COVID-19
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COVID-19 and Your Mental Health
Millions of people, worldwide, suffer from mental illness. Among the most commonly diagnosed conditions affecting mental health are anxiety and depression, which include symptoms such as panic attacks, feelings of hopelessness, restlessness, lack of energy, anger or irritability, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, social withdrawal, thoughts of suicide, and even things like headaches, stomach aches, and other general aches and pains that are otherwise unexplained. Mental health conditions like anxiety and depression can be triggered (or worsened) by life-altering events, such as a traumatic experience, financial problems, and illness – including COVID-19. The uncertainty surrounding the virus combined with increased social withdrawal and potential financial implications (due to job loss, for example) may make it increasingly difficult for those who are already struggling with mental illness to cope with the pandemic, while others may experience a new decline in their mental wellbeing.
Physical distancing, in particular, can also be very problematic for some. Teenagers, for example, are used to partaking in social gatherings and other activities. A lack of social connection, however, can lead to increased feelings of isolation, anxiety, and overall unhappiness. That being said, it’s important for all of us to stay as socially connected with others as possible and finding different ways to keep those lines of communication with others open so that we don’t feel entirely cut off from others. For younger children who may not be old enough to understand the impact of COVID-19 and the precautions we need to take to keep one another safe, it’s important to explain to them that this is only temporary, while answering any questions they may have as openly and honest as possible.
As more people spend time socially isolating with their partners (i.e. a husband/wife), studies have also shown there to be a rise in cases of domestic abuse, which can range from physical abuse, psychological or emotional abuse, or sexual abuse. According to a Statistics Canada survey conducted in April, 1 in 10 women said they were very or extremely concerned about potential domestic violence in their home during COVID-19 due to being confined, while 4 in 10 Canadians reported they were very or extremely concerned about potential civil disorder. If you’re someone who feels they are in danger or is experiencing domestic abuse in the home, it’s important that you develop a safety plan, including where you could go in the event of an emergency, as well as different ways to deal with your emotions. You can find information on how to come up with a safety plan by visiting www.sheltersafe.ca. On this website you will also be able to find a list of various resources, including Canada-wide, 24-hour domestic violence phone lines.
While it’s normal to experience feelings of anxiousness and stress due to the uncertainty that surrounds COVID-19, the most important thing is that we all find healthy and positive ways to cope while continuing to take all precautions necessary to ensure that we are keeping ourselves and those around us as safe as possible – like washing our hands regularly, keeping at least 2 metres apart from others when in public/at the workplace (or wearing a face covering when that’s not possible), and so forth. It can also be a good ideal to find other ways to distract yourself. For example, by unplugging for social media and turning off the news. While it’s important to stay up-to-date, that constant stream of discussion surrounding COVID-19 can be overwhelming. Instead, limit your use of social media and tv-time while finding other activities to refocus your attention on, such as going for a walk in your neighbourhood or reading a book.
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How to Stay Safe as Our Province Reopens
While COVID-19 should still be considered a risk in all of our communities, many provinces in Canada, including right here in British Columbia, have slowly begun their restart plans. While each phase of the restart plans will vary from province to province, British Columbia is currently in phase 2 which consists of the following:
• Restoration of health services including the re-scheduling of previously cancelled elective surgeries; in addition to the restoration of other medical-related services such as dentistry, physiotherapy, registered massage therapy, chiropractors, physical therapy, and speech therapy.
• Retail sector.
• Personal service establishments such as hair salons and barbers.
• In-person counselling.
• Restaurants, cafes and pubs.
• Museums, art galleries and libraries.
• Office-based worksites.
• Recreation and sports.
• Parks, beaches and outdoor spaces.
• Child care.That being said, all of these re-openings need to come with enhanced protocols, such as physical distancing (keeping at least 2 metres apart from others at all times whenever possible, or, when that isn’t possible, by wearing a face mask. There are also some specific measures that each of us can take to not only protect our own health, but the health of those around us including friends, family, co-workers, and even strangers.
