Dear dietitians,
_
We are pleased to inform you that the guidance to enable registrants to begin to safely resume providing in-person
community care
for patients in British Columbia is now available.
_
Thank you for your patience as we awaited further direction from the Provincial Heath Officer. That direction arrived, and we know that you were waiting for it so that you can plan how to safely resume in-person services.
_
This guidance has been developed by the Provincial Health Officer, the Ministry of Health, the BC Centre for Disease Control and WorkSafeBC in collaboration with BC Health Regulators including the College of Dietitians of BC.
_
With BC now in a position to ease restrictions on health care services
in line with BC’s Restart Plan
, registrants can begin to resume in-person practice in a way that promotes safe care to patients and, continues to prevent the spread of the virus. As this new normal is being defined, registrants will have to adjust how they deliver care, conduct business, and attend to physical environments to ensure best infection and prevention control practices.
_
Registrants should review all guidance material below and carefully consider how to adjust their community practice to ensure the health and safety of their patients and clients, colleagues, and support staff. While in-person services may resume on May 19, there is no requirement to re-open by this date, and registrants must ensure they can practice safely, in line with this guidance before resuming in-person community care services. Virtual practice is still encouraged if services can be provided safely and competently in this manner.
_
Guidance
_
The situation regarding COVID-19 will continue to evolve over the coming weeks and months. The guidance provided reflects the best evidence available at this time and it will change as required to reflect updates in our understanding of COVID-19 and its transmission.
_
Resources that are linked to in the guidance are also subject to change. This means registrants need to be prepared for updates and closely watch for communications from the CDBC but also updated guidance from the Provincial Health Officer, BC Centre for Disease Control and WorkSafeBC.
Guidance is not yet available and is expected to be published by the BCCDC in the next few days. Please consult their website regularly.
- Personal Protective Equipment (BC Centre for Disease Control)
Updates expected following May 19, 2020
_
_
Thank you to all registrants for your patience and collaboration as we respond to this pandemic. We are in this together, and the CDBC will continue to support you in providing the best patient care possible in these challenging times.
_
_
