PSC BootPress: COVID-19 Information

December 14th, 2020

The latest COVID-19 updates - We are learning more about the virus.

Independent Quality Home Care

Helping people help people since 2000

COVID-19 Protocols

Due to the increased COVID-19 cases in BC, I would like to keep you all up to date with the latest guidelines, we are required to ask you daily if you are experiencing symptoms and are working on a way to do that using the Rosemark App. Until that is ready use the B.C. COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool each day before you start work.

It is very important that we follow the updated protocol as they come out.

Masks are mandatory when entering a client's home.

How to wear a mask

Eyewear is not mandatory, but read this if you choose to wear them for your own protection:

How to Clean Protective Eye Wear

Most people who fall sick with COVID-19 will experience mild to moderate symptoms and recover without special treatment.

HOW IT SPREADS

The predominant cause of transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19 is through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or exhales. These droplets are too heavy to hang in the air and quickly fall on floors or surfaces. Infection may occur by breathing in the virus if you are within proximity of someone who has COVID-19, or by touching a contaminated surface and then your eyes, nose or mouth.

Watch for symptoms of COVID-19 that can appear up to 14 days after being exposed to the virus.

Symptoms of COVID-19

The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to other respiratory illnesses, including the flu and common cold. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 include:

Fever (see below)
Chills
Cough or worsening of chronic cough
Shortness of breath
Sore throat
Runny nose
Loss of sense of smell or taste
Headache
Fatigue
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Muscle aches

While less common, symptoms can also include:

Stuffy nose
Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
Dizziness, confusion
Abdominal pain
Skin rashes or discolouration of fingers or toes.

Fever: Average normal body temperature taken orally is about 37°C. For more on average body temperature and fevers, see HealthLinkBC's information for children age 11 and younger and people age 12 and older . A fever should be assessed by a health care provider for infants less than three months of age. Children have similar symptoms to adults but are less likely to have a fever, shortness of breath or cough. COVID-19 causes mild illness in the majority of cases in children.

COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild to severe. Sometimes people with COVID-19 have a mild illness, but their symptoms may suddenly worsen in a few days.

What to do if you have symptoms of COVID-19

Testing is available for anyone with cold, influenza or COVID-19-like symptoms. For more information on testing and where to go for testing, visit the Testing page. A health care provider should assess infants under three months of age with a fever or symptoms.

The B.C. COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool is also available for anyone that develops symptoms and can be used to help determine if you need further assessment or testing for COVID-19. Testing is vital for groups that are more vulnerable to complications from COVID-19, or people who care for these individuals.

Some symptoms can also be signs of other conditions. If you are unsure, contact your health care provider or call 8-1-1. Suppose someone is having severe difficulty breathing, severe chest pain, having a hard time waking up, feeling confused or losing consciousness. In that case, you should seek emergency medical care by calling 9-1-1 or going to your nearest emergency department.

If you develop symptoms, you will need to self-isolate while you wait for your test results, so you do not potentially spread illness to others. Those who get diagnosed with COVID-19 will need to self-isolate for at least ten days from when their symptoms started. For more information on what to do if you have COVID-19 if you think you may have it or believe you may require medical care, visit the If you are Sick page.

Older people are at higher risk of severe disease, as well as people with a weakened immune system or underlying medical conditions. For more, see information for Priority populations .

Transmission from someone with no symptoms?

There have been instances of transmissions before the person became sick or the symptoms were so mild that the person did not know they were ill. However, it is unclear if this contributes to the significant spread of the virus in the population. Most people become sick from being in close contact with someone who shows symptoms such as coughing and sneezing, therefore transmitting the virus through droplets. Evidence is continuously reviewed and updated regularly.

I look forward to a continued supportive relationship that we have had before. If you have any questions please let me know.

Sincerely,

Tracey Clausen

Director

World Health Organization

Protect yourself and others from COVID-19

If COVID-19 is spreading in your community, stay safe by taking some simple precautions, such as physical distancing, wearing a mask, keeping rooms well ventilated, avoiding crowds, cleaning your hands, and coughing into a bent elbow or tissue. Check local advice where you live and work. Do it all!

