BC Sees First Confirmed Case of Coronavirus

Health officials have confirmed the first case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been found in the Vancouver Coastal Health region. BCNU is reminding members to comply with infection control policies and procedures at your workplace.

These measures include making sure fit testing is current, and that you wear an N-95 respirator if a risk of exposure to coronavirus has been identified to you. Members are also reminded to review their worksite/unit exposure control plan, and use droplet and contact precautions such as, but not limited to, gloves, gowns, full face shield or goggles.

It is also important that members understand their rights when it comes to having access to fit testing and personal protective equipment. If you feel you don't have access to these appropriate resources or are concerned about the level of training or preparedness in your worksite, please speak with your manager or supervisor and contact your site steward or BCNU Occupation Health and Safety representative.

Members should not share any unverified confidential patient information regarding suspected cases in worksites. Members are advised to only discuss factual information once it has been confirmed by the BC Centre for Disease Control and the Ministry of Health. Sharing unverified information could lead to disciplinary action by your employer.

BCNU continues to closely monitor the developments and is in direct contact with health authorities to work together on pandemic planning and outbreak control plans. The BC Centre for Disease Control maintains the risk to British Columbians is low.