COVID-19 Information and FAQs

A new coronavirus is the cause of an outbreak of respiratory infections, now known as COVID-19. The number of cases worldwide is changing quickly. At this time, the public health risk associated with COVID-19 is low for the general population in Canada, but this could change. Information on the prevention, transmission, symptoms and treatment of COVID-19 can be found on the Government of Canada website.

Provincial Medical Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, the BC Centre for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Vancouver Coastal Health are leading the coordinated response to COVID-19. 

In response to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, VCHRI will follow the decision as outlined by UBC for research (subject to the directives implemented by the health authority research institutes for clinical trials and REB-approved clinical research). As of March 24, 2020, all research activities should be curtailed; faculty, staff, undergraduate and graduate students, post-doctoral fellows and visiting professors should work remotely and avoid entering VCH facilities. This curtailment will be until April 30, 2020 and may be extended. This curtailment is to ensure the health and safety of all research personnel. We ask that all Principal Investigators discuss this curtailment with their research personnel and implement plans accordingly.

Information on conducting research activities during this time can be found below:

• Advisory on Clinical Trials and Clinical Research Operations at VCH and PHC
• Research Exemption Form (PDF) (Word) - Request to continue critical research or maintain critical research supplies at VCHRI
• UBC Faculty of Medicine - Resources for Research

See the following sites for situation updates, additional information and FAQs:

Vancouver Coastal Health - http://www.vch.ca/about-us/news/vancouver-coastal-health-statement-on-coronavirus

University of British Columbia - https://www.ubc.ca/campus-notifications

UBC Faculty of Medicine - https://www.med.ubc.ca/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-faculty-of-medicine-community

BC Centre for Disease Control - http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19

Public Health Agency of Canada - https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html

VCH is accepting donations to bolster medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more and show your support.