Hi all
As a healthcare worker I am trying to promote accurate sharing and access of COVID-19 related material without trying to come across as militant or overwhelm anyone with too much information.
I compiled some common language definitions, links to sites with the most current information possible, phone information, testing criteria, and a few articles I found to be useful.
There are tons more resources available online these days. Please be mindful of your sources, the dates they were published, the credentials of the authors, and beware of misinformation. Look for sources that can be traced back to government sources or research journals, thats a good sign!
Forgive the formatting, grammar, and excessive use of hyperlinks. If you want to contribute to this post please feel free to comment below! I would especially appreciate input into mental health and wellness resources.
Thank you all for your efforts to flatten the curve.
Tricia
Common language used referring to Covid-19 Pandemic
What does it mean to flatten the curve (sorry for all the ads)
Up to date information
Latest Canadian updates, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada website.
Latest global case counts, please see the WHO situation daily reports, available here.
Which number do I call?
The Province has created 1 888 COVID-19 to connect British Columbians needing 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. 1 888 COVID-19 is available seven days a week, from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. in 110 languages. Healthlink BC or the 811 number is in place for medical-related COVID-19 questions. Yes, you’ll wait a long time calling. They are actively trying to increase qualified call takers but many answers to the questions are available on the links above.
Also, in the event that you do have a primary care provider and have an urgent concern, consider calling the office. Please do not go to a clinic or GPs office without speaking to them in advance.
Can I get tested? I want to be sure!
As of March 20, 2020 swabbing for COVID-19 is being performed for those who meet specific criteria. BCCDC (2020) wrote:
Testing is available for all who need it but not everyone requires a test. If you develop symptoms, use the BC COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool to help determine if you 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.
Who should be tested for COVID-19?
People with respiratory symptoms who are:
· Hospitalized, or likely to be hospitalized
· Health Care Workers
· Residents of long term care facilities
· Part of an investigation of a cluster or outbreak
Who does not need to be tested for COVID-19?
· People without symptoms
· Patients with mild respiratory symptoms who can be managed at home, including returning travellers with an onset of illness within 14 days of return to Canada
The BC Ministry of Health strongly urges anyone who has symptoms - including a fever, cough, sneezing, sore throat, or difficulty breathing - to self-isolate for 14 days. To protect yourself while out in public, wash your hands frequently and maintain a distance of about 2 metres from others.
Useful or interesting reads
· Finding connection and resilience in a time of pandemic (The New Yorker)
· Babylon Virtual health- for those who want to schedule a visit with a physician over the phone or ipad. Currently appointments are backed up due to demand.
· We go to work for you. Please stay home for us. As a HCW, this is my shameless plug to ask everyone to ramp up their efforts of staying home and practicing social distancing. The efforts do not go unnoticed.
If anyone has additional mental health and wellness resources to share I would like to include them here!
Thanks Tricia!