IN SOCIAL SETTINGS:
While gatherings are limited to no greater than 50 people, keep in mind that this does not mean that you should immediately hold or attend a gathering this large, as it can be difficult to physically distance in groups of this size – thus increasing your risk for the spread or development of COVID-19. Instead, you should choose a small social circle, and stick to that same circle of friends/family, while also ensuring you’re practicing physical distancing at the same time, as it’s still possible for the virus to spread from person to person (even in those who are asymptomatic) – and, of course, if you do happen to be sick, you should isolate yourself from others.
AT THE WORKPLACE:
Most non-essential businesses closed down during the pandemic, while some businesses also allowed (and continue to allow) their employees to work from home. For businesses that are once again fully staffed and open to the public, WorkSafe BC guidelines need to be followed, which should include having a COVID-19 safety plan posted for both employees and customers, in addition to placing barriers to protect staff from public, keeping employees desks at least 2 metres apart, having set occupancy limits, and promoting and practicing good hygiene and disinfecting.
IN PUBLIC:
Essential services, such as grocery stores and pharmacies, remained open during the COVID-19 pandemic; while things like parks, gyms and restaurants closed down. As our province slowly works towards phase 3 of its restart plan (which is expected to happen sometime between now and September), we’ll start to see more things open up, such as hotels/resorts, broader openings of parks (including overnight camping), as well as select entertainment venues (such as movie theatres) – but again, certain enhanced protocols must be in place. At hair salons, for example, you will be required to wear a mask for the duration of your appointment; while at restaurants, you will be required to provide your contact information to assist with contact tracing. This is done in attempt to identify individuals who may have come in contact with an infected individual as well as show where the virus started and how widely it has spread. Many restaurants and other public places will also be operating at reduced capacity by limiting the amount of people they allow inside their place of business.
To learn more about each phase of British Columbia’s restart plan, visit http://gov.bc.ca/restartbc
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Testing for COVID-19
When COVID-19 was first on our radar, only those who had become severely ill or individuals who were close contacts of those already diagnosed with the virus (such as family members or healthcare workers) were being tested for it – and while protocols for testing for the virus vary from province to province, state to state, and country to country, health officials right here in British Columbia are now recommending that anyone who is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 (such as a high fever and/or a dry cough), in addition to those experiencing even the mildest flu or cold-like symptoms (such as a sore throat, runny nose, muscle aches and fatigue), all be tested for the virus. The thought behind British Columbia expanding testing for COVID-19 is to further prevent community spread – as when new cases of COVID-19 are found within a community, more can be done to contain and prevent the spread of those outbreaks. However, it’s important to note that while everyone can now be tested for the virus, that doesn’t mean that everyone needs to be tested – meaning if you are in good health and not experiencing any signs or symptoms of illness, you would not benefit from having a test done. Furthermore, if someone were to be tested who is in the very early stages of infection (i.e. not yet exhibiting symptoms), there’s also a strong likelihood (as high as 30%) that the test would come back as a false-negative.
As for how you go about getting tested, there are a few different ways of doing so. Firstly, if you think you might have COVID-19, or if you’re experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms, then you need to speak with your healthcare provider. However, to prevent potential spread, you should not go directly to their office. Instead, you should call them by telephone and explain the symptoms that you are experiencing to their reception/staff. From there, they will determine the next steps you need to take and you will even likely be able to speak to a physician via telephone (as most medical clinics are now offering tele-health appointments.) In cases where you have an extremely high fever and difficulty breathing, you should always call 911. Once you have been assessed over the telephone, you will likely need to do one of the following: Rest and self-isolate for up to 10 days while keeping a close eye on your symptoms – or, be tested for COVID-19.
If your doctor has recommended that you be tested for COVID-19, they will either be able to book an appointment for you at your nearest testing centre. (You can also use the self-assessment tool to help determine whether or not you’re a candidate for testing. This self-assessment tool can be found via http://bc.thrive.health. You can also access the self-assessment tool by downloading the BC COVID-19 app on your smartphone via the Apple or Google Play stores. This can be a particularly useful tool if you don’t have a family physician or are unable to connect with one – or even for peace of mind if you’re unsure about your symptoms.)
