What is COVID-19? How did it occur and what are its implications for my physical, mental and financial wellness?
COVID-19 is a virus that is airborne and spread by water droplets passed between when a person coughs sneezes or exhales. The virus believed to have originated in live markets in China in late 2019 spread globally via human contact in early 2020. The virus can be fatal to older people or those with existing health conditions. Typically symptoms include fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. It is thought that symptoms may not be present until up to 14 days after contact with another person. Currently there is no known cure or vaccine to combat COVID-19. Symptoms and treatment options generally include a self-assessment, and testing if a person is exhibiting signs of infections. Canada’s Health Care System, along with health care systems around the world are providing additional information to help citizens understand and deal with this coronavirus. The government of British Columbia has developed a website directing its citizen to COVID-19 information, translated in 10 languages. Although the site refers to specific resources for BC residents, the content does provide general information that MAY be helpful to understand more about the virus and its effects on your life in the language of your country of origin (from one of the 10 languages listed), as a Newcomer in Canada. Note that all provincial governments provide similar websites with specific programs and related information for residents of each province, however most of those provincial sites are limited to use in English and French.
Where can I get legitimate, factual information to help me gather knowledge about the Pandemic?
There are many places where you can get information on the virus. Many Canadians will use a variety of sources including traditional media (newspapers, radio and television news) and social media (Facebook and other web based platforms) or searches on the internet using Google or other search engines. Be very wary of the sources of information that you use to ensure that they are trusted sources. Government sources provide trusted information on the virus including details of symptoms, the impact on Canadian communities, sources of financial and economic support, and up to date data on the spread of the virus in Canada. Some of these government sites offer real-time updates while other sites developed by the medical community provide information from professionals involved in heath care. Note that provincial medical associations (doctors, nurses, personal support workers, long-term care providers) in your province may offer additional legitimate, factual information on the virus. You should also seek out provincial government and municipal sources of information depending on where you live.