The College of Chiropractors of British Columbia (CCBC) is monitoring the evolving developments of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and is aware of the increasing challenges this brings to patients and registrants.
Service Levels
The authority on public health matters rests with the Ministry of Health and the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC). The CCBC continues to refer to guidance and best practices provided by BC’s Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, to inform registrants and the public on this matter. At this time, the CCBC has not received direction from the Ministry of Health regarding any measures to suspend services, however, this situation could change quickly. Should there be a decision on service levels from the Ministry of Health, it will be communicated out to registrants immediately.
In the Ministry of Health’s March 16 press conference Dr. Bonnie Henry states that BC’s health authorities have been directed to undertake only urgent and emergency procedures and will postpone all non-urgent scheduled surgeries for provincial hospitals. With the exceptional cautionary measures for health authorities, the CCBC understands that this would be a factor to consider for registrants as well in determining their own service levels.
In the interim, the CCBC recommends that registrants conduct their own assessment to determine the level of risk to both patients and staff and assist in decision making around maintaining clinic operations. We are aware that some registrants have already made the decision to temporarily close their offices in the interest of public health. Registrants are strongly encouraged to consider the cautionary measures as directed to health authorities by the Ministry of Health and only provide urgent care.
Updates and Information for Patients and Registrants
Patients with questions about infectious disease, such as COVID-19, should be advised to contact their medical doctor, nurse practitioner or local public health officials. Additional resources include HealthLinkBC (811) and the BCCDC website.
For updates and resources for health care workers, please check the BCCDC site: www.bccdc.ca/covid19care.
The CCBC’s March 13, 2020 notice to registrants is available here: https://www.chirobc.com/novel-coronavirus-covid-19/.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter. If you have any questions, please email registrar@chirobc.com.
Michelle Da Roza
Registrar