Attention Self Advocates
The selfadvocatenet.com coverage of the Corona Virus pandemic also called COVID 19 is intended to inform Self Advocates by bringing you daily updates and information regarding this life-threatening situation so you stay healthy and safe.
We encourage all Self Advocates to follow the Ministry of Health guidelines so we can stop the spread of this virus quickly. We each must do our part to protect ourselves and our communities. If you have an issue let us know we are here to support one another.
A message that selfadvocatenet.com is wanting to let you know: If you are out touching public surfaces, debit card machines, door handles at the grocery store DO NOT TOUCH YOUR FACE until you can wash your hands. Wash your hands WELL, scrub for at least 20 seconds and don’t touch your face.
Stay home if you are sick. If you are sneezing cover your mouth with your arm. Practice social isolation by staying 2 meters or at least 2 arm lengths away from everyone. If you take the bus sit a few seats away from the next person.
By practicing these guidelines we will be doing our part as citizens to keep everyone safe. When you are at home make sure your surroundings are cleaned regularly. Frequently wipe down things you touch a lot like door handles, light switches, telephones, countertops, bathrooms, etc.
Make sure you reach out to service providers, family, and friends if you are uncertain. Only go out if it is necessary like going shopping or to the drug store.
All the best from the Sans Team.
World Health Organization has now called it Pandemic Officially
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Using soap and water is the single most effective way of reducing the spread of infection.
- If a sink is not available, alcohol based hand rubs (ABHR) can be used to clean your hands as long as they are not visibly soiled. If they are visibly soiled, use a wipe and then ABHR to effectively clean them.
- Do not touch your face, eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue or the crease of your elbow when you sneeze or cough.
- Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
- Do not share food, drinks, utensils, etc.
- Handwashing poster
Will wearing a mask protect me?
Health-care workers will wear surgical masks, eye protection and gowns in order to protect themselves and other patients. During health-care procedures in which aerosol sprays may be generated (for example, when giving certain inhaled medications), health-care workers should wear specialized masks.
Protecting loved ones
What if I have a chronic condition?
Here it is the Covig 19 videos made by SAS and SALN. go to this link to watch it click here
or click on picture below where see picture of videos below
Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine
Other related link to this Corona Virus help to prevent it so don’t get sick
Vaccine Distribution in BC and People with Intellectual Disabilities
Vaccine Queue Calculator for Canada
How close are we to a vaccine for COVID-19?
Special Olympics BC has information bullitins if your athletes, volunteers, coaches can coach and athletes can play and voluteers can help click here
Advice for public – World Health Organization
Health information about novel coronavirus
Coronavirus infection: Symptoms and treatment – Canada.ca
https://www.safety.com/news/coronavirus-safety-tips/
COVID-19 Provincial Support and Information updates daily
COVID-19 Symptom Self-Assessment Tool Federal Govt of Canada
CACL coverage of the covid 19 check it out here
CloudMD See a doctor on your phone CloudPractice Inc
Request or Donate Supplies to Support B.C.’s COVID-19 Response
Counseling places that can call if need talk to someone self advocates affected by Covid 19
Dorothy Hyslop (Counsellor that was at Leadership Retreat) is willing to provide free counselling to Self Advocates affected by COVID-19.
please contact Dorothy Hyslop at 604-765-1039 and leave a message or
Email her at dorothyhyslop1associates@gmail.com
or go to her website details Dorothy Hyslop & Associates Counselling & Consulting
Illuminating Counselling Services
Practicing social distancing does not mean counselling services are not available. We have the means to assist you via telephonic means or web applications.
I am aware that this pandemic has increased anxiety and depression for many. Please know that I am available for you.
Illuminating Counselling Services at www.advicecounselling.com.
