NewsCOVID-19

On April 5, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced the province’s plan to introduce a fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine for those most at risk. The spring booster program will be targeted at the following groups:   Residents in long-term care and assisted living of any age. Community-dwelling seniors over the age of 70. […]

The Provincial Health Officer announced last Thursday that as the risk of COVID-19 transmission in the province continues to decrease, social visitation will be re-opening in long-term care. This will take place March 18—although homes are free to open back up before then if they are ready. The Ministry of Health has published updated guidance […]

While some provincial COVID-19 restrictions, such as social visitation in long-term care, are lifted, other infection prevention and control measures remain in place. Hand hygiene, screening for symptoms and appropriate PPE use are still important ways we can continue to keep care settings safe and healthy for staff. SafeCare BC has a range of resources […]

Earlier today, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Henry and Minister of Health Adrian Dix announced new changes to visitation in long-term care and assisted living. Here’s what you need to know:   On March 18, social visitation in long-term care and assisted living will be expanded to allow further connection between residents and their families. Policies […]

SafeCare BC Saleema Dhalla has been busy the past week speaking to local media about the importance of rapid testing in protecting against COVID-19. Check out these stories below: Vancouver Sun Article: Care home providers concerned public health not doing enough to protect seniors CFAX 1070 Interview: The importance of using Rapid Tests as a […]

On Friday, January 7, the Provincial Health Officer announced that employers would need to bring back their pandemic safety plans under a new health order. The new health measure was announced as BC continues to manage a rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations due to the highly transmissible Omicron variant. The re-activation of the COVID-19 […]

On December 31, the Provincial Health Officer announced that visits to long-term care homes would be limited to essential visitors only. This was to limit the spread of the Omicron variant and to relieve pressures on staff. Yesterday, she confirmed that in line with the rollout of rapid testing in long-term care, every resident would […]

The BC Centre of Disease Control has updated its infection prevention and control guidance for home and community care workers. The key changes are: There is no longer a requirement to wear eye protection for all client care. The decision to wear eye protection is now based on a point-of-care risk assessment. If you are […]

Introducing the SafeCare BC podcast—an audio show discussing what’s going on in BC’s continuing care sector.   In the first episode, SafeCare BC’s Head of Vaccine Education and Engagement, Jenni Cannon, speaks with Augustine House’s Jackie Reiners and The Hamlet’s Hendrik Van Ryk to discuss vaccination in long-term care.   As leaders in the industry, […]

Last month, the province announced that it would be making third ‘booster’ doses of COVID-19 vaccines available for adults in BC. Booster doses are recommended by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization, and Pfizer’s vaccine has now been formally authorized by Health Canada for this use. The booster dose is recommended to ensure people have […]