It appears the difficult changes we are all making to our daily lives are starting to pay off. According to public health officials, BC is now “bending the curve.” Our collective action, at least for the time being, is significantly slowing down the spread of COVID-19.
Public health is not releasing information about each community, but they have reported that the Sunshine Coast (Langdale to Lund) currently represents less than one per cent of the confirmed cases in the Vancouver Coastal Health region.
Most residents, businesses and leaders in our area are working hard to slow the spread of this virus. Unfortunately, as we have seen in towns like Bobcaygeon, Ontario, just one case can start a tragic chain of events. Although seniors and people with chronic illnesses are more vulnerable, anyone can become severely ill from COVID-19, and anyone can spread it.
For these reasons, it is essential that we all continue to follow public health guidelines regardless of how many cases there are locally. Powell River physicians are continuing to work (and prepare) on the assumption that this virus is already moving throughout our region.
While we still believe most cases are spread by individuals with symptoms such as fever or cough, there is increasing evidence that seemingly healthy people may also spread this virus, either before they have any symptoms or when their symptoms are too mild to notice.
This is why staying at home when not doing essential work or errands, washing one’s hands frequently, and following physical distancing recommendations in public is so important – they protect us from catching COVID-19, but also protect us from passing it on, even if we don’t know we have it.
In addition to these three main pillars of defence, some people are wondering what else they can do to protect those around them, and by extension, themselves. While commercially made N95 and surgical masks are in short supply, and should be reserved for those caring for COVID-19 patients, there has been a great deal of interest in homemade mask use during the pandemic.
As of this week, Canada’s chief public health officer, doctor Theresa Tam, is now suggesting homemade masks, when used in addition to all other measures, may help slow the spread of COVID-19: “The science is not certain but we need to do everything that we can and it seems a sensible thing to do,” she said on April 7.
Homemade masks are not an effective way to protect oneself, but if made and used properly, they may protect others. Tam suggests that wearing a homemade mask may be an additional way to slow the spread of COVID-19 in circumstances where physical distancing is difficult, such as at a grocery store or pharmacy.
No mask makes it safe to go out if you are clearly sick. Please stay home if you are unwell, and take steps to protect others in your household.
Homemade masks do not protect you directly, but they may reduce the chance of unknowingly passing the virus to someone else, even if you feel well.
We are all connected in a small community. If we each protect those around us, we can reduce the spread of this virus, ultimately protecting our health-care system, our families and ourselves.
Stay tuned for more updates on the extensive work our local health-care teams are doing to prepare for and handle the pandemic in our region.
In the meantime, please do not put off seeking help for medical issues. Your local family physician, nurse practitioner and walk-in offices remain open for phone or virtual visits, and can arrange a face-to-face examination if needed.
There are now reports from other centres that some people are coming to hospital too late for serious issues like strokes or heart attacks. If you need to attend the emergency room or call 911, please do not delay. We do ask that if your symptoms are related to fever or breathing issues that you call ahead to reception at 604.485.3211 so we can direct you to the appropriate area.
Be smart, be safe and be kind. We are in this together.
Powell River Physicians COVID Steering Committee consists of doctors Evan Adams, Rachel Bell, Claire Bonsor, Robin MacNearney, Barrie McDonald, Chris Morwood, Neha Musini, Ian Ricketson, Werner Schoeman and Charles Van Zyl