Rosemary Fromson, RPC, MPCC-S
Email her at rjfroms@telus.net; Phone: 604-302-9648
COVID-19 Disability Advisory Group will continue to help guide Government action on disability inclusion
This on Canada Govt Website go to the link here
Government of Canada extends deadline to apply for the Disability Tax Credit to receive the COVID-19 one-time payment for persons with disabilities
This on Canada Govt Website go to the link here
Federal Briefing on the response to Covid 19
Statement from the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada
January 19th,2021 | Ottawa, ON | Public Health Agency of Canada
Welcome to this virtual press conference. My colleagues and I in Ottawa are trying to do our part in reducing contacts as much as possible.
There have been over 715,000 cases of COVID-19 in Canada, including 18,120 deaths and nearly 74,000 active cases across the country. Nationally, the average case count is now close to 6,700 new cases being reported daily over the past week, with a still increasing number of people experiencing severe illness. There are an average of about 4,775 individuals with COVID-19 being treated in Canadian hospitals, over 880 of whom are in critical care, and over 140 deaths are being reported each day. Canada continues to monitor for virus variants of concern; to date, the National Microbiology Laboratory has verified 23 cases with the [B.1.1.7] variant first reported in the United Kingdom and 2 cases with the [501Y.V2] variant first reported in South Africa.
By now, we have seen time and again that our actions matter. As we’ve watched COVID-19 trend up and down, and up again, we are reminded that our actions have consequences. Every time we get a little too tired or a little too excited about holidays or start thinking that vaccines could give us a shortcut, we are met with a new spike of activity as COVID-19 tries to take the lead again. We have also come to realise that we’re not all on equal footing, and that some in our communities need additional support to be able to keep themselves and their loved ones safer.
Last week’s national epidemiology and modelling update was the latest reality check. Of course, we’re all tired and want this to be over and ultimately to win against this virus, but we are again at a pivotal moment where there is a great deal at stake. As cases accumulate ever more quickly, hospitalisations, critical illness and deaths will continue to rise. It is incumbent upon all of us to prevent more of these tragic consequences.
Redoubling our efforts and not letting up is the difficult work we need to do now. The consequences of these actions are the compound benefits we all want – by suppressing COVID-19 disease activity we are all contributing to reducing the burden on the health system, supporting our health care workforce in the difficult task of planning and implementing mass vaccine rollout; and giving vaccines a longer runway to begin to work, as access expands to reach all Canadians.
For all we have been through and all we stand to achieve in the months ahead, we owe it to ourselves and all those we have worked to protect thus far to see this through and save every life we can. Every vacation travel we postpone for a better time in the future; every outing or activity we avoid, shorten, or limit to essentials; all the diligence we apply to handwashing, masking, and spacing helps to reduce spread of the virus. This is the tough part of the COVID-19 marathon, together it will be easier.
Read my backgrounder to access COVID-19 Information and Resources, including information on vaccination and ways to reduce your risk of infection and spreading the virus and others.
Federal Briefing on the Response to COVID-19 – January 19, 2021
Update on COVID-19 in Canada: Epidemiology and Modelling January,15th,2021
HERE YOU WILL FIND THE LATEST DATA ON COVID-19 CASES IN Canada Jan 18th,2021
People First Covig 19 Resources
Inclusion Canada COVID & Disability: Resources for Families
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BC People First is proud to present the Self Advocate Leadership of the Year Award. The Award will celebrate an individual who has shown exceptional leadership and knowledge throughout 2020 in advocating for the rights of people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
CLBC Update January 12th,2021 go to this link click here
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INCLUSION CANADA CALLS ON GOVERNMENTS TO PRIORITIZE PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES, THEIR FAMILIES AND SUPPORT STAFF FOR COIVD-19 VACCINE
B.C. Human Rights Commissioner issues guidance on COVID-19 mask policies
Commissioner Kasari Govender provides guidelines that detail how masking requirements must accommodate
people with disabilities or medical conditions that prevent them from using non-medical masks.
This on website Called BC Human Right,s Commission go to the link here
First delivery of COVID-19 vaccinations arrives in B.C.
