Staying Sane – Preserving your mental health during the pandemic

The current pandemic will for many people cause anxiety, depression and other reactions. It’s as important to maintain mental health as physical health.

This article, Covid-19 and Anxiety, from Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division, provides important information about preserving your mental and physical health. The article was posted by HereToHelp which has other information on mental health and substance abuse.

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) also has a page on Covid-19 on their website.

 

Finding Help – What to do if you experience symptoms

If you are experiencing symptoms, DO NOT drop into your doctor’s office or the hospital emergency department unannounced!

Use the online Self-Assessment Tool to determine whether you need further testing or medical assistance.

Interior Health Authority provides this advice:

Symptoms

Reported signs and symptoms include: fever, new cough, and difficulty breathing. If you think you have the symptoms of COVID-19, please stay at home and call 8-1-1, or your family doctor/nurse practitioner. People without symptoms, or those with mild symptoms who can be managed at home, should not be tested. The exception is health-care workers with COVID-19 infection who have recovered and require a negative test prior to returning to work.

Testing

Testing will occur by appointment for people who have been referred by their primary care provider or an 8-1-1 nurse.

Health Questions

If you have health concerns, call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1.

Oliver law firm sets up buddy system

Sage Hill Law in Oliver has set up a buddy system for Oliver and area (including Osoyoos).

People register either to be a helper or be helped. The helper checks in regularly while practicing social distancing. If needed, the helper may do things like pick up groceries — delivering them in a safe manner.

For more information and to register as either a helper or someone helped, visit their website.

See also the story in the Osoyoos Times by Lyonel Doherty of the Oliver Chronicle.

 

Business updates – some are closing, others changing their service

AG Foods, like its cousin Buy-Low Foods, is still open and they are doing their best to serve customers and keep supply lines open. Check their Facebook page for updates. (© Richard McGuire Photo)

Local businesses are working hard to adapt their operations to the new reality of the pandemic. In some cases, this means closing down. Others are limiting their hours or are adapting to options like take-out instead of sit-down eating. Continue reading “Business updates – some are closing, others changing their service”

Community Resources

Groups in the community are organizing to help make life easier for those who need assistance. This news category will provide information on new announcements.

Information is often first posted on Osoyoos Loop, so check there.

Keeping in mind all the health advice on preventing spread of the virus, here are some of the services that are likely to be in demand:

  • Delivery of groceries, medicines etc. to those who are in self-quarantine or otherwise can’t get out
  • Drivers to assist people getting to medical and other appointments — keeping in mind the need for personal protection
  • Book exchange — the libraries are closed, but reading will be an important activity for those who are housebound. Again, keep in mind that there’s a low, but real, risk that books may carry infections for short periods of time (the virus can stay active on cardboard for up to 24 hours)
  • Friendship — many people who are isolated will be lonely. With telephones and Skype or FaceTime, it is possible to simulate social contact. Sometimes texting and Facebook aren’t enough!
  • Childcare – with schools closed probably for a longer time than many people expect, there will be a need for childcare to help working parents. It will be challenging to find ways this can be done safely. Although children are the demographic least as risk from the virus, they can spread the virus to those who are more vulnerable. Watch for direction from local and provincial authorities.

Watch for announcements.