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Can Face Masks Cause Acne?
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.
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Should We Be Worried About a Second Wave?
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.
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How We’ve All Had to Adapt to Change Due to COVID-19
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.
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How to Have a Safe, Socially Distant Summer
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.
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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.