When we published our first information about COVID-19 for members in March 2020, we couldn’t have imagined the course of things to come. Since then we’ve developed a set of resource pages, and will continue to update them as information becomes available- see the options at the bottom of this page. We are grateful to everyone as they do their best through this crisis and wish all well as we work within this extraordinary time.
Fall 2022 PAN COVID update
September 14, 2022: Our communicable disease prevention plan, designed to reduce the risk of workplace transmission of COVID-19 and other communicable diseases has been reviewed and updated this month. See what we’re doing with a view to the ongoing COVID-19 situation. Our updated plan once again relies on the guidance provided by Worksafe BC. Learn more about communicable disease prevention plan.
COVID update: PAN in-person events to resume with caution
March 25, 2022: In response to the recent loosening of COVID-19 restrictions in BC, we are pleased to report some exciting updates to PAN’s operations. Our updated Communicable Disease Prevention Plan includes a variety of ongoing measures for our staff, and is based on the advice of Public Health and Worksafe BC. As of April 1st, 2022 PAN will begin planning and convening in-person events again. Anyone participating in or attending such events will need to provide proof of full vaccination (2 or more doses) – unless they have a medical exemption – and be masked when indoors. Although the PHO orders/recommendations after April 8th do not require this (with the exception of visiting long-term care facilities), we want to continue to ensure the health and safety of all those who attend our events, especially the most vulnerable and those who are immunocompromised. Continue reading
COVID update: the continuing impact on PAN in-person events, and PAN’s Prevention Plan
October 7, 2021: As we roll into another fall where the dangers of COVID-19 are both all-pervasive and ever-changing, we wanted to give a quick update on PAN’s response. Communicable disease prevention focuses on basic risk reduction principles to reduce the risk of workplace transmission of COVID-19 and other communicable diseases. Our Communicable Disease Prevention Plan includes a variety of ongoing measures for our staff (e.g. sick policies, hygiene and cleanliness, ventilation and encouraging the uptake of vaccines), and is based on the advice of Public Health and Worksafe BC. PAN will continue to foster new connections across the network, creating and delivering programs and services virtually as we have since the pandemic began. PAN in-person events remain on hold and office remains closed to visitors. Continue reading
Onwards, intently, in COVID times: update to members and allies
April 15, 2021: As we head into a new fiscal year and welcome the onset of spring, we would like to take a moment to update members and allies on our work in light of the continuing dictates of COVID. On an operational level, PAN’s own programs and services continue to be impacted as both BC and Canada as a whole are now experiencing a third wave. Given this, we have made the decision to continue with our suspension of in-person events and meetings, and any related travel. We are hopeful that as the vaccines continue to rollout, that we may resume bringing people together in the not too distant future. Despite the limitations, we have continued to foster new connections across the network, to deliver programs and services virtually, and advocate for shared concerns. Continue reading.
Operational Update
September 30th, 2020: The health and safety of PAN members and participants, as well as that of the staff and volunteers is of paramount importance. Given the ongoing challenges of COVID-19, the decision has been made to continue to keep the PAN office (located on West Pender Street in Vancouver) closed until further notice.
All staff can be reached by phone, or by email – see our contacts here. PAN staff will continue to work virtually from their home offices – the work of the network will continue in this manner as it has since March when the pandemic began.
We are also cancelling and/or postponing all in person events and meetings until the end of March 2021 (PAN’s current fiscal year), at which time this will be assessed. We feel that this is consistent with the latest recommendations coming from public health. This also supports our commitment to effectively plan for the ongoing delivery of virtual services and supports to our membership, and to communicate effectively with our funders, partners and supporters.
Shifting from emergency response to the reality of working in a COVID-19 world
July 24, 2020: Our province has moved into Phase 3 of the COVID-19 restart plan, and there is no doubt that BC has done a good job of “flattening the curve” – thanks to the leadership of our public health officials (including PHO Dr. Bonnie Henry), and the work of health care workers, and countless others including PAN member organizations and allied agencies in every corner of the province. Despite the successes of our collective “provincial response”, there have been just as many failures, perhaps none more apparent than the back-to-back record months for fatal drug overdoses in May and June. It is obvious that the COVID-19 pandemic is highlighting all the many inequities that exist for the most vulnerable. Four months into the COVID-19 pandemic, and halfway through summer, we wanted to take the opportunity to revisit our original three commitments to our membership vis-à-vis COVID-19. Continue reading
PAN statement to members
March 16, 2020: Without a doubt, these are challenging and uncertain times. Now it is time for all of us to come together – as we have so many times in the past – to confront this new and significant public health threat. PAN members will no doubt build on their history of responding in a creative and effective manner, as each decides how to continue to deliver services and programs often times to some of the most vulnerable members of our society. Here is information on PAN operations, as well as our commitment to members at this time. Continue reading
See all COVID-19 resource pages
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Indigenous Communities and Cultural Safety
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