Normally, the beginning of a new school year would be one of the most exciting times for our kids. For younger children, it may be their very first time starting full-time schooling; while others may be moving on from elementary school into high school, or are recent high school graduates now attending College or University, as well as all of the different extracurricular activities that come along with that – such as sports and other after school programs, and making new friends. In these COVID times, however, the beginning of the new school year will also understandable come with much anxiety for both children and parents, as well as educators.

To allow schools time to better prepare for the return to school amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the start of the school year has been pushed back. When schools do re-open, extra protection measures will be in place to keep kids and school staff safe, including the following:

• All middle and secondary school students and staff will be provided 2 masks upon their return to school in September. Masks will be required when travelling through high-traffic areas such as hallways, school buses, and any time they go outside of the classroom or learning group and are unable to safely socially distance from others. Students and staff will also be able to wear masks in the classroom. Exemptions for mask-wearing will be made for students and staff who are unable to wear them due to medical reasons. Masks will not be required for elementary school students.

• Close, in-person interactions will be reduced, and students and staff are encouraged to follow social distancing guidelines (keeping at least 2 metres apart) where possible and limit physical contact. Plexiglass shields may also be used in areas where that 2-metre distance cannot be well-maintained, such as school cafeterias or office/reception areas, and break times (lunch and recess) may also be staggered.

• Learning groups will also be set up, which will consist of the same groups of students and staff throughout one school quarter, semester or year. A learning group can consist of a group of 20 to 30 students, multiple classes that join together (i.e. for music or physical education), as well as teachers, support staff and education assistants.

• In order to control traffic flow, floor markings and posters will be placed in areas throughout the school, such as hallways and classrooms. This may include one-way hallways and specific designated entrances and exists.

• For children who ride school buses, it is recommended that they be loaded from back to front, while offloaded from front to back, and have assigned seating where possible. Buses will also be cleaned and disinfected regularly in accordance with public health guidelines and the BC CDC. School districts should also keep a list of passenger names that they can share with public health officials in the event that contract tracing needs to occur.

• While there is no evidence that COVID-19 is transferred via textbooks and other paper-based items, there are still many high-touch areas and surfaces in schools that should be cleaned frequently. This includes laminated materials, doorknobs, light switches, toilet handles, tables, desks, chairs, keyboards and toys.

• Students are also encouraged to label their personal items and not share them with others.

• As always, regular hand washing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and children should be both encouraged and allowed to do so while at school. Hand-sanitizer is another effective way to clean hands if a sink, soap and water is not readily available.

To learn more about B.C.’s back to school plan, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/covid-19-return-to-school

Along with taking all of the necessary precautions that we know we need to take, such as physical distancing (including keeping at least 2 metres of distance between ourselves and others, working remote where possible, and limiting our social bubbles) as well as washing our hands regularly, there are other things that we can do in order to protect against the spread and development of COVID-19, such as regular cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces and other high-traffic areas.

What Things Need to Be Cleaned?

Whether you’re at home or in the office, use of commonly used cleaners and disinfectants (as approved by Health Canada) can help to significantly limit the spread of COVID-19. Examples of frequently touched surfaces include things such as:

• Counter tops
• Tables
• Handles
• Toilets
• Doorknobs
• Light switches
• Photocopiers
• Printers
• Telephones
• Fax Machines
• Remote Controls
• Computer keyboards

What Cleaning Agents Can Be Used?

As you are probably well aware, many of the common household cleaning agents that we’re used to finding in stores are experiencing shortages. Therefore, if you cannot find any in store, you can also mix your own cleaning solution by combining room temperature water (never hot water) with bleach. Part of the disinfecting process also includes drying. If you’re going to be using bleach, then it is recommended that you clean the surface with a clean, wet cloth afterward. However, high-touch areas, such as toilets and sinks, should be left for several minutes before being wiped down to ensure the area is properly disinfected and no bacteria is left lingering.

