As the next stages of BC’s response to COVID-19 take shape, a new BC-wide population health survey is gathering valuable information about how COVID-19 has impacted the health and well-being of people in BC.
Called the BC COVID-19 survey: Your Story, Our Future, the survey is available online at bccdc.ca/covid19survey. Those who cannot complete the survey or need assistance can call 1.833.707.1900, seven days a week, between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, to take the survey over the phone.
According to a media release, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and minister of health Adrian Dix are joining with chief medical health officers from all BC health authorities to call on all BC residents 18 and over to take this survey, which will provide valuable information to help guide the COVID-19 pandemic response in the months to come.
“The purpose of this survey is to guide us in the weeks and months ahead as we continue to address the COVID-19 pandemic,” stated Dix. “From the beginning, we’ve called on all British Columbians to come together to stop the spread of COVID-19, and we’ve seen an extraordinary response as we’ve flattened the curve together. This survey is one more step you can take to help your community live as well as possible during this time.”
Dr. Henry stated that COVID-19 has touched the lives of everyone in BC and has required everyone to make sacrifices for the common good.
“The information we gather through this survey will guide us as we chart our course through this pandemic, ensuring that we focus on the most effective prevention measures, minimize negative consequences, and support overall wellness,” stated Henry.
The survey asks questions about whether respondents have experienced COVID-19-related illness, actions they have taken to prevent COVID-19, challenges they have faced during this pandemic and overall well-being.
At the end of the survey, respondents will be asked about their interest in taking part in two future initiatives: A serology survey (blood testing) to help determine immunity across the population, and the planning for digital tools to help identify and manage COVID-19 infections in their community.
The survey takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete and will be open until May 31. Data collected through the survey follows strict privacy practices under BC’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. All data is securely held in Canada with respondent privacy and confidentiality maintained at all times, according to the release.