Emergency support for vulnerable people during COVID-19 continues to December,2020
Province updates measures to enforce Lower Mainland COVID-19 public safety
Online tool helps people book appointments with Service BC
Province clarifies Visitors policy on essential vs. social visits at care homes, seniors facilities
January 8th,2021
Revised “Essential Visits” policy now supports people with disabilities during hospital visits
Page 3 Family and Visitor Policy click on picture below see document
B.C.’s Response to COVID-19 Last updated: Jan 19th,2021
click on picture below
Hear is updates from BC Govt Health Minister and Dr Henry
Joint statement on Province of B.C.’s COVID-19 response, latest updates
British Columbia (BC) COVID-19 Situation Report Update January 15th,2020
B.C. COVID-19 response update
HERE YOU WILL FIND THE LATEST DATA ON COVID-19 CASES IN BRITISH COLUMBIA.
Updated January 18th,2021
This on website called BC Center for Disease Control website click here
Safe Restart funding supports reliable public transportation, affordable fares
Community Update: BC Recovery Benefit and BC Recovery Supplement
TransLink COVID-19 Update
Mandatory Face Covering Policy
Changes to mask rules on public transit
November 27, 2020 – Media Release
NEW WESTMINSTER, B.C. – Customers must now wear masks while boarding or waiting for transit at any indoor or sheltered stations and stops, as a result of the Provincial Government’s Ministerial Order mandating mask use.
Specific changes customers must now observe are as follows:
In addition to transit vehicles, masks are now required at any indoor or sheltered location where people are boarding or waiting for transit, including stations, platforms, bus stops, bus loops, and bus exchanges.
- Face shields are no longer a suitable option in place of a non-medical mask or face covering.
- TransLink will suspend the issuance of exemption cards given we are not able to exempt customers from a Ministerial Order. The Ministerial Order does allow for certain exemptions, which can be found here.
- Transit Police will conduct standard inquiries with any customer not wearing an appropriate mask or face covering.
Approximately 95 per cent of customers are wearing masks on transit and TransLink expects all customers to comply with the changes required as part of the Ministerial Order. Transit Police will enforce the Ministerial Order and can issue fines of $230, subject to the exemptions set out in the Order. Customers who observe others not following the rules can report these instances to TransLink’s Customer Information team. This information will help Transit Police target enforcement in problem areas. Customers should not to attempt to enforce the Ministerial Order themselves.
More information:
Ministerial Order on mask use
Media contact:
TransLink Media Relations
E: media@translink.ca
This on BC Translink website go to the link here
BC Transit mandatory face covering policy update
BC Transit is updating our mandatory face covering policy to align with the mandatory mask order implemented by the
Province of BC. It is required that customers are wearing face covering when on board a BC Transit vehicle. The order from the Province of BC also requires customers waiting at covered bus stops to be wearing a face covering.
To ensure everyone’s safety and compliance with the new order, we are asking everyone to wear a face covering for your entire transit journey.
Our exemption list is being adjusted to align with the order from the Province of BC. Exemptions include:
- People with health conditions or with physical, cognitive or mental impairments who cannot wear one
- People who cannot remove a mask on their own .
- Children under the age of 12
Transit Operators working alone behind a full driver door or vinyl panel are also exempt from wearing a face mask as indicated by Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry. Staff on board BC Transit vehicles and not behind a full driver door or vinyl panel will be required to wear a face covering unless they meet the exemption criteria.
Aligning with the Province of BC criteria, face shields will no longer be considered acceptable as a face covering as it has an opening below the mouth. For a list of face coverings that you can use please visit bccdc.ca.
Our priority will continue to be on educating customers about the mandatory face covering policy. Current materials include signage on buses and at bus stops, onboard announcements (where available), and signage on our destination signs. We are rolling out new promotional materials in BC Transit communities, and will continue to raise awareness about the policy.
