Powell River Division of Family Practice

We are looking forward to the day when enough people have been vaccinated and we can once again do this... (if you have questions about the vaccine, visit prcomplexclinic.com/vaccines to see our answers to local FAQs)

The efforts most people are making to slow the spread of COVID-19 are paying off. This week we are starting to see the number of new daily cases of the virus decline in our province.... One new case was reported for the Powell River Local Health Authority (includes City of Powell River, qathet Regional District (minus Lasqueti), and Tla’amin Nation) for the week of January 24-30. It’s an encouraging trend, said Dr. Bonnie Henry in her February 1st update. However, she also emphasized that it’s important to stay the course in terms of taking precautions to stop the spread of the virus. Fewer cases is a welcome sign for all of us and makes it all the more important to keep going with the fundamentals of staying local, staying small and staying safe right now. Let’s all continue to do our part, knowing that our individual and collective efforts are working. Although new daily case numbers are dropping across the country, numbers are still much higher than they were in the spring and summer, and with the presence of the new variants Public Health Officials emphasize it is not time to relax restrictions. In Monday’s update Dr. Bonnie Henry confirmed that up to February 1st there were 18 variant cases of COVID-19 confirmed in British Columbia. Four of these are the South African variant and 14 of them are the UK variant. No variant cases have been identified in our Local Health Area. Though the province is starting the month with a limited vaccine supply, preparations are underway to ensure that facilities and staff are ready when supplies do arrive. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community. If you have questions about the vaccine visit our FAQ page at prcomplex.com/vaccines. For more local updates and COVID-related information, visit prcomplexclinic.com.

A reminder today, in case you're feeling in need of one...we are in this together, and we are Resilient Together. What's a kindness you have shown to someone, or someone has shown to you recently? If you haven't already seen it (or even if you already have seen it!) take a few minutes to watch this short video that Claudia Medina produced on behalf of the Division about our community in the pandemic...featuring so many of our amazing local musicians and artists. Sure to warm your heart. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoOGoMEoQ98&feature=emb_logo

Results are in from the community survey we commissioned at the end of 2020. We will be highlighting some of the key findings in the coming weeks. First up: % - . Want to see all the survey results? You can check them out here: https://prcomplexclinic.com//2021-Jan-PRDFP_COVID19_Survey

COVID-19 testing will take place again this weekend, Saturday and Sunday October 3 &4. If you have symptoms, please get tested!

Powell River physicians encourage the public to recognize our progress, avoid complacency, and perhaps most importantly, practice compassion in this new article published in this week's Powell River Peak: "As COVID-19 has arrived in our community, we have entered a new phase of the pandemic, and it’s one that requires each of us to find courage, patience and tolerance when that is perhaps the most difficult thing to do. We learned last week that Dr. Bonnie Henry is not only ...experiencing harassment from some members of the public, but also death threats. While Dr. Henry is internationally recognized, both for her expertise in public health and her compassionate leadership, she was reportedly not surprised by these abuses. Her famous saying: Be kind, be calm and be safe no longer appears to be simply an inspiring slogan; it’s also a warning." Read the entire article from the Powell River Physicians COVID-19 Steering Group here: https://www.prpeak.com//powell-river-doctors-reinforce-mes

This pandemic advice from Gru and the minions is a bit of fun we have included for a Tuesday smile in this week's Doctor's Notes: https://www.facebook.com/WHO/posts/3578892138822810 Also inside, some advice from Anxiety Canada on Balancing Public Health and Mental Health, including - Why you should avoid shutting yourself away, and ideas for socializing safely - The benefits of exercise -- and/or spending time outside -- in regulating your mood... - Some tips that may help you to assess whether your current level of concern is appropriate, and more as well as a useful COVID-19 symptoms infographic and more local care information! https://mailchi.mp//balancing-mental-health-and-public-hea To subscribe to Doctor's Notes visit https://divisionsbc.ca/powell-river

We love seeing how #PowellRiver businesses are adapting during COVID to serve the community in ways that are safe - and creative! The new setup, for example at River City Coffee! What other local businesses have you visited who are doing a GREAT job? Let's get them a HIGH FIVE!

Masks are part of our new reality these days...this little graphic video from the World Health Organization has some good tips on how to get the best protection... https://www.facebook.com/watch/

THIS WEEKEND (Saturday and Sunday September 26-27) a COVID-19 testing clinic will be held again by appointment. If you have any symptoms, please get tested! You can book your appointment at https://powellrivermedicalclinic.ca/covid-19

In collaboration with Vancouver Coastal Health (Dr. Mark Lysyshyn) and the Tla’amin Nation (Hegus Clint Williams), the School District will be hosting a Back to School COVID-19 Virtual Town Hall on September 23, 2020 from 4:00 pm to 5:30pm. The purpose of the Town Hall is to provide direct information from the Public Health Officer with respect to new developments in Powell River, bring forth new information, outline changes to health and safety guidelines, to answer questions, and to bring clarity to the issues. More info and the join link here: https://mcusercontent.com//Letter_to_Parents_Guardians_Stu

Are you subscribed to Doctor's Notes? If not, visit https://www.divisionsbc.ca/powell-river and subscribe! This is a regular email newsletter that contains reliable local information from physicians and nurse practitioners in our community. A great resource! Today a new edition of Doctor's Notes has just been published: https://mailchi.mp//doctors-notes-back-to-school-masks-and... In this newsletter you can find: - a back-to-school guide from the BC Centre for Disease Control - information on a local back-to-school town hall - detailed advice on the difference between the protection you get from different types of face coverings and masks - local testing information, and more! Know someone else who might be interested in subscribing? Please share this post!

Have you been wondering what the safe standards are for cleaning your home and the items in it? This is a useful resource from the BC Centre for Disease Control: http://www.bccdc.ca//prevention-/cleaning-and-disinfecting Includes tips for properly disinfecting: surfaces kitchen items... mobile phones and other electronics toys laundry and more It also includes a table illustrating recommended bleach, water ratios, and cleaning times needed for COVID-19 disinfecting.

ANNOUNCEMENT! Weekend COVID testing (Saturday and Sunday September 19-20) is available by appointment. If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, please get tested. Book at https://powellrivermedicalclinic.ca/covid-19 or call 604-485-3573.

Some people have no symptoms from COVID-19 but most people have more than one...if you are experiencing the symptoms below, please get tested!

Today's viewpoint in Powell River Peak with an update on our current situation and info on what is happening behind the scenes in health care... https://www.prpeak.com//viewpoint-we-can-all-make-a-differ

We stand strong when we stand together.