If you are going to be using bleach, you should also take certain safety precautions. For example, solutions that are more concentrated can cause irritation to the eyes and throats, which is why it’s recommended that you dilute bleach with water. However, you should never mix it with other products such as vinegar, ammonia, acids (such as lemon juice) or rubbing alcohol, as this can create gases that are toxic. You should also keep windows open and wear gloves when you are using bleach, as well as carefully clean the equipment (such as buckets and sponges) you make and use the bleach with. If you happen to have kids or pets, bleach and other cleaning agents should always be tightly sealed and stored in spots that are hard-to-reach, as they can be incredibly harmful (and even fatal) to children and animals.

If you or someone in your household has been accidentally exposed to a cleaning product (this includes inhalation, ingestion, eye or skin exposure), then you should contact your local Poison Control Centre by calling 1-800-567-8911.

Do I Need to Disinfect Grocery Items?

While you can wipe down grocery items such as cans and cardboard boxes with a disinfecting wipe, you should never put disinfectant directly onto your food. Instead, rinse foods (such as fruits and vegetables) under water before consuming them. It is important to note that there have been no reported cases of anyone becoming ill with COVID-19 as a result of the foods they eat. As for the kitchen utensils you use, such as bowls, mugs, forks/spoons/knives, pots and pans, these also do not need to be disinfected with any harsh cleaners and can instead be washed using warm soap and water.

Clothing

If you live on your own and in your own home, you can safely do your laundry. However, if you live with someone who is sick or have a shared laundry space (for example, if you live in an apartment building where there are other residents), you should take extra precautions, such as wearing gloves and a mask when in laundry rooms, placing your laundry in a basket lined with plastic (i.e. a garbage bag), avoid shaking dirty laundry, and make sure you wash your laundry with soap and water (at least 60 to 90 degrees Celsius.)

The first case of COVID-19 in British Columbia was announced on January 28th, 2020. By late April and into May, we began to see signs that are province was starting to flatten the curve, with fewer active cases reported. British Columbians showed they were able to follow guidelines (such as practicing social distancing, regular hand washing, and staying home when sick) from our local health officials (Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry; and Health Minister Adrian Dix) without going into extreme lockdowns (as seen in other parts of the world, like Italy and the United States.) As the number of new cases continued to be on the decline in our province, certain restrictions were eased and British Columbians could go back to having some semblance of normalcy in their lives, while remaining cautious and continuing to take all measures necessary to keep themselves and those around them as safe and healthy as possible.

Unfortunately, in recent weeks, we’ve seen an uptick in the number of reported cases of COVID-19 here in B.C. – having gone from seeing approximately 20 new cases a day, to 30+ over the past week or two. As for what’s causing this latest rise in active cases, most of them have been linked to multiple events consisting of large gatherings in Kelowna on or around Canada Day. What health officials have also pointed out as that many of these newest cases are being reported in younger individuals – particularly those in their 20s and 30s – while many of the previously reported cases were in individuals whom were much older, such as in their 60s, 70s, and 80s.

What this rise in COVID-19 numbers shows is that people are starting to have too many close contacts once again – particularly with people they don’t know. While we all want to have a fun summer with our friends, this is, unfortunately, something we cannot do in the ways we were used to from previous summers. Gathering in larger groups also makes it more difficult for health officials to conduct contact tracing efforts. In earlier reported cases back in January through April, someone diagnosed with COVID-19 may have only had contact with three to four people; whereas now, health officials are having to track down as many as 30 different contacts per person, then the contacts of those people, and so on.

While numbers were expected to rise somewhat as we slowly re-entered into each phase of the province’s re-opening plan, all of this serves as a reminder that we need to continue to be as careful and vigilant as we can; and while it’s certainly easy for some to fall into the “it won’t happen to me” mindset, it’s important to remember that it can happen to you – even if you think it won’t. Even without exhibiting any symptoms, COVID-19 is still a virus that can infect individuals, which means that you could potentially be spreading it on to others unknowingly and unintentionally. As such, we all need to act as though we carry the virus. How do we do this? By following the guidelines our health officials continue to remind us of: Keeping our distance from others and wearing a mask in situations where maintaining that safe space of 2 metres is not possible (for example, if you work in a small office or while at the grocery store), avoiding touching our faces, washing our hands regularly with soap and water (or using hand sanitizer when soap and water isn’t readily available), allowing employees to work remote to decrease the number of staff in the workplace at a single time, and by staying home when you feel sick or if you happen to be caring for someone in your household who has fallen ill (even if your/their symptoms are mild.)