When you arrive for your test, you will first be assessed by a nurse who will take note of your symptoms as well as ensure your information (such as name, age and birth date) are all correct. Following this, the test will then be administered. The test, which is typically painless (though can be slightly uncomfortable) is done by inserting a thin, q-tip-like swab (similar to a swab that is used to check for strep throat, for example) through the nostril and into the nose cavity where it is then held for approximately 10 to 15 seconds. During this time, the swab is also rotated clockwise and counter-clockwise several times before finally being removed and inserted into a small container, which is then sent off to a lab for further testing. In many cases, your test results will be available 24 hours after the test (sometimes less than that), though the results can also potentially take up to 2 or 3 days, depending on whether or not there is a backlog of tests.
If your test comes back positive, you will need to isolate for up to 14 days or until your symptoms have fully resolved, while also continuing to monitor your symptoms to ensure that they aren’t worsening, and ensure you keep yourself isolate to one room if you live with others (so as to prevent the virus from spreading.) If your test comes back negative, you should also continue to self-isolate until your symptoms have resolved. If you were recently exposed to someone with a case of COVID-19 but your test was also negative, you should self-isolate for 14 days from your last contact with the infected individuals – and, as always, if your symptoms worsen, call 811, your healthcare provider, or 911.
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How to Differentiate Between COVID-19 and Allergies
Spring is here and so is allergy season, but with COVID-19 also in full effect (and despite the decreased number of cases being reported in our province), this somewhat complicates things even further as many of the symptoms that are commonly associated with this deadly virus can also overlap with symptoms related to seasonal allergies, making it that much more difficult for people to differentiate between the two and leads them to wonder if they should be at all concerned about their health.
There are several key ways to differentiate between symptoms of COVID-19 and allergies. For example, fever and chills are two of the most commonly reported symptoms of COVID-19. A fever, in particular, is indicative of an infection – whereas allergies don’t cause infections, and you also don’t develop a fever as a result of allergies. A previously under-reported symptom of COVID-19 but now one that is becoming more widely reported by individuals with the virus is that they notice a decrease in their sense of smell and taste, which is not a symptom associated with allergies. Someone with springtime allergies can, however, experience nasal congestion and sneezing, which are not typical symptoms of COVID-19 (though some have reported this.) If you’re suffering from nasal congestion but don’t have or think it’s allergies, then it’s more likely that you have a common cold. Whether a cold or allergies, symptoms such as nasal congestion can be reduced by taking a decongestant, which are available in pill or spray form.
Symptoms of allergies can also affect the eyes, and they, irritated, appear red, or be watery. These are also symptoms that are not reported with COVID-19. If these symptoms occur after you’ve been outside, or if it is during the spring season, then there is a higher likelihood that they are allergy related. If you’re having unexplained eye problems such as painful eyes or blurred vision, you should book a consultation with your optometrist. If your eye conditions persist, you may also need to be referred to an ophthalmologist.
All of that being said, every case is different, and new or unexplained symptoms of COVID-19 have been reported in the past. As mentioned earlier, loss of smell and taste; while other rare symptoms of COVID-19 include things such as rash and dizziness, in addition to cardiovascular-related issues and blood clotting. More recently, there has also been a link to COVID-19 and a newly-discovered illness in children similar to toxic-shock like syndrome or Kawasaki disease.
Whatever symptoms you experience, it’s important to closely monitor yourself. If your symptoms persist or worsen, a visit to your physician may be warranted but you should first book a telehealth appointment. From there, they will be able to determine if you need to be examined in-person or recommend any medications, etcetera.
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COVID-19: Where Does British Columbia Go from Here?
