COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update

As the coronavirus spreads globally and the outbreak is also making its way through the business world, we want to ensure members are kept updated on how it may impact you, your staff, and business.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has deemed the risk to Canadians from COVID-19 to be low.

As of March 5, 2020, 36 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Canada. The PHAC is monitoring new cases daily, and has issued travel advisories to some nations, including Iran and China.

We strongly encourage you to keep updated on any developments and combat misinformation by monitoring the PHAC website.

How travel and tourism may be affected and how you can help

Canada continues to be a safe travel destination. The Public Health Agency of Canada is actively monitoring the current outbreak of COVID-19 and working with the World Health Organization and other international partners.

Destination BC (DBC ) is also committed to keeping BC’s tourism industry updated as new information becomes available. Visit their website for regular updates.

Prevention and planning:

BC’s health officials have advised that for the general public no special precautions are recommended beyond the usual measures to prevent infection from other common respiratory viruses.

Find preventative information on the PHAC’s website or call the Health Canada coronavirus information line at 1-833-784-4397 with further questions.

What businesses can do:

To ensure the travel and tourism sector can effectively contribute to the containment of COVID-19, cooperation is key. Businesses can do their part in preventing potential transmission by referring to WHO’s Getting Your Workplace Ready for COVID-19 here.

How you can support visitors:

  • All travellers who are visiting BC and begin to feel ill can seek medical attention at local hospitals or urgent care centres.

  • Symptoms of a coronavirus infection include, but are not limited to: fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue and difficulty breathing.

  • Find the nearest hospital or health centre here.

  • Find additional information on seeking medical attention here.

How you can support your staff:

  • While it is reasonable to be concerned about the possible impact of COVID-19 to your bottom line, it is important staff know you care about them and should they get sick, care about what they are going through.

  • Transparently communicate with employees about what protocols your business is putting in place to keep them safe during the outbreak

  • Be prepared to support employees’ individual concerns about the situation

  • Find additional insights here

Additional Resources:

  • Please us the BC CDC for the latest on how to prevent the transmission of diseases here.

  • To learn more about the coronavirus, symptoms, how it spreads and prevention visit Health Link BC’s website here.

  • Call the Health Canada 2019 novel coronavirus information line, available in either French or English: 1-833-784-4397

Ann Brydle