The quicker we go back to following these important and crucial measures, the quicker we will start to see a decline in the number of cases being reported in our province again, as the last thing we want to do is fall backwards when British Columbians did such a good job at flattening the curve to begin with.

In addition to taking certain precautions, such as washing our hands with soap and water regularly and practicing physical distancing, face masks have also been recommended as another type of measure to keep ourselves and others protected and stopping the spread of COVID-19. While many questions have been raised about face masks and other types of face coverings, something else that has been brought up – particularly on social media – is whether or not face masks can cause (or, in some cases, potentially worsen) acne – a type of skin condition that develops as a result of your hair follicles becoming clogged with oil and dead skin cells, leading to things like blackheads, whiteheads and pimples (also referred to as “breakouts”), and can also be painful. Typically, acne most commonly develops on the face, but it can also appear on other parts of the body such as the forehead, shoulders, upper back, and the chest. While acne is also more common amongst teenagers, it can also affect adults.

While acne caused from wearing face masks has been dubbed “maskne” on social media, the proper clinical term for this is acne mechanica. As for what causes acne mechanica, while most people tend to think it’s due to their skin being blocked or suffocated by a mask, that’s unlikely, as the mask would have to be stuck to your skin like an adhesive. Instead, it’s caused by friction. It’s easy for face masks to physically rub against the skin, which can cause some damage to its protective barrier, and may result in moisture becoming trapped which can ultimately lead to those acne breakouts. This can also worsen with warmer outdoor temperatures, as the pores can also become clogged with sweat and oil.

If you’re starting to develop acne and think that it may be due to wearing a face mask or a face covering (such as a handmade cloth mask), there are few steps you can take to prevent it or ease symptoms, such as:

1. Choose your masks wisely. To reduce irritation and friction, cloth masks are best. If the mask you’re wearing becomes damp with sweat, it’s also important that you change your mask right away. It’s also important to note that handmade cloth masks can also be washed, so make sure you do so after each use.

2. Avoid cosmetics. If you’re someone who wears makeup or other beauty products on the face regularly, you might want to consider avoiding them all together for the time being or decreasing the amount of makeup products you wear under a mask, especially if you’re susceptible to acne. Cosmetic products, such as foundations, don’t allow the skin to breathe properly. Combined with a mask, this can cause a build-up on the skin and eventually lead to breakouts.

3. Wash your face. Whether wearing a mask, you should always wash your face regularly, twice a day (morning and night) using a gentle, mild cleanser. Keeping the skin clean is important in preventing breakouts as well as avoiding things like dryness.

4. Moisturize. To keep the skin healthy and to repair its natural protective barrier, you also need to keep your skin moisturized on a daily basis (typically it’s recommended that you moisturize in the morning using a day cream, and in the evening using a night cream.) The type of moisturizer you use, however, is dependent on your skin type.

With all of these tips in mind, it’s also important to remember that wearing a mask is still recommended, particularly in the event that you cannot physically distance from others. While a mask alone will not stop the spread of COVID-19 (as we also need to follow other measures, like regular hand washing), it can significantly reduce the amount of droplets that are produced.

British Columbians have worked incredibly hard to continue to flatten the COVID-19 curve (and for that, we should all be proud), with the new number of daily reported cases remaining relatively low – in addition to the number of hospitalizations (including those in ICU) on the decline. While this is certainly good news for our province’s fight against this global pandemic, we also need to remember that just because our numbers are lower compared to other provinces and places in the world (such as the United States), that this isn’t a time to suddenly become passive and think that the easing of certain restrictions means that we can now go back to life as we knew it – because we cannot. Reverting back to things the way they were before COVID-19 could set us back tremendously and have detrimental effects.

COVID-19 very much remains a part of our communities and is still a highly contagious virus that can be easily passed on from person to person – even if asymptomatic. Thus, we need to continue to be vigilant and follow the guidelines set forth by our local health officials – such as washing your hands, wearing a mask when out in public, working remote if possible, and staying home when you’re sick. These are little things that can go a long way, and by doing your part you are helping to prevent the spread of the virus and protecting not just yourself, but your friends, family, co-workers and other acquaintances.

