As many of you have seen the situation regarding the recent COVID-19 pandemic has increased in seriousness as testing and cases appear to increase. As a part of Pacific Coast's ongoing effort to provide you with accurate and up to date information our weekly round up hits week number two.
There are plenty of sources of false information and fear mongering amongst the online community including Social Media. As we mentioned in our previous post we recommend getting your information from the following sites:
Centre for Disease Control (for our U.S friends and family)
Phone support in BC call 811
General Updates relating to Victoria BC and the surrounding areas:
1. Victoria Transit: For the next 30 days Victoria Transit is implementing rear door boarding in to enhance social distancing for drivers and passengers. Passengers can still load through the front door if they require use of the ramp or other accessible features of the bus.
In addition, fares will be free in Victoria for the next 30 days for both the conventional and handyDART systems. Visit BC Transit for the latest route, payment and other updates.
2. If you need to head out please call ahead to make sure any business or government organization is open and double check any precautions you need to take leaving the house.
3. Some grocery stores are dedicating their first hour of opening to seniors and persons with disabilities. Please check with your grocery store by Social Media, their website or call to confirm if a program is available.
Some questions you might ask are:
Time and days available
Any specific requirements such as age, documents or ailments that must be present.
Limits on certain purchases
4. The Government of Canada has recently announced some new benefits for Canadians who are being affected by COVID-19. Double check their website to see what benefits you qualify for and check often as the site updates all the time. In addition there have been changes regarding tax return deadlines and some other information that will be useful.
5. Social distancing when heading out should be a focus to help in protecting yourself and others. Social distancing is a way that we can slow the spread of COVID-19 by limiting close contact with others. Even those who are not sick, we should still keep about two meters (six feet) or the length of a queen-sized bed from one another when we can when outside our homes.
6. Federal, provincial and municipal governments "At this time" are asking that if you have symptoms such as fever, cough or difficulty breathing or have travelled outside of Canada or have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19, avoid contact with others. See a health care provider as soon as possible.
7. To be tested it is suggested "at this time" to call your healthcare provider, answer their questions and follow any instructions they offer. You can also call the Health Link at 811 to get a referral. Most testing facilities including drive through do not accept requests for testing without a referral.
8. Bills, we all have them and they do need to get paid. Many companies such as BC Hydro, Shaw, Telus, Rogers are offering relief in the form of payment arrangements and other benefits to those affected by COVID-19. Some financial institutions are offering mortgage relief and other ways to help, please check with your financial institution to see what is available to you.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please note the following information can and will change by the minute.
It is important to understand that information where it pertains to going out in the public is not an endorsement to head out anywhere at anytime.
The information is intended for those who "need" to head out.
Always consult your healthcare professional before making any decisions where it pertains to or potentially could pertain to your health and safety.
Pacific Coast Health Services continues to provide support to seniors in the greater Victoria area during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional protocols will be needed & taken for the protection of our healthcare professionals and clients..
If you need assistance or have any questions regarding how we can help, feel free to call our 24/7 care line at (250) 389-0202.
If you see an error or have some information that you feel should be included in this article , please feel free to email rwhitney@pchservices.ca.