If the numbers are any indicator (and judging by the new models that were recently released by the Ministry of Health this week), then all are pointing toward British Columbia continuing to flatten the COVID-19 curve, which is great news. As our Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, stated in a recent briefing, our province is at “the end of the beginning of this pandemic.” That being said, this in no way, shape or form means that we can go back to how we were in December or January, before certain measures went into place (such as physical distancing and decreasing the number of people allowed to congregate in groups.) What this does mean, however, is that we can start to think about what our new normal might begin to look like, and what we can continue to do to prevent the spread of the virus while having some semblance of normalcy once again. What’s certain is that we will not be going back to life as we knew it – at least not for some time – as there is still the risk for a resurgence of the virus, and many unknowns still surrounding it.
While retailers (such as clothing stores and other outlets) were not ordered to close, many did so voluntarily in order to keep both their staff and customers safe based upon the fact that they could not safely implement physical distancing measures. Now, as many retailers begin to think about re-opening their doors to the general public, they should strongly consider utilizing things like engineering controls – including the installation of plexiglass and/or barriers, which we have seen at essential services such as grocery stores and pharmacies. Administrative measures also need to be taken into consideration. These particular measures would involve minimizing the number of customers allowed in stores at once, as well as decreasing the amount of staff working at the same. By implementing a combination of these control measures, this will help prevent the spread and exposure of COVID-19.
Employers are also probably wondering how they can reopen while fulfilling their responsibility of ensuring that their workplace remains safe and healthy for their employees; while employees are also likely wondering how they can safely return to work if it’s still possible to develop COVID-19. First and foremost, employers (and employees) need to ensure that anyone with symptoms of the virus or other illness (including fever, sore throat, coughing, or sneezing) stay home from work until their symptoms have completely resolved. If you’re currently working remotely due to being considered high-risk for COVID-19 (i.e. having an underlying illness such as respiratory disease, diabetes, etc.), then you might want to see of your employer can work out some kind of agreement where you’re able to work remotely some days, and go into the office on others. Just because the numbers show that things are on the decline in our province doesn’t mean that we should stop taking any and all precautions necessary to keep ourselves and those around us as safe as possible.
Then, there is the matter of social settings, such as hanging out with friends, going to concerts, or even to parks and beaches. As we’ve seen, physical/social distancing has been absolutely critical in mitigating the spread of this virus – and it has worked. If we stop what we’re doing now, we run the risk of going right back to where we were in mid-March, where we saw a steady increase in the number of diagnosed COVID-19 cases, and this is something we need to avoid. As Dr. Bonnie Henry previously ordered, gatherings of over 50 people are currently prohibited in the province – and even though gatherings of under 50 people are technically allowed, this doesn’t mean that we should suddenly invite large groups of people to get together – because in scenarios such as these, those physical distancing measures can still be difficult to implement. When it comes to events such as concerts or sports, many of these are held at arenas; and while sports leagues across the world are in constant discussions as to how they can move forward with their seasons, we likely won’t see gatherings inside of arenas and stadiums for some time – potentially not until there is a vaccine available for COVID-19. As for having face to face interactions with people, spending time with immediate family – especially if in the same household – is acceptable. However, when it comes to spending time with friends and other acquaintances that we wouldn’t normally spend time with on a frequent basis, this is something we still need to reconsider. Social interaction is critical, but we need to be able to do so in a safe manner, as the more we interact in person with others, the higher likely we are to be exposed to the virus, and subsequently expose others to it as well – even unknowingly. When interacting with others, we need to think about those that are at higher risk. Even interacting with just one non-family member could be a bigger risk than one might realize. So, stay connected with your friends, but do so virtually.
These are steps we’ve never had to take before and we’ve had to make a lot of sacrifices…and while a lot of it has taken some getting used to, British Columbians should be proud of all they’ve accomplished thus far. We live in unprecedented times, but by continuing to commit to these principles 100% every day, we are all doing our part in saving lives and changing the future for the better.
