Dear CHN heart families,
We hope you are all doing well. Please find below a handout distributed by BC Children’s Hospital.
Wishing you all the very best during this difficult time. ♥
COVID-19 Information for Patients & Families – Frequently Asked Questions
What is novel coronavirus COVID-19?
A novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19, has been declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization. The situation is constantly changing. For the latest information, please visit the BC Centre for Disease Control website at http://bccdc.ca and http://bcchildrens.ca/covid19.
Should I cancel an appointment if I or my child is feeling unwell?
Please go to http://bcchildrens.ca/covid19 for the latest advice.
Are you screening for COVID-19 when patients arrive at the hospital?
We are limiting entry points to BC Children’s, BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre and Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children. At each entrance of the hospitals, you will be asked a few questions and offered direction. All patients and families must clean their hands when entering the hospitals.
Should a mask be worn when I am at the hospital?
Masks should be used by sick people who are ill with cough, cold or flu symptoms to prevent the spread of germs to other people. A mask will help keep a person’s droplets in, when they cough or sneeze. If you or your child is not sick, wearing a mask is not necessary. Also, not wearing one when not necessary helps us maintain critical supply for our health care workers.
What visitor restrictions are currently in place at the hospital?
For specific visitor restrictions, go to http://bcchildrens.ca/covid19.
What additional precautions do I need to take due to COVID-19 for children with immune suppression?
Children with immune suppression are more likely than other children to get very sick from viral infections. We predict that children with immune suppression will be more likely to get very sick with COVID-19 infections. For more information, go to http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/vulnerable-populations/children-with-immune-suppression.
How can I protect my family while at the hospital?
The most important thing you can do to prevent COVID-19 is to clean your hands regularly and avoid touching your face. Clean your hands often with alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and water, especially after touching shared surfaces or objects and before eating.
I suspect I may have, or I may have been exposed to, COVID-19. What should I do?
British Columbians can reach service representatives seven days a week, from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., by calling 1-888-COVID19 (1-888-268-4319) or text 604-630-0300. Information is available in more than 110 languages. Anyone who is concerned they may have been exposed to, or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should contact their primary care provider, local public health office, or call 811 for HealthLinkBC. 811 has translation service available in more than 130 languages.
For the BC COVID-19 Symptom Self-Assessment Tool, visit https://covid19.thrive.health/.