Is a Second Wave Likely? If So, When?

As mentioned, COVID-19 still remains and could last for quite some time. There has also been talk from Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, that a second wave was also a strong possibility – though when and how that second wave happens depends on a few different circumstances.

For example, if COVID-19 were to behave similar to 2009’s H1N1, things could begin to calm down during the summer with a second wave potentially hitting during the fall or winter months (possibly peaking around October or November), as second waves usually occur after there has been a sustained period where there have been little to no new infections. We’ve also seen past infection disease pandemics, such as 1918’s influenza pandemic, come in multiple waves (three.) However, because there is still so much to be learned about COVID-19, when we will see it fully start to calm down and exactly when we can expect a second wave remains to be seen.

On the contrary, if we are not able to get the virus under control and if we don’t continue to follow physical distancing recommendations, we could see a continuation of the virus as opposed to a new/second wave of it.

Will a Second Wave Be Worse Than the First?

Just like we couldn’t predict COVID-19 until we were dealing with it head on because it was so unpredictable, we likely cannot predict how a second wave would act. Generally speaking, places where waves of different viruses were considered smaller tended to have larger reported second waves – although how it affects individuals depends on the measures taken by local health officials and how well residents of those areas have abided by the rules and recommendations put forth by them.

A second wave also doesn’t mean that everywhere will experience the virus in the same way. Certain areas could face second waves or hot spots of the virus, while other places may not. The most important thing, however, is that we are as well-prepared as we possibly can be.

In a very short period of time, we’ve all had to make some very sudden (and some very drastic) changes to our daily lives as a result of COVID-19, which has caused a disruption to our usual routines – not just for us as British Columbians, but for all Canadians and individuals worldwide. Life, as we know it, is much different now compared to what it used to be just a few short months ago, and these changes can be quite a shock to the system and difficult for some to adapt to. While we’re all essentially in the same boat, so to speak, it can even be downright anxiety inducing.

For example, some individuals have had to make changes to their home lives. If younger children are in the picture, then due to school closures you would’ve likely had to scramble to find alternative (and safe) arrangements for babysitting/daycare (particularly if you’re considered an essential worker and cannot stay home); while several K to 12 schools also turned to online classes, which was not only a new way of learning for our children, but for parents as well. Younger children, and even children slightly older, may not have the attention span or the want to sit in front of a computer learning all day long – especially being at home. Distractions are all around, such as TV and video games, which is why it’s crucial that we explain to our children the importance of sticking to the same routine at home as they would if they were in a live classroom, such as waking up on time/getting a good night’s rest, doing homework when it is assigned, etc. Now that the school year has finished, parents and children will be looking ahead to September and the continued changes that are expected to come.

If you’re an employee of a company, then you’re likely having to adapt to major changes as well. While some offices remained open for their staff to work throughout the pandemic (while being closed to walk-in traffic) – other offices gave (and continue to give) their employees the option of working from home. This is particularly recommended for anyone who may be at higher risk of developing the virus, though is suggested to be something that all employers implement for their employees if they are able to do so. There can be challenges with this too, however. You may need to use your own computer, for example, and with that can come some technological challenges in terms of getting any software downloaded that you might need to use, etcetera. Just like school, it’s important that workers also do their best to stick to the same routine they would at home as they do at work. This can make it easier to adapt and be less distracted by things around you at home that may not otherwise distract you if you were at work.

Aside from school and work, we’ve also had to make other drastic changes in our lives due to COVID-19, including the way in which we interact with others. Because COVID-19 is considered highly contagious, strong measures have been put in place to ensure that the spread of the virus is decreased as much as possible. These include orders brought forth by provincial health officers to limit gatherings of no more than 50 people (in British Columbia) – but even then, it can still be difficult to implement physical distancing even with groups of this size. As a result, it is instead recommended that, rather than getting together with people in person, we instead move to having virtual gatherings online by using video chat software, or by significantly limiting our social circles. It can be quite easy for us to fall into what’s known as social isolation and distance ourselves from people as a result, so while we may not be able to have the same face to face/in person interactions that we’re so used to, it’s still important for us to try to stay socially connected in other ways as much as we possibly can.