For more on BC’s Restart Plan, visit http://gov.bc.ca/restartbc
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Communicable Diseases
A communicable disease is one that is spread from person to person through a few different ways. For example, depending on the type of illness it is, you can develop a communicable disease by breathing in a virus that is airborne, coming into contact with blood and/or bodily fluids from an already infected individual, or even being bitten by an insect. Understanding and reporting cases of communicable diseases is important, especially when it comes to the prevention, control and treatment of them.
One example of a communicable disease is COVID-19. Similar to that of a common cold, COVID-19 can develop as a result of breathing in droplets as a result of an infected individual sneezing, coughing, or exhaling, through direct contact with respiratory secretions from an infected person, or by touching an object that has been contaminated (such as a countertop, doorknob, elevator buttons, etc.) then touching your face (such as the mouth, nose or eyes.) Unlike the common cold, however, which most commonly comes along with symptoms such as nasal congestion, a sore throat, and/or runny nose, the symptoms associated with COVID-19 often differ. Among the most common symptoms reported of COVID-19 are fever, fatigue, dry cough, and pneumonia – though some people have also reported experiencing symptoms similar to that of a common cold, along with general body aches and pains and, in some cases, even diarrhea, as well as loss of taste and smell.
It’s also possible to have COVID-19 without even realizing it, which is why it’s crucial for us to follow the guidelines that have been put forth by health officials – including staying at home as much as possible (especially if you are sick), wearing a mask when out in public, and washing your hands with soap and water frequently. By following these important measures, we’re doing our part to prevent the spread of the virus and flatten the curve that we’ve heard so much about.
Then there is the incubation period. This is what refers to the time in which you are exposed to a virus, and when you will start developing symptoms. The incubation period of a common cold, for example, is typically between 1 and 3 days. With COVID-19, however, there seem to be more challenges in determining this. For example, it isn’t always possible to know when someone was first infected with the virus, and there seems to be a wide range of variation in the length of time in which it is reported that people develop symptoms (the current estimated range is from 2 to 14 days.) In some cases, only individuals with severe symptoms are being tested for the virus itself, meaning the incubation period for those with mild to moderate infections will also differ – although it’s recommended that anyone with symptoms, even if mild, be tested for COVID-19.
Then there is the progression of symptoms. If your symptoms are mild, such as a low-grade fever, then this is likely to settle within a few days and you’ll start to feel better. If you have a cough, even if it is mild, this can persist for several weeks. In individuals who have symptoms that are more severe, such as shortness of breath, this can worsen after 7 to 10 days of first developing symptoms. This is because the infection gets into the lungs and causes inflammation, which then prevents enough oxygen from being able to get to them. In cases where symptoms are severe, you may also require hospitalization. With mild to moderate symptoms, 4 in 5 people with coronavirus are expected to make full recoveries. It’s also important to note that regardless of how healthy you are, the risk of developing coronavirus isn’t non-existent, therefore you need to ensure that you are continuing to do your part to not just keep yourself and your family protected, but keeping your community protected as well.
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How to Talk to Kids About COVID-19
Kids are very intuitive and observant – sometimes even more-so than adults. In fact, when something is wrong, they may even be the first ones to notice and point it out – and while many children do adapt well to change, there are others who may not – particularly when changes are as drastic and sudden as what we’ve seen occurring as a result of COVID-19. For example, a close relative may become ill with the virus (such as a parent or grandparent), they can no longer attend school, and can’t spend time with friends. Naturally, these types of changes and the uncertainty that comes along with them would cause our children to have many questions (and want answers) – and while COVID-19 might seem like a heavy topic to discuss with younger individuals, it’s important to explain the situation to them, but doing so in a way they’re able to easily understand.
