What is COVID-19?

What is COVID-19? What is the Coronavirus?

As stated by the World Health Organization, Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered of these viruses causes COVID-19.

What is the risk?

The virus is transmitted through droplets of moisture – such as coughing or sneezing. Current evidence suggests the main way the virus spreads is by respiratory droplets among people who are in close contact with each other. Aerosol transmission can occur, particularly in indoor, crowded and inadequately ventilated spaces.

How can I protect myself?

The following are things everyone should do:

Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds using soap and water.
Use alcohol-based hand rubs to clean hands if they are not visibly soiled.
Do not touch your face,eyes or mouth with unwashed hands.
Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough with a disposable tissue or the crease of your elbow.
Avoid non-essential international travel.
Stay at home when you are sick.

COVID-19

- COVID-19—Transitioning to Communicable Disease Management: What You Need to Know
  June 30, 2021News / COVID-19Since last year, employers have been required to have posted in the workplace a COVID-19 Safety Plan. With the reduced risk of COVID-19, because of vaccination, a COVID-19 Safety Plan will no longer be required. What does this mean? Beginning July 1, organizations may begin to transition from posting a copy of their COVID-19 Safety Plan at their workplace, and instead shift towards communicable disease prevention. Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry issued a statement to address these upcoming changes. What is communicable disease prevention? Communicable disease prevention focuses on basic risk reduction principles to reduce the risk of workplace transmission of COVID-19 and other communicable diseases such as norovirus and seasonal influenza. As a healthcare employer, such as those working in in long-term care, home care and community health support, you are already required to have an exposure control plan for communicable diseases in place. This describes how staff will be protected from infectious diseases in the work environment. It includes information on the nature of the hazards and the risks associated with exposure, as well as controls such as safe work procedures that are implemented to protect staff. Elements of an exposure control plan are listed in section 5.54 and section 6.34(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. Some of the fundamental elements of disease prevention should already be included as a part of your exposure control plan. The following ongoing measures are recommended: Implementing policies to support staff who may be sick with a communicable disease (for example, fever and/or chills, recent onset of coughing, diarrhea), so they can avoid being at work Promoting hand hygiene by providing facilities, with supplies and reminders to employees through policies and signage to wash their hands regularly and to use appropriate hygiene practices Maintaining a clean environment through routine cleaning processes Ensuring building ventilation is properly maintained and functioning as designed Supporting staff in receiving vaccinations for vaccine-preventable conditions to the extent that you are able. Additional measures may be required to be implemented, as required by a medical health officer or provincial health officer to reduce the risk of communicable diseases. How often do I need to review my exposure control plan? Your exposure control plan must be reviewed at least annually and updated as necessary in consultation with the joint occupational and health and safety committee or the worker health and safety representative. In addition, employers are encouraged to monitor guidance, notices, orders and recommendations from Public Health. It is imperative that these plans are communicated to and understood by workers, and that the plans continue to adapt as conditions evolve. Long-term care homes, along with home care and community health support organizations will need to remain vigilant in keeping their workplaces safe from COVID-19 and other communicable disease. Guidance on infection prevention and control from the BC Centre for Disease Control long-term care and home and community health care should continue to be followed. Stay tuned for more information on resources related to exposure control plans. If you have any questions, please send them to Anna Richter at anna@safecarebc.ca For more information about infectious disease, see WorkSafeBC’s website. For additional information on exposure control plans, please click here.... Read more...

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