Good Health Preparedness Tips

Take common sense precautions to prevent the spread of germs and practice good health habits.

  • Wash your hands regularly with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Cough and sneeze into a tissue or your sleeve to avoid contaminating your hands or spreading the virus through infected droplets.
  • Throw away used tissues promptly.
  • Frequently clean and disinfect household surfaces such as door handles and light switches that may have been contaminated.
  • Get a flu shot.

Pandemic and Infectious Diseases

We have strong global surveillance systems that detect when new viruses appear. These viruses can cause pandemics. If a pandemic is developing, the World Health Organization (WHO) provides information and advice on how to respond. Public information will also come from federal, provincial and regional health authorities. Another resource for trusted information is the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Infectious Disease

Infectious disease is a part of everyday life. Pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi cause infectious diseases. The diseases can be spread directly or indirectly from one person to another.

The rate of infectious disease can increase significantly during a disaster due to the disruption of normal prevention practices. Officials may declare an infectious disease outbreak, like influenza, to be a distinct emergency or pandemic.

Preventing and controlling infectious disease is a responsibility shared by government, the health community and the general public.

Being informed of best practices to prevent infections before they happen and controlling their spread helps keep each other safe.

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

Everyone has a role to play in easing the spread of COVID-19 and lessening its impact. You can do your part by ensuring you are prepared to stay home if you are asked to or if you get sick.

Know Where to Find Reliable COVID-19 Information:

Visit the BC Centre for Disease Control where you will find a Digital Assistant to help you navigate COVID-19 information. Here you will also find translated content in Chinese, Punjabi, Farsi, French, Cantonese, Mandarin and American Sign Language.

Get in Touch:

If you have questions about your health, call 8-1-1 at any time or speak with your health care provider.

Seniors can call 2-1-1 for information on support services including meal delivery, help with cooking, delivery of groceries and medications, wellness calls and visits.

Be Prepared, Be Well: Mental Health and Wellness

The COVID-19 Pandemic was a very stressful event. It is common for people to experience stress and anxiety, and also display great resiliency in times of crisis. Remember even though we can’t be close physically, we need to stay close emotionally. Download 5 Steps to Manage COVID-19 Stress.

  1. Know the facts
  2. Reach out
  3. Have calm conversations
  4. Practice self-care
  5. Seek help

A number of great resources are available to British Columbians of all ages through mental health programs.