As mentioned, one of the biggest challenges a child might face as a result of COVID-19 is a lack of social interaction with their peers – whether that interaction came from playing outdoors or seeing each other at school. It’s not being able to have that personal interaction that can cause a child to feel confused. However, it’s important that we explain to our children just how crucial it is that we keep our distance from others at this time. As adults, we know this as “social distancing” or “physical distancing” – and while some children may understand these terms, it’s also important that we explain things to them in ways that are age-appropriate. One way to easily explain the definition of social distancing to a child is by letting them know that it’s important for us to stay home and rest so that we can remain as healthy as possible and keep those we care about as healthy as possible, too – and that the longer we stay home, the quicker we’ll be able to get back to enjoying the things we used to and seeing the people we used to see. To keep social interaction going, this can be a good time for parents to encourage children to video chat with friends and relatives. If your child is missing out on their education as a result of their school being closed due to COVID-19, many classrooms are now moving to online instruction and other virtual activities that they can partake in.
We also need to teach our children the importance of regular hygiene. While a child may not be thrilled about being told to wash their hands, we can encourage them to increase their hygiene by explaining what a virus is and how it spreads. For example, by telling them the following: “A virus is a tiny invisible organism that travels between humans – and that some of these organisms are good, while others are bad and can make people sick, which is why it’s important that we be careful and wash our hands to keep the bad germs away.” Try to avoid medical terms when having this discussion, as that may only confuse them.
Because a child might hear or see something in passing either on the TV or radio, it’s also not uncommon for them to experience fear. This is a completely normal reaction, even for us as adults – especially when we’re facing a lot of uncertainty. However, reassure them that by taking the aforementioned steps (i.e. social distancing and handwashing), they are safe.
Children also tend to be curious and, as such, will likely have a lot of questions. While raising the subject of COVID-19 might sound like it could do more harm than good, it’s important that we don’t completely shield our children from these types of discussions, as this could ultimately lead to further fear which can then potentially lead to depression and anxiety. We should allow our children to express their concerns and ask any questions they have, while answering them in an honest but reassuring way. Alternatively, a child may feel overwhelmed by the topic and not want to talk about it – and that’s okay too. Let them know that you’re there whenever they want to revisit the subject.
For some more great tips on how to talk to your kids about COVID-19, visit Anxiety Canada’s website at www.anxietycanada.com.
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Support for Canadians During COVID-19
As a result of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, we as Canadians are going through unprecedented times, which can be challenging and even downright scary. Among some of the most common fears that Canadians have at this time is how they are going to survive financially. While some Canadians are able to work remotely, others unfortunately do not have that luxury, and many have even faced job loss as a direct result of COVID-19. Fortunately, the Canadian government has stepped in to help those who may be struggling during this difficult time – both emotionally and financially. Below is a list of what’s being made available to Canadians country-wide, as well as locally.
CANADA-WIDE
SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS
• Increasing the Canada Child Benefit: An extra $300 (per child) will be provided through CCB. This means the average family will receive approximately $550 more. Families can expect to receive this as part of their scheduled CCB payment in May.
• Special Goods and Services Tax Credit payment: A one-time payment in early May that is close to $400 for single individuals, or $600 for couples.
• Extra time to file income tax returns: While the tax-filing deadline is April 30th, this has now been deferred until June 1st. In addition, any new income tax balance (or instalments) that are due are also being deferred until August 21st without any additional interest incurred or penalties.
• Mortgage support: Canadians who find themselves impacted by COVID-19 and are facing financial hardship as a result are encouraged to contact their financial institution to discuss a possible mortgage deferral. Canadian banks are committed to working alongside their customers on a case-by-case basis to help them find solutions.
SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS FACING UNEMPLOYMENT
• Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB): This is a taxable benefit of $2,000 per month for up to 4 months that will be provided to individuals who have to stop working as a result of COVID-19 and do not have access to paid leave or any other sources of income; workers who are sick, quarantined, in isolation, or taking care of someone in their family who is sick with COVID-19; parents who have to stay home without pay in order to care for children who are sick or in need of care due to school/daycare closures; individuals who still have employment but are not being paid due to lack of work and/or their employer asking them to stay home; self-employed individuals, including those not eligible for EI. Individuals will be able to apply for this benefit online or via telephone beginning in early April.
SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS AND RECENT GRADUATES
• Moratorium on repayment of Canada Student Loans: As of March 30th, a six-month (and interest-free) moratorium will be placed on the repayment of Canada Student Loans for all borrowers. During this time, payment will not be required, and you will not accrue any interest.
SUPPORT FOR THE VULNERABLE
• Indigenous Community Support Fund: The Canadian government will provide $305 million to help address immediate needs for those in First Nations, Inuit, and Metis Nation communities.
• Enhancing the Reaching Home Initiative: $157.5 million toward this initiative to help support individuals facing homelessness. This funding will be used for things like beds as well as securing accommodation to reduce overcrowding in shelters, in addition to the purchase of physical barriers to promote social distancing.
• Support for women’s shelters and sexual assault centres: Up to $50 million will be provided to shelters and sexual assault centres across the country to help support women and children fleeing violence.
• Reduced minimum withdrawals for RRIFs (Registered Retirement Income Funds): This will be reduced by 25% for 2020.
For more information on the assistance being provided to Canadians as well as more info on how to apply, visit www.canada.ca.
BRITISH COLUMBIA
In addition to the aforementioned measures that have been put in place by the Federal government, the Provincial government has also recently come up with a plan to further assist those in the Province.
SUPPORT FOR HOUSING AND UTILITIES
• Temporary rental supplement, in addition to halting all evictions and rent increases.
• BC Hydro: Deferred payments and/or access to grants.SUPPORT FOR TRANSPORTATION
• ICBC: Postponement of road tests, deferred monthly payments of up to 90 days, as well as allowing insurance renewals via phone or e-mail.
• TransLink/BC Transit: Fares and passes not required.SUPPORT FOR EDUCATION
• K-12 learning suspended in all classrooms.
• Online post-secondary education.
• Freeze of B.C. student loan payments until September 30th, 2020.For more information on the support being offered by the Government of British Columbia, visit www.gov.bc.ca.
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Hand Hygiene and COVID-19
Practicing good hygiene – specifically hand washing with warm water and soap – is known to be one of the best preventative measures against COVID-19, and it’s something you should do frequently, because aside from COVID-19, regular hand washing can also help remove other parasites such as influenza as well as metapneumovirus – a type of respiratory infection that can lead to pneumonia.
When looked at under a microscope, coronaviruses appear to be covered with point-like spires. Right below that surface is the outer layer of the virus made up of lipids – otherwise known as fat. Think of it as a layer of grease on your hands. For example, when you attempt to wash off that grease with just water alone, it’s much harder to get off. In order to dissolve it, you need to add soap to the mix. When you use soap in combination with water, it results in a lather. This later will then essentially inactivate the virus so that it will no longer bind to you and cannot enter human cells. This is also why health officials are warning against touching your face (such as the eyes, nose and mouth), as the virus can easily enter the body this way if your hands are not clean.
That being said, even if you’re someone who practices healthy hygiene habits and washes your hands regularly, some studies have suggested that many people still don’t follow proper hand washing rules. In fact, one study found that one in every four people simply wet or splashed their hands with water without using soap; while the same study found that one in ten didn’t even wash their hands after using the restroom. Another commonality found in this study was that those who did was their hands with soap and water didn’t spend enough time doing so – washing their hands for just a few seconds as opposed to the suggested 15 to 30 seconds (or the approximate length of time it would take to sing the ABC’s.) The longer you wash your hands, the more reductions in the number of microbes.
When it comes to washing your hands, there is also a specific technique you should follow:
1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm.)
2. Turn off the tap.
3. Apply soap (bar soap or liquid soap.)
4. Lather your hands by running them together, including the backs of your hands, palms of your hands, in between your fingers, as well as underneath your fingernails. (Lathering your hands this way will create friction which is what ultimately helps to lift dirt and other germs from the skin.)Once you have done this for 15 to 30 seconds, you should then rinse your hands under clean, running water once again. It is important that you avoid rinsing your hands in water that has been standing in a sink or basin, as your hands could potentially become recontaminated if there has been previous use of this water.