In unknown times like these, it’s also not uncommon to develop an increase in feelings of anxiety, or even fall into a depression-like state. If you’re struggling with your mental health, then it’s also important that you connect with others for this very reason and reach out to someone you know you can talk to. There are several other free online resources for people who might be struggling, which can be found on the following websites: www.CMHA.ca, www.CrisisServicesCanada.ca, and www.bouncebackbc.ca, just to name a few.

With our Province now into phase 3 of its Restart Plan, many British Columbians are looking forward to getting out and enjoying the summer sun and once again experiencing the many sights that we have to offer – from our beaches, mountain ranges, and hiking and biking trails – and spending more time with friends and family while doing so. However, in our current COVID world, how we spend the summer of 2020 will be much different than summers of the past. While we have more freedom to get back out there, have fun and enjoy the things and places we love, we also need to remember to remain vigilant and be as responsible as possible with the activities we choose.

Outdoor Gatherings

As the weather gets warmer, British Columbians are going to want to start spending more time outside than in. Barbecues, for example, are a common thing of the summer that bring together groups of people – and while it’s considered safer to spend time outdoors than indoors in terms of the spread of COVID-19, it isn’t entirely without risk. As we saw in Saskatoon last month, there was a community outbreak linked to two large outdoor events with gatherings that exceeded the then 10-person limit. In British Columbia, the current limit for gatherings is no greater than 50 – a number that will remain in place for the time being, per Dr. Bonnie Henry. However, this limit does not mean that a group of 50 people should immediately congregate together at a house party, as in most cases, physical distancing in groups of this magnitude cannot be met. It also doesn’t mean that it’s safe to congregate in groups that are smaller than this, either, as the more people that are together, the higher the risk is that someone (or even you, yourself) might have COVID-19, and could potentially spread it to others.

So, while certain restrictions are relaxing in our province, we need to continue to be mindful of how many people we’re spending time with as well as who we’re spending that time with. As long as you’re safe (i.e. physical distancing by not sitting close together, wearing masks, washing hands and use of hand sanitizer), it can be acceptable to have a get-together with a small social bubble of people and continue to stick to that same group of contacts during the summer months.

Another common question that people have is whether or not COVID-19 can spread through food, and the answer is no. However, at outdoor gatherings such as barbecues, it’s always recommended that you wash your hands before and after eating food, and also avoid sharing your food and utensils with others.

Vancouverites are also able to again enjoy outdoor beaches, pools and spray parks as of July 13th. Pools reopening include those at Kitsilano, New Brighton, Second Beach, and Maple Grove, while beaches reopening also include Kitsilano, English Bay, Jericho, Locarno, Spanish Banks, Sunset and Trout Lake. Beaches in Vancouver will be patrolled every day from 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM until September 7th. Anyone wanting to swim should arrive ready, as changerooms will not be available. Washrooms, however, will be open to the public. You will also be required to book 45-minute swim periods at pools, while staff will set aside 30-minute periods so that areas can be well sanitized for the following group. You will also not be able to rent things like goggles or towels.

You can learn more about the facilities that will be open, along with their protocols, by visiting www.vancouver.ca.

Travel

While the Canada-U.S. border remains closed to non-essential travel, phase 3 means that British Columbians can think about non-essential travel within the province. However, this also comes with needing to take extra precautions as well as be mindful of communities you might be visiting – particularly if those communities are smaller.

First, you should plan your trip in advance. If you’re wanting to stay at a local resort, they may have changed their protocols, so it’s always a good idea to call ahead of time and get as much information as possible on any special policies they may have in place related to COVID-19 so there are no surprises upon your arrival. If you’re used to travelling with a large group, you should also strongly consider decreasing the number of people that you travel with as a way to continue keeping your social bubble small.

For more information on travel exemptions, visit www.canada.ca.

As always, if you feel sick (even if you only have mild cold or flu-like symptoms), you should stay home and consider getting tested for COVID-19. You can find a list of COVID-19 testing centres by clicking here.