Independent Quality Home Care

#300-1275 West 6th Avenue, Vancouver BC V6H 1A6

604-725-9014

vancouverhomehealthcare.ca | tracey@iqhomecare.com

Independent Quality Home Care | #300-1275 West 6th Avenue, 3rd Floor, Vancouver, British Columbia V6H 1A6 Canada

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Information from the spring of 2020 post from an e-mail we received from Tracey Clausen, the owner of Independent Quality Home Care, a firm which looks after the elderly and those who have other difficulties in caring for themselves, regardless of age.

It is written so anyone can actually understand it and how to remain safe; thanks Tracey and all the other members who let me know how serious this has become, from an epidemic to a pandemic.

Message from the Ministry of Health

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an illness caused by a coronavirus. Respiratory infections caused by COVID-19 first appeared in Wuhan City, China in December 2019. The outbreak was declared a public health emergency of international concern by the WHO on January 30, 2020 and declared a pandemic on March 11, 2020. A pandemic is when an infectious disease spreads across the globe. This is different than an epidemic which is usually contained within a region or country.

Although COVID-19 originated from Wuhan, China, it has now spread worldwide including to British Columbia. Cases in British Columbia are being closely managed.

How is coronavirus transmitted?

Coronavirus is spread from an infected person through

Respiratory droplets spread when a person coughs or sneezes
Close personal contact such as touching or shaking hands
Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands

It is important to keep about a 2-metre distance away from a person who is sick, to reduce breathing in droplets when they cough or sneeze.

What are the symptoms?

Common symptoms for COVID-19 include

Fever
Cough
Difficulty breathing
Sore throat
Sneezing

The incubation period is the time from when a person is first exposed until symptoms appear. Symptoms may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure to COVID-19. This is the longest known infectious period for this disease.

If you are unsure about your symptoms or have questions or concerns, contact HealthLinkBC (8-1-1) at any time.

If you do need to see a health care provider, call them ahead of time so they can arrange for you to be assessed safely. Wear a mask to protect others.

When seeing a health care provider, please tell them

Your symptoms
Where you have been travelling or living
If you had direct contact with animals (for example, if you visited a live animal market)
If you had close contact with a sick person, especially if they had a fever, cough or difficulty breathing

How can I prevent getting infected?

The most important thing you can do to prevent infection is to wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face, eyes, nose or mouth. You can also practice respiratory etiquette and social distancing.

To help reduce your risk of infection

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
Follow good respiratory etiquette by covering 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.
Avoid crowded public spaces and places. Examples include mass gatherings, such as concerts and sporting events. Examples do not include hospitals (for healthcare workers) and schools
Maintain social distancing by keeping at least a 2-metre distance between yourself and others
Avoid shaking hands

For more information on proper hand washing see:

Should I wear a mask?

Only wear a mask if you are ill with COVID-19 symptoms (especially coughing) or looking after someone who may have COVID-19
A disposable face mask can only be used once
It may be less effective to wear a mask if you are not sick

Common Questions About COVID-19

Find answers to some of the most common questions about COVID-19. Learn how it spreads, how long after exposure symptoms take to appear and what symptoms to look for. Find out what you can do to prevent COVID-19.

Disaster Mental Health Information

Keeping Your Distance to Stay Safe

With the number of COVID-19 cases increasing every day, psychologists offer insights on how to separate yourself from others, while still getting the social support you need.

Around the world, public officials are asking people who have contracted or been exposed to the new coronavirus to practice social distancing, quarantine or isolation measures in an effort to slow disease’s spread.

Social distancing means keeping a safe distance (approximately 6 feet) from others and avoiding gathering spaces such as schools, churches, concert halls and public transportation.

Quarantine involves avoiding contact with others if a person has been exposed to coronavirus to see if they become ill.

Isolation involves separating an individual who has contracted COVID-19 to prevent them from spreading it to others.

Spending days or weeks at home with limited resources, stimulation and social contact can take a toll on mental health. Though controlled studies on interventions to reduce the psychological risks of quarantine and isolation are lacking, psychologists have established best practices for handling these challenging circumstances.

Here is a summary of research on social distancing, quarantine and isolation, as well as recommendations on how people can cope if asked to take such measures.

What to Expect

People asked to stay home due to illness, exposure or active community spread of COVID-19 will likely be cut off from their regular routines for at least two weeks, the estimated incubation period for the virus.

Common sources of stress during this period include a drop in meaningful activities, sensory stimuli and social engagement; financial strain from being unable to work; and a lack of access to typical coping strategies such as going to the gym or attending religious services.

