia. For now the number of confirmed cases in B.C. are limited. Experts say the risk of catching the disease is low. However, this may change and for that reason we have created a page to help answer questions from those receiving CLBC funded services.
How do I find out about coronavirus or COVID-19?
It is important to get the facts. You can find out about coronavirus or COVID-19, the current level of risk, and how to protect yourself and your family from the BC Centre for Disease Control website here. You can also find information and short videos on symptoms, how to protect yourself and other topics at the Vancouver Coastal Health website here.
What should I do to protect myself?
Health experts are asking us to focus on prevention:
- Stay home and away from others if you or your family are sick.
- Wash your hands often.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow or sleeve and dispose of tissues properly.
- Avoid usual greetings such as handshakes, hugs and kisses.
What if I have a chronic health condition?
Some individuals that CLBC serves also have other medical or health conditions. The Office of the Provincial Health Officer has provided tips for taking extra precautions here. If this information is hard to understand, please ask a friend or support worker to review it with you.
What do I do if I think I have the coronavirus or COVID-19 disease?
At this time there are only a limited number of confirmed cases in B.C. If you have flu like symptoms such as fever, coughing and difficulty breathing, please stay home and away from others. If you wish to visit your primary care provider’s office, a walk-in clinic or public health unit, please call them before your visit so they can prepare for your arrival.
You can call 811 at anytime to speak with a registered nurse. (People who are deaf and hearing impaired, call: 711)
The B.C. Ministry of Health has also developed a self-assessment tool which can help determine whether people may need further assessment or testing for COVID-19. You can complete this assessment for yourself, or on behalf of someone else, if they are unable to. Access the online self-assessment tool here.
What is CLBC doing to ensure people who receive support are protected?
It is a top priority for CLBC, service providers and support workers to protect the health of those we serve.
On Friday, March 6, CLBC sent a message to all service providers asking them to follow directions from the BC Centre for Disease Control website about preventing transmission at home and at the work place. We are asking service providers to ensure offices, group homes, home sharing placements and community inclusion programs post this information.
Most agencies have plans for different kinds of emergencies that outline how to keep people safe. CLBC will work with individual agencies as well as service provider groups like the BC CEO Network, The Federation of BC Social Services and Provincial Association of Residential and Community Agencies to support their members to respond to any new issues that arise.
Who do I contact with questions?
If you have questions about the virus and how to protect yourself, please check the web site of the BC Centre for Disease Control or HealthLink BC.
If you have question related to your support services, please contact your agency.
You can also contact CLBC at CLBCInfo@gov.bc.ca.
If you are a service provider agency, please check here for CLBC Updates to Service Providers.
In an effort to allow 811 health-care professionals to support more people who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or who require assistance with other health issues, the Province has created a dedicated phone service to provide British Columbians non-medical information about COVID-19. This includes the latest information on travel recommendations and social distancing, as well as access to support and resources from the provincial and federal governments. British Columbians can reach service representatives seven days a week, from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., by calling 1 888 COVID19. Information is available in more than 110 languages.