Transit Operators are responsible for the safe operation of their bus. As with any issues, the operator has the ability to report those being vocal to the noncompliance of the mask mandate to their transit supervisor or manager. Under the order, BC Transit supervisors and managers will now have authority to enforce compliance with the assistance of local authorities if necessary. It is important to remember there are reasons a person may not be able to wear a face covering.BC Transit asks customers to please be kind to each other, and if someone is not wearing a face covering to assume they meet our exception criteria. Customers who observe others not following the rules can report these instances to their local transit office. This information will help our team provide on-road support. Customers should not attempt to enforce the Ministerial Orders.
See more details about our COVID-19 response.
BC Transit updates Coronavirus COVID-19 Information latest here
BC Ferries Covid 19 Updates
COVID-19 Update – Important information – Last updated December 8, 2020
BC Ferries remains committed to ensuring coastal communities have reliable access to essential goods and supplies. Our priority is the health and safety of our customers and employees, and the company will strictly adhere to provincial and federal guidelines.
We encourage our customers to continue to heed Dr. Bonnie Henry’s advice to be calm, be kind, and be safe. Our vessel and terminal staff are working hard to adjust to changing circumstances and to implement protocols and procedures that keep everyone safe and healthy. BC Ferries does not tolerate any abuse, including verbal abuse, towards its employees. A customer who abuses an employee will be denied service.
On December 7, 2020 Dr. Bonnie Henry announced an update to the COVID-19 restrictions (in effect November 7 – January 8, 2021), for more information click here. BC Ferries advises customers to avoid non-essential travel at this time – this includes travel into and out of B.C. and between regions of the province. If this new Provincial Health Officer restriction affects your travel plans please contact us to change or cancel your booking. Reservations fees for existing bookings will be refunded if travel must be cancelled as a result of Provincial Health Order (PHO) travel restrictions, please contact us in advance of travel. This applies to travel occurring during the PHO travel restriction period.
Masks are mandatory
All passengers must wear non-medical masks or face coverings when at terminals and on board ferries except:
- When inside a vehicle
- When consuming food or drinks, provided physical distancing is maintained
- Children under 2 years of age
- Medical condition or disability that inhibits the ability to wear a mask
- Persons unable to place or remove a mask without assistance
- BC Ferries employees working behind a physical barrier or within employee only areas provided physical distancing is maintained
* In the event that a passenger cannot wear a mask or face covering due to medical reasons, BC Ferries may require passengers to present documentation from a healthcare professional. This is a new Transport Canada requirement for ferry operators across Canada.
Passengers are reminded to continue to maintain physical distance while wearing a mask.
As defined by the Public Health Agency of Canada, a mask should fit securely to the head with ties or ear loops, be made of at least two layers of tightly woven material fabric (such as cotton or linen) and be large enough to completely and comfortably cover the nose and mouth without gaping.
Transport Canada – Closed deck regulation – reinstatement on September 30th
The temporary flexibility Transport Canada granted ferry operators that allows passengers to remain in their vehicle on enclosed vehicle decks is being rescinded by the regulator on September 30th, 2020. Transport Canada allowed this temporary flexibility earlier this summer in response to COVID-19. BC Ferries must comply with Transport Canada regulations. Starting on September 30th, passengers loaded on enclosed lower decks will be required to leave their vehicles.
Learn more about the reinstatement of the Transport Canada regulation
View frequently asked questions
Transport Canada – COVID-19 screening
For any route longer than 30 minutes, BC Ferries will screen all customers for COVID-19 symptoms and restrict travel to any customer that does not meet the screening requirements, as per the federal guidelines.
Prior to entering a BC Ferries’ terminal, customers need to answer the following questions:
- Do you have a fever and a cough?
- Do you have a fever and breathing difficulty?
- Have you been refused boarding in the past 14 days due to a medical reason related to COVID-19?
- Are you the subject of a provincial/territorial or local public health order? Note: A provincial/territorial or local public health order is typically a quarantine order issued to a person who has tested positive or is presumed positive to COVID-19
- Are you in possession of a face covering that covers your mouth and nose, and do you agree to wear this covering when outside your vehicle at terminals and while on board ferries?
