The B.C. government has launched a survey to learn more about how residents are faring during the COVID-19 pandemic.
More than 75,000 people have completed the Your Story, Our Future survey, which went live on Tuesday. It will be available on the B.C. Centre of Disease Control website until the end of the month.
“We are very, very hopeful that more of you will take part,” said B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix. “Once you’ve completed the survey, please look to other people in your bubble who you can help complete it as well.”
Health officials are using the survey to try to understand the impact of COVID-19 measures.
“The unintended impacts on the social, economic, physical health, mental wellness and resiliency of communities are not well understood,” the survey introduction says.
Dix said collecting local data is essential for public-health planning in communities.
The survey is “just one more step that you can take to help your fellow citizens, your community, your health-care system to respond in these difficult times,” said Dix.
Health officials are hoping to hear from all ages, encouraging youth to take the survey as well to guide COVID-19 measures in months and years to come.
The survey is at bccdc.ca/covid19survey and is available in English, simplified Chinese and Punjabi. It takes about 15 minutes to complete. Participants can remain anonymous or provide their contact information.
The survey can also be completed over the phone by calling 1-833-707-1900 seven days a week between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Assistance is available in 150 languages.
Participants can express their interest in other studies, including a blood-testing study to determine immunity in the province and one on the use of technology to co-ordinate information sharing and contact tracing.
