UPDATED June 21, 2022
To All SCI BC Members and Supporters:
As BC continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, SCI BC is remaining agile in its response. With the recent easing of most pandemic restrictions, we are excited to start reintroducing our in-person activities and events.
The safety of our members and staff remains our top priority, and we will be implementing a few changes to keep everyone safe and meet the requirements of health guidelines.
Here’s what you can expect at SCI BC in-person events and activities:
- Masks are optional, but welcomed.
- Maintaining social distancing is highly recommended.
- It is important for all participants to respect other participants’ comfort levels with wearing a mask and maintaining social distance.
- If you’re not feeling well, please stay home.
- SCI BC is required to check vaccine passports when applicable to the health requirements of the event venue or location.
Observing the above safety protocols for peer get-togethers will minimize the risk of transmitting the virus. If you want more information about BC’s response to the pandemic, visit this page. If you or someone you know have questions about BC’s COVID vaccination program, how to book an appointment, or how to find a nearby vaccination clinic, you can learn more here. Proof of vaccination requires that you have at least two doses of the COVID vaccine; however, three doses of approved vaccines offer the most protection from the virus.
As always, we will continue to offer our online events and peer support. Our InfoLine service is available 9 am-5 pm, Monday to Friday at 1-800-689-2477. This service is free of charge and available to anyone living with a spinal cord injury or other related disability, as well as family, friends, health professionals and other service providers.
We encourage you to reach out and connect with us. We greatly value your input, and we would love to hear from you during this challenging time.
InfoLine: Call toll-free at 1-800-689-2477 or email info@sci-bc.ca
To connect with an SCI BC Peer Coordinator near you: https://sci-bc.ca/about-us/contact-us/
To participate in an online SCI BC group or event: https://sci-bc.ca/events-directory/online-events/
For more information on COVID-19, visit the sites listed below:
- Public Health Agency of Canada: Government of Canada’s online site for COVID-19
- BC Centre for Disease Control: BC Centre for Disease Control site for COVID-19
- UK Spinal Injuries Association guidance on COVID-19
- Shepherd Centre guidance on COVID-19
- SCI & COVID-19 FAQ blog
Here is some additional information about the virus, provided by Vancouver Coastal Health: The symptoms of COVID-19, are similar to other common illnesses, including the flu and common cold. They include fever, cough, headache, shortness of breath, and diarrhea. To help stop the spread of the virus, practice proper hygiene etiquette. This includes proper hand-washing with soap and water, or alcohol-based hand sanitizer, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, wearing a mask, and staying home when you are sick. If you have health concerns, call HealthLink BC at 811 or your health care provider.
On behalf of all of us at SCI BC, stay healthy and stay tuned.
