British Columbia’s seniors advocate is asking everyone in the province to look out for the elderly in their communities amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Isobel Mackenzie, the province’s top senior whose office monitors and analyses services and issues that affect seniors and older adults in B.C., stated in a press release that the majority of people who contract novel coronavirus will experience mild symptoms, but the illness can be more serious for the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.
“We need to ensure that people who are not feeling well refrain from close contact with seniors and those who have underlying health conditions,” stated Mackenzie. “We also need to support seniors to ensure they are properly washing their hands, cleaning surfaces they come into contact with, limiting their exposure to others in the community who may be ill and practicing social distancing for the time being.”
Even though physical social distancing is highly encouraged by the provincial health officer, British Columbians should still contact their elderly friends, family and neighbours during these times, according to Mackenzie, adding even keeping them up to speed on the latest COVID-19 news and recommendations can make a big impact.
“They are important measures to keep seniors who are living in the community healthy and to reduce anxiety both for seniors and for their family members,” she stated.
The North Shore has been hit especially hard with cases of coronavirus. Several residents as well as health-care workers at Lynn Valley Care Centre have tested positive for COVID-19, with the first death from the disease in Canada occurring on March 8 when a man in his 80s who resided there passed away.
Three coronavirus cases have been confirmed at West Vancouver’s Hollyburn House, and today Vancouver Coastal Health announced that three administrative staff members at Lions Gate Hospital had also tested positive for COVID-19.
Seniors with non-medical related inquiries can phone the office of the seniors advocate toll-free number at 1-877-952-3181.
Editor’s note: The latest information on coronavirus disease is available on the B.C. Centre for Disease Control and Vancouver Coastal Health websites. Detailed information including travel advice is on the federal government’s website. If you have questions and concerns about COVID-19, please get your information from a trusted source. Spreading rumours and misinformation on social media or in conversation could impact lives.
