Check this page regularly. CLBC will post updates as needed.
A virus called Coronavirus or COVID-19 is causing an outbreak of illness around the world and in British Columbia. We have created this page to keep you updated and help answer questions from those receiving CLBC funded services.
Latest updates:
Clarification on visitors in group homes during PHO restrictions – Published December 20
Important information for self advocates and families on new PHO vaccination order – Published November 26
Join CLBC’s October 21 COVID-19 telephone update for self advocates and families – Published October 18
Nearly everyone able to safely receive COVID-19 vaccines – Published October 4
CLBC update on current stage of the pandemic – Published September 3
Clarification on PHO order for long-term care home mandatory vaccinations – Published August 19
CLBC update on B.C.’s Restart Plan – Published August 3
An important message from Dr. Bonnie Henry and self advocates: You can too! – Published July 26
Deadline of Sept. 30 Announced for Flexible Respite and Payment to Family Members Interim Guidance – Published June 11
CORRECTION – The original email version of this message included an incorrect phone number for the BC Government Get Vaccinated system. The correct number, 1-833-838-2323, is now included in the message below.
Update on COVID-19 vaccinations and information on second doses – Published May 28
Important update on COVID-19 vaccinations for individuals eligible for CLBC – Published April 9
Information on COVID-19 vaccinations for individuals eligible for CLBC – Published March 26
Join CLBC’s March 30 COVID-19 telephone update for self advocates and families – Published March 23
Join CLBC’s February 16 COVID-19 telephone update for self advocates and families – Published February 9
New grant to help individuals with disabilities return to workforce – Published January 18
The Province has dedicated $9.7 million to a grant program CLBC employment service providers can apply to through Inclusion BC to supplement employment support services to assist about 1,100 people with disabilities who lost their jobs during COVID-19, to prepare them to re-enter the workforce.
- For more information, read the Province’s news release here
- Read the FAQs for individuals and families about this funding here
- Government has implemented financial, mental health and residential supports to assist people with disabilities during COVID-19. You can find more information here on the Province’s website.
- For a list of continually updated resources available to all individuals and families during COVID-19, please subscribe to our newsletter here
CLBC funded services in Lower Mainland unaffected by November 7 PHO orders – Published November 9
CLBC update for family caregivers on respite – Published October 22
Resiliency survey for family caregivers who live with CLBC supported adult family members – Published September 3
How CLBC offices are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic – Published August 20
A special thank you to families, from Ross Chilton, CLBC CEO – Published July 14
Important Information On CLBC’s COVID-19 Stage 2 Recovery
- Letter for family members
- Letter for individuals
- Frequently Asked Questions – Individuals and Families
Reminder: You can subscribe to our ‘Weekly Updates for Individuals and Families’ by clicking here to stay up to date on new developments and announcements.
CLBC Update on Hospital Visits – Published May 20
(Read the plain language summary of this announcement here).
CLBC Update on COVID-19 Recovery Planning – Published May 13
(Read the plain language version of this update here)
News Release – Emergency Supports For Home Share, Support Service Providers
Click here for a plain language summary of the Emergency Funding announcement above – Published April 21
Update for individuals and families on COVID-19 response – Published April 9
New CLBC COVID-19 Weekly Update Summarizes Recent Announcements, Resources And Stories – Published March 31
Update in plain language for individuals CLBC serves and the BC Self Advocacy community – Published March 19
Update for CLBC Eligible Individuals and Families on COVID-19 – Published March 19
Questions and Answers about COVID-19
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.