Monday March 23, 2020 ~ VANCOUVER ISLAND
by Mary Brooke ~ West Shore Voice News
People should not be sending flowers or other gifts to their loved ones in hospitals and long-term care facilities during COVID-19, says Island Health.
That’s to keep patients, families and staff safe and in-keeping with the provincial health officer’s recommendations for social (physical) distancing.
Island Health says it is working in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) to respond to COVID-19. The situation is evolving quickly and their strategies as a health authority for Vancouver Island are evolving to keep people in the communities they serve safe.
“We understand the importance of gifts from family and loved ones to our patients and long-term care residents and we appreciate your support in helping to keep everyone safe,” it was stated in a release.
The fact this sort of advisory needs to go out to people means the messaging about how COVID-19 is transmitted has not hit home with enough people.
The COVID-19 virus can survive on surfaces (including metal, plastic, cloth and paper) for hours or even days. Sending flowers or gifts into a hospital is like sending in a viral missile to your loved one and the health-care workers in the facility.
Other restrictions listed today by Island Health include:
• Essential visits only at all Island Health facilities. Visit IslandHealth.ca for the most up-to-date information about visitor restrictions.
• No visitor who is unwell with the following symptoms may visit an Island Health facility: fever, cough, runny/stuffy nose, sore throat and/or diarrhea.
• Anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or who has been in contact with a person infected with COVID-19 during the previous 14 days, must not visit patients/residents in any Island Health facility or long-term care facility.
Patient navigators are in place at entrances of all facilities to ensure visitors are aware of the restrictions.
The British Columbia Centre for Disease Control is the recommended resource for accurate, current information about COVID-19 in British Columbia. Information is updated frequently at www.bccdc.ca and individuals are encouraged to check back regularly.
Island Health also presents frequent information updates on their website at www.islandhealth.ca/covid19 .