What happens during a pandemic
Last updated on April 30, 2024
A pandemic may last for several years, depending on how long it takes to develop a vaccine and stop the spread of the disease. Staying prepared throughout the pandemic is essential.
On this page
Stay informed
As a pandemic progresses, we learn more and more about the illness. This means that advice to keep yourself and others safe may change and evolve. It’s important to keep listening to updates from public health agencies and continue to follow their guidance.
Keep up to date on symptoms of the illness, as well as how to get tested if you think you are sick. Catching symptoms early can help ensure you get the medical attention you need, and also helps ensure you won’t spread the illness to others.
Maintain your health
As mentioned earlier, one of the best defenses against a disease is a healthy immune system and good physical health. Continue to maintain a healthy diet, proper rest (7-8 hours) and physical activity.
Learn how to stay safe and healthy in an emergency when coping with stress and anxiety,
Know when to wear face masks
The spread of some diseases can be slowed when people wear face masks. Wearing a mask can help stop droplets and airborne particles from spreading from your nose and mouth.
If directed by public health authorities, wear a face covering when you are out in public or where it’s difficult to stay a safe distance away from people outside your bubble. During a global pandemic there can be challenges in ensuring that healthcare workers have all the equipment they need to safely provide patient care. For this reason, members of the general public may be asked to use non-medical masks, such as cloth masks.
Clean and disinfect regularly
Regular cleaning and disinfecting can help prevent the spread of illness. Frequently touched surfaces such as toilets, sink tap handles, doorknobs, light switches, and tables should be cleaned at least daily. Other less frequently touched surfaces should be cleaned regularly when visibly dirty. Make sure to clean surfaces with soap or detergent before disinfecting. Cleaning and disinfecting is a simple, effective, two-step process:
Step 1: Clean away dirt, crumbs, etc.
Use soapy water to wipe away dirt, soils and other debris. Plain dish soap or any kind of household cleaning product will remove dirt, oils and other debris from surfaces.
Step 2: Disinfect
With store-bought disinfectants:
If possible, use store-bought disinfectants deemed effective by public health authorities and follow the directions on the label.
With bleach:
If store-bought disinfectants are not available, you can mix household bleach with room temperature water (do not use hot water) in specific ratios to disinfect areas in your home. Follow the advice of public health authorities on how to use bleach for this purpose.
For cleaning and disinfecting advice specific to COVID-19 visit the BC Centre for Disease Control website.
Tips for using disinfectants and bleach safely:
- Open a window and wear gloves when disinfecting
- Take care to rinse the equipment that you use to make your bleach solution and keep bleach tightly-sealed and stored away from children and pets
- More concentrated solutions are not better and may cause irritation to the eyes and throat
- Do not mix bleach with vinegar or other acids like lemon juice, ammonia-containing products (such as Windex), or rubbing alcohol. This can create toxic gases
- When using bleach on surfaces, allow the surface to air dry completely before using again
- Dispose of any leftover bleach mixtures so people won't mistake them for something else or mix them with other products by mistake. If you pour your extra bleach solutions down the drain, run a lot of water down the drain at the same time
What to do if...
You are a health care worker
Stay up to date on infection prevention and control policies and procedures at your workplace.
You have a family member in a long-term care or assisted living facility
Keep in mind that visitors may not be allowed at certain times during a pandemic. Find ways to stay connected with your loved ones such as phone calls or video chats.
You don't have a place to live
Following public health guidance during a pandemic, such as physical distancing and regular handwashing, can be challenging when you don’t have a place to live. In addition, some services you depend on may have to close or reduce services. During a pandemic, the government may offer new programs and supports to people who are unsheltered.
You are experiencing violence
If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, there is immediate crisis support for victims of family or sexual violence. VictimLink BC’s 24/7 telephone service offers help in multiple languages. Call 1-800-563-0808 or by email VictimLinkBC@bc211.ca. You’ll be referred to the closest service agency. Your immediate safety is more important than maintaining public health measures such as physical distancing or self-isolation.
You use substances
Avoid sharing supplies, such as cigarettes, joints, pipes, injecting equipment, containers for alcohol, utensils and other supplies. If you have to share, wipe pipes with alcohol wipes or use new mouthpieces. Wash your hands or use wipes before preparing, handling or using your drugs. Prepare your drugs yourself. Clean surfaces with soap and water, alcohol wipes, bleach or hydrogen peroxide before preparing drugs if possible. Carry naloxone and have an overdose plan. Buddy up when you are using, but stay a safe distance apart. Using with a buddy is safer than using alone.
You have a chronic health condition
Your health condition may put you at higher risk of severe symptoms during a pandemic. Follow public health guidance closely in order to keep yourself as safe as possible. If you are going to have to limit your time outside of the home, ask friends and family members to do things like deliver groceries. Work with your healthcare providers to ensure you have a plan to continue with regular appointments and medications.
You have a disability
People living with disabilities may be especially impacted by a pandemic if the services and social structures they depend on are disrupted. If you are a person with a disability, seek out information on programs that can support you during the pandemic. If you live alone, make sure you find a trusted pandemic buddy who can assist you with your day to day needs such as grocery deliveries.