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 invests to increase equity, diversity and inclusion in research
This on Govt of Canada Website go to the link here
Federal Briefing on the response to Covid 19
Statement from the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada
April 10th,2021 | Ottawa, ON | Public Health Agency of Canada
Statement
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to create stress and anxiety for many Canadians, particularly those who do not have ready access to their regular support networks. Through the Wellness Together Canada online portal, people of all ages across the country can access immediate, free and confidential mental health and substance use supports, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
We remain at a critical point in the race between vaccines and variants. The Government of Canada’s longer-range forecast presentation on March 26th, predicted a strong resurgence in the absence of enhanced public health and individual measures. Two weeks later, this strong resurgence is showing in national surveillance data we are seeing now. National case counts are plotting along the strong resurgence trajectory of the March 26th forecast. This clearly shows that we need stronger control to combat variants of concern that are driving rapid epidemic growth in many areas of the country, even as vaccine supply and programs continue to accelerate. Community-based restrictions and strict adherence with individual measures will be needed to flatten the curve of infections where more contagious variants of concern are circulating.
As COVID-19 activity continues in Canada, we are tracking a range of epidemiological indicators to monitor where the disease is most active, where it is spreading and how it is impacting the health of Canadians and public health, laboratory and healthcare capacity. At the same time, the Public Health Agency of Canada is providing Canadians with regular updates on COVID-19 vaccines administered, vaccination coverage and ongoing monitoring of vaccine safety across the country. The following is the latest summary on national numbers and trends, and the actions we all need to be taking to reduce infection rates, while vaccination programs expand for the protection of all Canadians.
Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 1,045,278 cases of COVID-19, including 68,010 active cases and 23,251 deaths reported in Canada; these cumulative numbers tell us about the overall burden of COVID-19 illness to date. They also tell us, together with results of serological studies, that the vast majority of Canadians remain susceptible to COVID-19. As vaccine delivery ramps up at an accelerated pace, there is cause for optimism that widespread and lasting immunity can be achieved through COVID-19 vaccination. We now have multiple safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines with unique advantages that are authorised for use in Canada. Vaccine coverage is increasing across Canada, with benefits being seen in prioritized high-risk populations. Ramp up of vaccine supply and acceleration of vaccination programs will return further benefits to protect more Canadians, over the coming weeks and months.
However, with the current acceleration of COVID-19 activity, approaching the peak of the second wave, and a concerning rise in the proportion of cases that involve more contagious variants of concern, strong public health measures and individual precautions must be sustained where COVID-19 is circulating. The latest national-level data show a 7-day average of 6,873 new cases daily (Apr 2-8). For the week of March 28 to April 3, there were an average of 115,654 tests completed daily across Canada, of which 5.1% were positive for COVID-19, an increase from 4.3% the week prior. Sustained high infection rates are also impacting COVID-19 severity indicators, which are levelling off (deaths) or increasing (hospitalisation), particularly in areas with elevated disease activity. The rise in severe and critical illnesses is placing renewed strain on the health system and healthcare workforce. Provincial and territorial data indicate that an average of 2,560 people with COVID-19 were being treated in Canadian hospitals each day during the most recent 7-day period (Apr 2-8), representing a 7% increase over last week, including 860 of whom were being treated in intensive care units, which is 23% higher than last week. During the same period, there were an average of 30 COVID-19-related deaths reported daily.
While COVID-19 continues to impact people of all ages in Canada, infection rates are highest among those aged 20-39 years of age. As well, we are seeing an increased number of adults under the age of 60 years being treated for COVID-19 in hospital, including in intensive care units. This is a reminder that serious illness can occur at any age and evidence indicates that variants of concern can be associated with more severe illness and increased risk of death. In addition, circulation of COVID-19 in younger, more mobile and socially connected adults is an ongoing risk for spread into high-risk populations and settings. As of April 8, a total of 24,995 variant of concern cases have been reported across Canada, including 23,611 involving B.1.1.7 variants, 1,039 P.1 variants and 345 B.1.351 variants. Although B.1.1.7, which is now confirmed in all provinces and two territories, continues to account for the majority of variants of concern in Canada and has likely replaced the original virus in some areas, there has been a concerning rise in P.1 cases in recent weeks. Early evidence suggests that the P.1 variant may reduce the effectiveness of vaccines, making it even more important to control its spread.
