New Information on Coronavirus: Protect Yourself

In response to this week's announcement by the Provincial Health Office (PHO) of two new presumptive confirmed cases of novel coronavirus in the Metro Vancouver area, BCNU reminds members to take the necessary measures to protect themselves during this outbreak.

BCNU wants members to be aware of the following statement provided today (Friday, February 7) by BC's Public Health Officer: "Together with our federal and provincial partners, we are asking people who have recently visited, or who have been in close contact with someone who has recently visited, the Hubei province in China to call public health officials and self-isolate for 14 days."

Should you experience any access barrier to N-95 respirators or other appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, gowns or face shields, please contact your worksite steward immediately by logging in to the Member Portal to obtain steward contact information.

BCNU maintains that fit tests are a yearly requirement. If you have not had a fit test in the last year, please speak directly to your employer. If you experience any issues with obtaining your fit testing, please immediately contact your BCNU worksite steward.

BCNU encourages members to follow the PHO recommendations to utilize droplet/contact precautions. When coronavirus is suspected, presumed or confirmed, airborne precautions ought to be used such as wearing the N-95 respirator.

Learn more about BCNU recommendations for workplace exposures.

Please review BCNU's FAQs and resources, and visit the following links to learn more about coronavirus:

BC Centre for Disease Control

BC Ministry of Health (view PHO joint statements, news releases and info updates)