There is a lot of information about COVID-19. Below is a list of the useful, trusted sources we use at HealthLinkBC 8-1-1 to provide British Columbians with health information and advice. If you find information online or in social media that you are not sure you can trust, call us at 8-1-1 and we can help.
BC Centre for Disease Control
BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) is the provincial source of information on COVID-19.
BCCDC provides health promotion and prevention services, and diagnostic and treatment services. They work to reduce communicable and chronic disease, preventable injury and environmental health risks. BCCDC also provides analytical and policy support to government and health authorities.
To find health information about COVID-19 for the public and for health care professionals, and to use the self-assessment tool for COVID-19 testing, visit the BCCDC website.
- BC Centre for Disease Control: COVID-19 for the public
- BC Centre for Disease Control: COVID-19 self-assessment for testing
- BC Centre for Disease Control: COVID-19 data
- BC Centre for Disease Control: COVID-19 for health care professionals
To download the resources BCCDC makes available for families and communities, with many available in multiple languages, see BC Centre for Disease Control, Resources at a glance.
B.C. Government, Provincial Supports for COVID-19
The province of B.C. is taking steps to contain the spread of COVID-19. There are many programs in place to support British Columbians through these unprecedented times. For information from the B.C. Government on essential services, news and updates, education, child care, business, travel, housing and monthly bills, reduced services and more, visit B.C. Government, COVID-19 Provincial Support and Information.
B.C. Government, BC’s Restart Plan
The province of B.C. has formed a plan with steps we can all take together to protect each other and ensure that as a province we can bounce back from COVID-19 stronger than before. For information from the B.C. Government on the plan, see BC's Restart Plan.
Daily COVID-19 Updates from the Province of B.C.
The Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry and the Minister of Health, Adrian Dix provide daily briefings on the province’s response to COVID-19. Watch daily on your preferred news channel or on the Province of B.C.’s Facebook or YouTube channel, or visit the B.C. Gov News room updates.
- Province of B.C., BC Gov News: COVID
- Province of B.C., YouTube: Important Information about COVID-19
- B.C. Government Facebook
Health Authority information
For information about COVID-19 from your local health authority, see:
- Interior Health: What you need to know about COVID-19
- Island Health: Coronavirus Information (COVID-19)
- First Nations Health Authority, Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Fraser Health Authority: COVID-19
- Northern Health: Coronavirus Community Guide (COVID-19) (PDF 4.8MB)
- Vancouver Coastal Health Authority: Information on Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
Hospital Visiting Guidelines
Hospitals have changed their visiting guidelines and have new restrictions in place to prevent the spread COVID-19. Restrictions may vary and change. Make sure you check what the visiting policy is at the facility before you visit it.
For more information on visitor guidelines in your region see:
Taking care of our loved ones and remaining connected is still possible even with physical distancing requirements at hospitals. Here are some ideas on how to do this:
- Use technology to check in and share good wishes
- Select a family member who will be the main contact person who can call the hospital each day for an update to pass along. Check with hospital staff to find out what the best time would be for a daily call
- Ask hospital staff if you can deliver a care package for your loved one and if there is anything that is not allowed (e.g., plants and flowers)
Provincial Health Officer Orders
Dr. Bonnie Henry, Provincial Health Officer, declared a public health emergency for British Columbia. In a Provincial State of Emergency, the Provincial Health Officer can make orders as needed. These include orders about mass gathering, personal services, notices about regional events, notices for retail food and grocery stores and more.
To find information on orders, notices, guidance, and more from the Provincial Health Officer visit the Office of the Provincial Health Officer, Current Health Topics, Orders, Notices & Guidance.
Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)
The Public Health Agency of Canada promotes health, prevents and controls chronic diseases and injuries and infectious diseases. The PHAC responds to public health emergencies. For more information about COVID-19, including travel advisories, see:
- Government of Canada: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
- Government of Canada: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Awareness resources
- Government of Canada: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Outbreak update
- Government of Canada: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Travel restrictions and exemptions
- Government of Canada: Travel health notices
WorkSafeBC
WorkSafe BC protects workplace safety of British Columbians in partnership with workers and employers. For more information on COVID-19 information and resources for staying safe at work, visit WorkSafeBC, COVID-19 information and resources.
World Health Organization (WHO)
The World Health Organization provides leadership on global health matters. The WHO monitors and assesses health issues such as COVID-19, provides technical support to countries and sets health standards. For more information about 2019-nCoV, see:
- World Health Organization: Q&A on Coronaviruses (COVID-19)
- WHO: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak
For more information about COVID-19 and how to protector yourself, your family and your community, see Coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Last updated: May 28, 2020