Psychologists’ research has found that during a period of social distancing, quarantine or isolation, you may experience:

Fear and anxiety

You may feel anxious or worried about yourself or your family members contracting COVID-19 or spreading it to others. It’s also normal to have concerns about obtaining food and personal supplies, taking time off work or fulfilling family care obligations. Some people may have trouble sleeping or focusing on daily tasks.

Depression and boredom

A hiatus from work and other meaningful activities interrupts your daily routine and may result in feelings of sadness or low mood. Extended periods of time spent at home can also cause feelings of boredom and loneliness.

Anger, frustration or irritability

The loss of agency and personal freedom associated with isolation and quarantine can often feel frustrating. You may also experience anger or resentment toward those who have issued quarantine or isolation orders or if you feel you were exposed to the virus because of another person’s negligence.

Stigmatization

If you are sick or have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19, you may feel stigmatized by others who fear they will contract the illness if they interact with you.

Vulnerable Populations

People with pre-existing mental health conditions and health-care workers helping with the response to the coronavirus may have an increased risk of experiencing psychological distress when they engage in social distancing, quarantine or isolation.

People with disabilities who require specialized diets, medical supplies, assistance from caregivers and other accommodations are also at risk for psychological challenges during a pandemic because of the increased difficulties in receiving the care they require.

How to Cope

Fortunately, psychological research also points to ways to manage these difficult conditions. Before social distancing, quarantine or isolation orders are enacted, experts recommend planning ahead by considering how you might spend your time, who you can contact for psychosocial support and how you can address any physical or mental health needs you or your family may have.

Limit news consumption to reliable sources

It’s important to obtain accurate and timely public health information regarding COVID-19, but too much exposure to media coverage of the virus can lead to increased feelings of fear and anxiety. Psychologists recommend balancing time spent on news and social media with other activities unrelated to quarantine or isolation, such as reading, listening to music or learning a new language. Trusted organizations—including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the World Health Organization—are ideal sources of information on the virus.

Create and follow a daily routine

Maintaining a daily routine can help both adults and children preserve a sense of order and purpose in their lives despite the unfamiliarity of isolation and quarantine. Try to include regular daily activities, such as work, exercise or learning, even if they must be executed remotely. Integrate other healthy pastimes as needed.

Stay virtually connected with others

Your face-to-face interactions may be limited, but psychologists suggest using phone calls, text messages, video chat and social media to access social support networks. If you’re feeling sad or anxious, use these conversations as an opportunity to discuss your experience and associated emotions. Reach out to those you know who are in a similar situation. Facebook groups have already formed to facilitate communication and support among individuals asked to quarantine.

Relying on pets for emotional support is another way to stay connected. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend restricting contact with pets if you contract COVID-19 until the risks of transmission between humans and animals are better understood.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle

Get enough sleep, eat well and exercise in your home when you are physically capable of doing so. Try to avoid using alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with the stresses of isolation and quarantine. If needed, consider telehealth options for psychotherapy. If you already have a psychologist, contact them ahead of a potential quarantine to see if they can continue your sessions using phone-based or online delivery.

Use psychological strategies to manage stress and stay positive

Examine your worries and aim to be realistic in your assessment of the actual concern as well as your ability to cope. Try not to catastrophize; instead focus on what you can do and accept the things you can't change. One way to do this is to keep a daily gratitude journal. You may also choose to download smartphone applications that deliver mindfulness and relaxation exercises. For example, PTSD Coach is a free application developed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Center for PTSD and the Department of Defense’s National Center for Telehealth and Technology. It contains coping and resilience resources such as exercises for deep breathing, positive imagery, muscle relaxation and more.

Focusing on the altruistic reasons for social distancing, quarantine or isolation can also help mitigate psychological distress. Remember that by taking such measures, you are reducing the possibility of transmitting COVID-19 and protecting those who are most vulnerable.

What Happens Next

Following a period of quarantine or isolation, you may feel mixed emotions, including relief and gratitude, frustration or anger towards people who worry you may infect them with the virus, or even feelings of personal growth and increased spirituality. It’s also normal to feel anxious, but if you experience symptoms of extreme stress, such as ongoing trouble sleeping, inability to carry out daily routines, or an increase in alcohol or drug use, seek help from a health-care provider.

See more APA advice on ways to deal with COVID-19.

Tools and Resources