To dry your hands, you should do so with a clean hand towel and/or paper towel. While you can also air dry them, it’s important to note that germs can be transferred much more easily if your hands are wet – therefore, the hands should always be dried after washing them. While you’re not likely to spread germs from using the same hand towel as someone else if the towel has dried in between use, it’s still recommended that you change your hand towels every 2 days or so – especially if you are not the only one in your household.
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How to Ease Anxiety During a Crisis
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns for both adults and children. For some, anxiety can be temporary experience that is based on different factors like relationship struggles (including family), or stress at work and/or school. For others, the anxiety they face can often be a chronic, recurring issue that causes a disruption in someone’s ability to carry out their daily living and may have a much harder time coping with what is often described as an overwhelming sense of dread or loss of control. As we are now seeing a steady and significant rise in the number of COVID-19 cases being diagnosed not just within Canada, but all across the world, many people are dealing with feelings of anxiousness and stress, and much of those feelings have to do with the fear of the unknown. For example, someone might worry as to whether or not they will wind up being diagnosed with COVID-19; while others may be in voluntary or mandatory isolation and face potential job loss as a result, leaving them wondering how they are going to pay bills, be able to afford rent, and buy groceries – all of which are very valid concerns to have.
As things with COVID-19 are rapidly changing, many people are turning to their radios, TVs, and social media for the latest breaking news on this pandemic. While it’s a good ideal to stay in the know, being inundated with a lot at once can be incredibly overwhelming for some. If you find that you’re feeling overwhelmed as a result of the news you’re reading online or seeing on TV, it can be a good idea to give yourself a break. This means turning off the television and/or radio, as well as logging out of social media. While you might not be getting exact by-the-minute news by doing this, you’ll be giving yourself and your mind a much-needed break from all of that bad news – and even a small break could help relieve some of that anxiousness you might be feeling. If the news itself isn’t what’s causing your anxiety, but the uncertainty with your job (or school) is, understand that there have been measures put in place by the Canadian government to assist those who may need it. In some cases, employers are even willing to work with their employees by allowing them to work from home or use sick days/vacation time if they have it.
All of that being said, the utmost important thing in a crisis situation like this, is how you cope with the stress and anxiety that you’re experiencing. For example, once you’ve signed out of social media or took a break from your TV screen, you’re probably wondering what you’re supposed to do after-the-fact. While you may not be able to have face-to-face interactions with friends or family members (as we’re all supposed to be practicing social distancing and be staying home as much as we possibly can right now), you can interact with them in other ways, such as giving them a call or video chatting them (i.e. on FaceTime), by texting, or even by sending them an e-mail. Having someone to talk to and share your feelings with during a time like this can be helpful, as while it may still be scary, you’ll know you’re not alone – as the person you’re talking to is most likely feeling the same or very similar to the way in which you’re feeling.
Another good way to ease anxiety is by finding a hobby you like. If you’re good at art, you might enjoy taking up drawing or painting; while another good hobby can be writing in a journal. If you’re someone who doesn’t necessarily like talking on the phone or someone who may not have many people to turn to, writing your thoughts and feelings out can be an incredibly therapeutic outlet – and is something you can do consistently. For others, easing anxiety might look like reading a book, watching a movie, listening to their favourite music, or even something as simple as taking a nap.
Something else people find helpful in relieving anxiety is exercise. While it may not be the safest time to spend time outdoors (especially if you are going to be in close proximity of others), you can still get out and enjoy the fresh air by going for a walk or bike ride if the weather permits. Or, you can even exercise from the comfort of your own home. You can also try meditation or even practice different breathing techniques, which are also known to help decrease anxiety significantly. Healthline offers several different breathing techniques specific to relieving anxiety here.
Remember, it’s not just COVID-19 that causes anxiety – and there are many different reasons why someone might suffer from it. For those who are in need assistance with their mental health (or if you know someone who does), you can find a wide range of resources by clicking here.