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COVID-19 Update


 

Updated: October 10, 2023

 

We are essential service workers at BeConnected – thank you to all BeConnected personnel for the care and commitment you are demonstrating during this challenging time.  We are in this together.

 

BeConnected is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for the people we support, personnel, and visitors. We are regularly reviewing updates from government and health authorities and communicating with our regulatory bodies. BeConnected has plans in place to respond as needed. As information comes available we are committed to transparency and communication with the BeConnected community.

 

For information about what to do if you have symptoms of COVID-19, please review the the handout provided by the BC Centre for Disease Control. For further information about COVID-19, please visit their website.

 

On this Page:

– Pandemic Response Plan

– Vaccine Information

– Planning at Home

– Financial Support for People with Disabilities

– COVID-19 Resources

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Pandemic Response Plan

A combination of measures will be used to minimize exposure and the spread of COVID-19 including the heightened use of our regular infection control practices. These procedures will not only protect our personnel, but also the people we serve and others who enter our programs.

 

BeConnected program locations:

Visitors: We ask all visitors to arrange program visits in advance with the Coordinator. Visitors are requested to use the provided hand sanitizer or wash their hands upon arrival. Masks are available at all sites.

Personnel: As per the Provincial Health Officer Order, all personnel are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Personnel are required to sanitize/wash their hands upon entry and regularly thereafter for the duration of their shift. All high touch areas will be cleaned throughout the day.

 

BeConnected offices:

We ask that all visitors use the provided hand sanitizer upon arrival. See our visitor guidelines poster for more information.  Office personnel regularly clean and disinfect all high touch surfaces. You can view our Office BC Phase 3 Reopening Plan here.

 

If you have symptoms of illness, please delay your visit to a BeConnected program or office until you are feeling better. 

 

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Vaccine Information – Fall 2023 Update

Starting in October, everyone can receive an updated influenza and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time.

If you have previously received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccination in British Columbia, an invitation will be sent by email or text message with a link to book your vaccination appointment online.  Please wait for your invitation.

If you have not received a COVID-19 vaccine in British Columbia, you must register with the BC Get Vaccinated system. You can register online, by phone at 1-833-838-2323 (choose this option if you do not have a PHN), or at a Service BC office.

You can find more information about COVID-19 immunization at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/register.

 

If individuals or family members have questions or concerns about the vaccine, we urge you to have a discussion with your primary care provide to help you decide if the vaccine is right for you.

We also understand that some individuals may need assistance from family or other legal decision makers to provide informed consent. The BC Public Guardian and Trustee can provide more information about who has the legal authority to provide consent to the vaccine.

 

Plain Language Resources

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Planning at Home

It is important for self-advocates to develop their own plan for staying safe during this COVID-19 pandemic. Opening Doors, an organization in the United Kingdom, developed a plain language guide for self-advocates to help learn about the coronavirus and how to stay safe. They have graciously allowed us to modify the guide for use in British Columbia. View the guide here.

Individuals are encouraged to develop a plan to ensure their needs are met, identify important contacts, and know what to do if they or someone in their home become sick. Individuals are welcome to use this template as a starting point for their planning.

 

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and are living with and caring for others, learn about prevention measures to help prevent the spread of illness.

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Financial Supports for People with Disabilities

Starting April 1, 2021 the Temporary BC Recovery Supplement ended and was replaced by a permanent $175/month increase to Disability Assistance for a total of $1,358.42/month. Find out more information on the BC Government Website.

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COVID-19 Resources

We are committed to keeping you updated as we continue to monitor information provided from the Health Authorities. More information is also available from the following sources:

Coronavirus Outbreak: Fact vs Fiction with Dr. Bonnie Henry (Plain Language)

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