Pandemic

A pandemic is an infectious disease or condition that attacks a large portion of the population in different parts of the world at the same time.

Find out more about Saanich's response to COVID-19, Community Resources and General Resources and Financial Assistance. 

Protect yourself and your family 

  • Take common sense precautions to prevent the spread of germs and practice good health habits: 
  • Regularly wash your hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds
    • Before and after eating.
    • After going to the bathroom or changing diapers.
    • After coughing and sneezing.
    • Before and after you care for someone who is sick.
    • After touching surfaces that others may have contaminated. 
  • Cough and sneeze into a tissue or your elbow to avoid contaminating your hands.
  • Promptly throw away used tissues. 
  • Frequently clean and disinfect household surfaces like door handles, remote controls, phones and light switches.
  • Avoid sick people. 

COVID-19

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Using soap and water is the single most effective way of reducing the spread of infection.
  • If soap and water are not available, alcohol based hand rubs (ABHR) can be used to clean your hands as long as they are not visibly soiled. If they are visibly soiled, use a wipe and then ABHR to effectively clean them.
  • Do not touch your face, eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue or the crease of your elbow when you sneeze or cough.
  • Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
  • Do not share food, drinks, utensils, etc.
  • Minimize your contact with others through physical distancing by keeping about two metres apart when outside your home.

Check for current Public Health Alerts from HealthLinkBC. 

The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) website contains the latest information about pandemics, particularly as they relate to the health and well-being of British Columbians. Follow the BCCDC on Twitter for the latest information @CDCofBC.

COVID-19 Vaccines 

The most important thing BC residents aged 12 (**this may change soon) and older can do to help our communities and our lives get back to normal is to get vaccinated. Island Health no longer requires appointments for a first dose. Anyone 12 and over who hasn’t yet had a first dose can now walk in to any of Island Health’s mass immunization clinics. Appointments are still required for second doses - register at getvaccinated.gov.bc.ca.

Learn more about how vaccines and how to get vaccinated on the province's website.

Proof of vaccination resources

By order of the Provincial Health Officer (PHO), proof of vaccination will be required to access some events, services and businesses in BC. Information on this can be found on the PHO proof of vaccination page.