Several jurisdictions have highlighted social gatherings as an important driver for spread. Yet, amid a rising proportion of cases involving variants of concern, escalating infection rates in many areas of the country, and increasing severity trends, a high degree of caution must be maintained until vaccination programs are further expanded. A combination of strong and sustained community-based public health measures and strict adherence to individual precautions is crucial in order to suppress rapid epidemic growth.
Canadians are urged to remain vigilant, continue following local public health advice, and consistently maintain individual practices that keep us and our families safer: stay home/self-isolate if you have any symptoms, think about the risks and reduce non-essential activities and outings to a minimum, avoid all non-essential travel, and maintain individual protective practices of physical distancing, hand, cough and surface hygiene and wearing a well-fitted and properly worn face mask as appropriate (including in shared spaces, indoors or outdoors, with people from outside of your immediate household).
Aiming to have the fewest interactions with the fewest number of people, for the shortest time, at the greatest distance possible, while wearing the best-fitting mask is a simple rule that we can all apply to help limit the spread of COVID-19, as vaccine programs expand to protect all Canadians.
Canadians can also go the extra mile by sharing credible information on COVID-19 risks and prevention practices and measures to reduce COVID-19 in communities and by downloading the COVID Alert app to break the cycle of infection and help limit the spread of COVID-19. Read my backgrounder to access more COVID-19 Information and Resources on ways to reduce the risks and protect yourself and others, including information on COVID-19 vaccination.
Contacts
Media Relations
Public Health Agency of Canada
613-957-2983
hc.media.sc@canada.ca
This on Govt of Canada Website go to the link here
Update on COVID-19 in Canada: Epidemiology and Modelling March 26th,2021
Here you will find the latest data on Covid-19 Cases in Canada April 10th,2021
People First of Canada Covig 19 Resources
Inclusion Canada COVID & Disability: Resources for Families
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Awareness resources
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CLBC Update April 9th,2021 go to this link click here
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Inclusion BC ALERT – March 23, 2021
People deemed clinically extremely vulnerable prioritized for COVID-19 vaccine
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
Province updates measures to enforce Lower Mainland COVID-19 public safety
COVID-19 Immunization Plan
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: March 25th, 2021
Click on picture below
Hear is updates from BC Govt Health Minister and Dr Bonnie Henry
Joint statement on Province of B.C.’s COVID-19 response, latest updates
Victoria Friday, April 9, 2021 3:00 PM
Vancouver Coastal Health – one facility
- Segal Family Health Centre
Fraser Health – one facility
- Chartwell Langley Gardens
Northern Health – one facility
- Acropolis Manor (second occurrence)
Interior Health – one facility
- Cottonwoods Care Centre
Island Health – one facility
- Long Lake Chateau
Acute-care facilities:
- Abbotsford Regional Hospital
- Chilliwack General Hospital
- Prince Rupert Regional Hospital
- Vancouver General Hospital
- Vernon Jubilee Hospital
- UBC Hospital
This on BC Govt website go to the link here
COVID–19: VoC Testing, Severity by VoC and Age April 8, 2021
B.C. COVID-19 response update
HERE YOU WILL FIND THE LATEST DATA ON COVID-19 CASES IN BRITISH COLUMBIA.
Updated April 9th,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 March 29, 2021
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 March 29, 2021 Dr. Bonnie Henry announced an update to the COVID-19 restrictions (in effect until further notice), 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 30
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.
Malahat Nation
Malahat Nation is currently under a Shelter in Place order that took effect January 8, 2021.
We ask that all Mill Bay ferry customers please wear a mask when on, or transiting to BC Ferries Mill Bay terminal outside of a vehicle. Commuting customers please see the request below from Malahat Nation regarding parking on Mill Bay Road.
For further information, please see malahatnation.com.
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 until further notice) 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
- Updates from our President and CEO Mark Collins
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 – April 9th,2021
This is Briefing of The WHO News Conference that was Today April 9th,2021
Organization for above Information on Corona virus go to the link here
Self-Help Booklet Series Covig 19
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