Notice on COVID-19

In response to the situation involving COVID-19, our top priority is the health, safety, and well-being of our employees, supporters, hospital family, patients – and of course, the general public.

As the situation continues to evolve, we are following the advice of our local health experts. These include Fraser Health, the BC Centre for Disease Control, the BC government, and the Public Health Agency of Canada.

At the advice of our health officials, we are taking appropriate steps in support of this approach.

This includes foundation staff moving to a remote/from-home work plan until further notice. As well, we will be postponing events and public gatherings, and replacing in-person meetings with conference calls, in line with the advice of health officials.

For the time being, the foundation office will not be open for usual business hours, however staff will continue to conduct foundation business in service to the hospital for as long as it is advisable to do so.

We are working closely with Fraser Health to ensure decisions are in line with the best advice available and are appropriate to the current situation.

Donations to Burnaby Hospital Foundation can continue to be made online at bhfoundation.ca, or if you are already in the hospital, and it is safe to do so, donations can be dropped in the mailbox at the foundation’s office door.

We have committed to helping the hospital however we can. We know you also want to know how you can help.

There is uncertainty and many questions remaining, and we will do our part to deliver you the information you need as we work together during this time.

As a starting point, we can each follow the BC government’s advice:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Using soap and water is the single most effective way of reducing the spread of infection
• If a sink is not available, alcohol based hand rubs (ABHR) can be used to clean your hands as long as they are not visibly soiled. If they are visibly soiled, use a wipe and then ABHR to effectively clean them
• Do not touch your face, eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
• Follow good respiratory etiquette by covering your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue or the crease of your elbow when you sneeze or cough
• Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
• Do not share food, drinks, utensils, etc.
• Avoid crowded public spaces and places. Examples include mass gatherings, such as concerts and sporting events.
• Avoid shaking hands

Please do not hesitate to reach out should you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Kristy James, CFRE

Chief Executive Officer

Burnaby Hospital Foundation