Where do you get accurate information about this virus as part of your Emergency Preparedness is a good question. We have some links that may help you get the information you need to protect yourself and your loved ones. The City of Port Coquitlam has information on the City’s webpage, and they did put out a press release, which I missed. The webpage can also be accessed here: https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/city-services/community-safety/emergency-preparedness/covid19/ The web site has some good links and has the following information that is useful to know: (The following is from our webpage)
What Port Coquitlam is Doing
The city is committed to providing a clean and safe environment for all our facility users. To further prevent the spread of viruses, it has measures in place for daily cleaning and has increased cleaning of public touchpoints in city facilities.
The city also has emergency plans and processes in place if the risk increases.
The city is also advising staff and facility users to follow proper hygiene etiquette as directed by local health authorities. This includes:
Regularly and thoroughly washing hands with soap and water (use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available),
Avoid touching your face,
Not coughing in your hands,
Discarding tissues into a waste container,
Using cleaning supplies provided to wipe down fitness equipment before and after use, and
Not attending public facilities, events or gatherings if you are sick.
For all health-related concerns, the public is advised to call 811 or contact their health-care provider or local public health office.
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This information is updated almost every day, it is from the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority
A new coronavirus is the cause of an outbreak of respiratory infections, now known as COVID-19. The number of cases worldwide is changing quickly. B.C. has confirmed cases of coronavirus; however, the risk to Canadians continues to be low.
What you need to know
Risk: The risk of coronavirus disease transmission continues to remain low for residents of British Columbia. People without symptoms do not pose a risk.
Prevention: Proper hand washing, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and staying home when you’re sick is the best protection.
Symptoms: Reported signs and symptoms include: fever, coughing, difficulty breathing, and/or pneumonia in both lungs.
Experiencing symptoms: If you think you have the symptoms of coronavirus disease, please stay at home and call 8-1-1.
Returning from travel in Hubei province (including Wuhan city) in China or Iran: If you have returned from these areas, monitor for symptoms and avoid contact with others for 14 days after leaving those areas.
Returning from any travel: Travellers returning from other parts of the world are not asked to self-isolate but should monitor themselves for symptoms. If you have been travelling and you become ill or become ill after you return home, tell your health care provider about recent travel and your symptoms. You should also tell your provider if you had close contact with a sick person or had another high-risk exposure such as direct contact with animals.
Health questions: If you have health concerns, call
HealthLink BC at 8-1-1.
Here are some other sources of information starting with Canada, then BC and then Fraser Health Authority links
The Public Health Agency of Canada empowers Canadians to improve their health. In partnership with others, its activities focus on preventing disease and injuries, promoting good physical and mental health, and providing information to support informed decision making. It values scientific excellence and provides national leadership in response to public health threats. For the latest information on the Corronavirus in Canada go to the links below.
Current cases, risk to Canadians, monitoring, news and updates
Countries with travel notices, safety abroad, planning a cruise, returning travellers
Planning, prescriptions, essentials, caring for those who are ill, communication
Symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, about coronaviruses
How it spreads, prevention, risks of getting coronavirus
Airports, assisted departures, collaboration with provinces and territories
For the latest on what BC is doing about the virus follow the links below:
To support BC’s health care providers, this web resource (BC Ministry of Health current health issues) has been established to provide a centralized, current, and evidence-based source of current information about the emerging health issues in BC.
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
PHO’s statement on the first case of Novel Coronavirus in B.C.
Latest joint B.C. government statement on Novel Coronavirus
BC Centre for Disease Control clinical resources for health professionals
BC Centre for Disease Control information for public
BC Centre for Disease Control latest case counts
Health Canada Novel Coronavirus
Government of Canada travel advice and advisories
Fraser Health Authorities web page on the virus is here
At Fraser Health, the health and safety of our residents and staff are our top priority.
We are working closely with Fraser Health sites and programs, the BC Centre for Disease Control, and the Public Health Agency of Canada to respond to the evolving novel coronavirus situation.
The critical steps to ensure the safety of our employees and the people we serve at Fraser Health include early identification of cases, prompt isolation, testing and monitoring, and executing proper infection, prevention and control practices within facilities.
In addition to keeping you informed via this Q&A, we have organizational structures, plans and processes in place to address and monitor emerging issues like this one.
Coronavirus Questions – General Public
Information for Fraser Health-area residents about the novel coronavirus (named COVID-19)
Coronavirus Questions – Fraser Health Employees, Volunteers and Patient Partners
Information to help support you as a Fraser Health employee, volunteer and patient partner.
The BC Center for Disease Control page says
A new coronavirus is the cause of an outbreak of respiratory infections, now known as COVID-19. The number of cases worldwide is changing quickly. B.C. has confirmed cases of coronavirus; however, the risk to Canadians continues to be low.