Northern Health has launched a COVID-19 Online Clinic and Information Line to help answer questions and concerns from Northern BC residents. The NH COVID-19 Online Clinic and Information Line can be reached at 1-844-645-7811.
We are launching this service to ensure Northern Health residents have access to information, health advice, and an online clinic to reduce the transmission of COVID-19, while reducing demand on emergency rooms and other health services.
This service is staffed by nurses, physicians, and nurse practitioners, offering virtual screening and assessment for individuals who feel they may have COVID-19 or feel they have been exposed. By calling the Online Clinic, Northern BC residents can receive information, may undergo virtual screening, be assessed by a nurse, and may see a physician or nurse practitioner if it is required.
Other options for health information and advice continue to be available, including calling your primary care provider, or contacting HealthLink BC (8-1-1) at any time.
For general COVID-19 health advice and answers to common questions, please continue to visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/…/diseases-co…/covid-19/common-questions
Comments
Please refer to the BCCDC guidance which was updated March 16, on event planning and advice for Community Settings:
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/event-planning
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/community-settings
Anonymous says
We want people who have symptoms to contact us, and to feel safe contacting us, knowing their privacy will be protected so the steps to protect the health and safety for all can be taken.
In a region like ours with much smaller communities than large urban centres, the risk of violating privacy is much higher.
BC will not be identifying the specific location of confirmed cases unless public health providers cannot be certain they have reached all those who need to be contacted and who therefore might be a risk to the public.
Anonymous says
-Jessica, NH Communications
Anonymous says
It is better if those you live with can stay somewhere else, especially if they have a weak immune system or chronic health conditions. If you need to share a home, stay and sleep in a room with good airflow that is away from others. Use a separate bathroom if you can. Wear a face mask (surgical/procedure mask) if you are in the same room with anyone. Avoid face to face contact; friends or family can drop off food outside your room or home.
This was pulled from here: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/testing-isolation
Thank you,
Jessica, NH Communications
Anonymous says
- Droplets spread when a person coughs or sneezes
- It can be spread by touch if a person has used their hands to cover their mouth or nose when they cough or sneeze.
- Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands.
Please visit the BCCDC site for the best info: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/common-questions
- Jessica, NH Communications
More information on that plan, and its focus on Supporting Health-Care Capacity can be found here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/current-health-topics/pandemic-influenza
Anonymous says
More information on that plan, and its focus on Supporting Health-Care Capacity can be found here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/current-health-topics/pandemic-influenza
Anonymous says
COVID-19 testing locations are operational in all communities across the Northern Health region. Please note that people are being asked NOT to go to testing locations without an appointment.
Testing is available for all who need it, but not everyone needs a test.
For more information, health advice, or virtual screenings and assessments, Northern BC residents can call the Northern Health COVID-19 Online Clinic and Information Line at 1-844-645-7811, to speak to a nurse, physician, or nurse practitioner. Other options for health information and advice continue to be available, including calling your primary care provider, contacting HealthLink BC (8-1-1) at any time, or the BC Govt. COVID-19 Helpline: 1-888-COVID19 or 1-888-268-4319. For general COVID-19 health advice and answers to common questions, please continue to visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/common-questions
If public health providers cannot be certain they have reached all those who need to be contacted and who therefore might be a risk to the public, then more specific information would be released.
Regardless of where the cases are, people should be taking the same precautions, including washing your hands often with soap and water, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, avoiding others who are unwell and staying home when you are sick. BCCDC has more great information on protecting yourself: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/common-questions
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/current-health-topics/covid-19-novel-coronavirus?bcgovtm=20200319_GCPE_AM_COVID_4_NOTIFICATION_BCGOV_BCGOV_EN_BC__NOTIFICATION
The site is run by the BC Ministry of Health; I can't speak to why the order closing personal service establishments isn't listed there, however you can find it in the March 21 statement from Dr. Henry, here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0101-000538
Thanks.
To protect people’s privacy the Province is not identifying the communities where confirmed cases reside however anyone potentially exposed will be contacted.
Given the evolving situation in Canada and the evidence that there have been community-acquired cases in British Columbia, it is important that we all behave as if COVID-19 is present in all of our communities. It is critical that everyone follows all public health directives on self-isolation, social distancing, and gatherings – to protect yourself, your families, and your communities.
Regardless of where the cases are, people should be taking the same precautions, including washing your hands often with soap and water, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, avoiding others who are unwell and staying home when you are sick. BCCDC has more great information on protecting yourself: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/common-questions
Anonymous says
"There is no evidence that COVID-19 is spread through food made by infected people. COVID-19 is spread from person-to-person through respiratory droplets. There is a theoretical risk that a person infected with COVID-19 could spread the virus by sneezing on food or by directly touching food with their hands. However, there have been no cases reported of such transmission with COVID-19. To be safe, if you are sick with COVID-19, do not prepare or handle food for others.
Use good hygiene practices when handling food. Avoid bare hand contact. For example, use utensils, deli napkins, or dispensing equipment to handle food. We recommend frequent hand washing with plain soap and water to reduce risk of transmission if you are preparing foods."
Find out more here: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/prevention-risks/food-safety
Anonymous says
Thanks!
Anonymous says
More info can be found on the BCCDC site here: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/testing
For more information, health advice, or virtual screenings and assessments, Northern BC residents can call the Northern Health COVID-19 Online Clinic and Information Line at 1-844-645-7811, to speak to a nurse, physician, or nurse practitioner.
Thank you.
Anonymous says
Why aren't they vaccinating 7 days a week? They run the call center 7 days a week..I feel that the vaccination is just as equal if not a tad more important..
We are currently only limited by the supply of vaccine available. If, in the future, the amount of vaccine available to us increases and we are able to accelerate administration, we will consider adding additional days to the schedule.
Please look to Health Canada for information on the roll out of vaccines in the country: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-services-procurement/services/procuring-vaccines-covid19.html
Thanks,
Northern Health
Anonymous says