If you answer yes to any of questions 1 to 4 and/or no to question 5 above, or refuse to answer any of the questions, BC Ferries will deny you boarding. Customers not displaying symptoms and under a directive to self-isolate at home may be permitted on board but will be required to maintain physical distance by remaining in their vehicle.
BC Ferries has implemented measures in order to ensure that customers with serious medical conditions and a need for time sensitive treatments are able to continue to travel. Customers can communicate their travel needs to the ticket agent when they arrive at the terminal. Reservations are recommended, but non-reserved travel will be prioritized based on the essential travel needs.
View more details on Transport Canada’s announcement
Book in advance to avoid lengthy waits as sailings are limited. Check-in processing takes longer due to screening protocols in place.
Northern routes
For more information on our current Northern schedules, visit bcferries.com/schedules.
Many communities served by BC Ferries have issued advisories to travelers notifying them of limited supplies, healthcare equipment and resources. These communities include Haida Gwaii, Bella Bella, Klemtu, and Bella Coola. Customers should inform themselves of local situations and remain committed to essential travel only.
For more information about travel and restrictions in these northern communities, see:
- For Haida Gwaii: haidanation.ca
- For Bella Coola: bellacoola.ca
- For Bella Bella: heiltsuknation.ca
- For Klemtu please see: klemtu.com
Foot passengers
When travelling, we require customers wear a face covering onboard or in our terminals. Reservations for foot passengers are available for travel between Tsawwassen – Southern Gulf Islands and our North Coast routes, and can now be made online. On all other routes, foot passengers will be accommodated on a first come, first served basis until passenger capacity has been reached, and tickets may be purchased at the terminal.
BC Ferries Vacations
Customers with BC Ferries Vacation bookings affected by the COVID-19 restrictions (in effect November 7 – December 7, 2020) can contact us to change or cancel their booking. If you require immediate assistance, please contact BC Ferries Vacations at 1-888-223-3779 Ext. 3, or email vacations@bcferries.com. Vacations Call Centre business hours are:
- Monday – Friday: 8:30 am – 5 pm
- Weekends and statutory holidays: 9 am – 5 pm
Additional information
-
Customers requiring wheelchair assistance: We are unable to provide wheelchair assistance at terminals or on board ferries. If you require a wheelchair, request one at the terminal. We ask that you travel with your own wheelchair assistant if required.
- For more information on travelling with BC Ferries during the COVID-19 Pandemic click here
Vehicles with U.S. license plates travelling on the Ferries
Canada Border Services Agency is screening people entering Canada at the borders. BC Ferries does not have a mandate to restrict travel.
We’re in this together
We are proud of the work our dedicated employees continue to provide during this situation. Crews have been taking, and will continue to take, extra measures to ensure continued safe transport of critical goods and supplies to coastal B.C. communities. If you have a chance to relay a ‘thank-you’ to our teams online, please do.
BC Ferries provides a lifeline to remote and to coastal communities in British Columbia, and will continue to provide vital services, such as delivering medical supplies and groceries to support communities.
For more information on all the steps BC Ferries is taking during COVID-19, visit our COVID-19 response page. For more information on schedules visit bcferries.com/schedules. BC Ferries hopes to resume the levels of service customers have come to expect soon.
This on BC Ferries Website go to the link here
This from The World Health Organization website you can find information and guidance from WHO regarding the current outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that was first reported from Wuhan, China, on 31 December 2019. Please visit this page for daily updates.
Here is the WHO latest update
WHO Director-General’s opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 – 15 January 2021
This is Briefing of The WHO News Conference that was Today January 15th,2021
Protect yourself and others from getting sick
How to cope with stress during 2019-nCoV outbreak
Practice food safety
Shopping/Working in wet markets in China and Southeast Asia
Stay healthy while traveling
Go to World Heath Organization for above Information on Corona virus go to the link here
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