Ongoing COVID-19 UPDATE for Big Sisters

[2021/05/25] – COVID-19 UPDATE

In line with the BC Government’s end of the “circuit breaker” restrictions we are relaxing our meet up restrictions starting May 25, 2021.

You can now visit each others’ homes and do inside activities while wearing a mask and continuing to social distance when possible. Visiting indoor public places is now allowed as long as they have COVID-19 protocols in place. We know everyone is at a different comfort level when it comes to handling COVID-19 so continue to adhere to the protocols that work for you and your Mentee.

Please review the below material on safety measures for meeting with your Little and check your email and our weekly newsletter for further details.  You MUST connect with your caseworker before any meet ups to ensure you have all the information you need. The safety of our matches is our top priority.  In person meet ups are not required at this stage and we suggest you connect with your Little and their family to discuss planning the type of hang out that works best for you both.   Please continue to follow and remember the below guidelines.

  1. Being indoors together increases your risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19
  2. Wash your hands often, do not share food/utensils
  3. No overnights
  4. Avoid crowded public spaces and physical contact
  5. Wearing non-medical face masks is recommended when social distancing can’t be observed
  6. Take a self-assessment questionnaire immediately before hanging out with your Big/Little – e.g. https://thrive.health/covid19/en

 

[2020/11/10] – COVID-19 UPDATE

In line with the BC Government’s current roll back of Phase 3 guidelines, we are no longer allowing in person meet ups at each others’ homes as of November 10, 2020 outdoor in person meet ups with safety measures are still permitted.  Please review the below material on safety measures for meeting with your Little and check your email and our weekly newsletter for further details.  You MUST connect with your caseworker before any meet ups to ensure you have all the information you need. The safety of our matches is our top priority.  In person meet ups are not required at this stage and we suggest you connect with your Little and their family to discuss if you are both comfortable with outdoor in person meet ups.  Please continue to follow and remember the below guidelines.

  1. Being indoors together increases your risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19
  2. Wash your hands often, do not share food/utensils
  3. No overnights
  4. Avoid crowded public spaces and physical contact
  5. Wearing non-medical face masks is still recommended when social distancing can’t be observed
  6. Please avoid taking public transit or sharing a vehicle with your Big/Little
  7. Take a self-assessment questionnaire immediately before hanging out with your Big/Little e.g. https://thrive.health/covid19/en

 

[2020/09/18] – COVID-19 UPDATE

Exciting News! In Person Match Meet Ups are Back! 

In line with the BC Government’s Phase 3 plan, we are allowing in person meet ups to expand to hang outs at each others’ homes as of September 22, 2020 within certain guidelines.  Please view the below material on safety measures for meeting with your Little and check your email and our weekly newsletter for further details.  You MUST connect with your caseworker before any meet ups to ensure you have all the information you need. The safety of our matches is our top priority.  In person meet ups are not required at this stage and we suggest you connect with your Little and their family to discuss if you are both comfortable with in person meet ups.  Please continue to follow and remember the below guidelines.

  1. Your bubble will now include others that are in contact with your Big/Little
  2. Being indoors together increases your risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19
  3. Wash your hands often, do not share food/utensils
  4.  No overnights
  5.  Avoid crowded public spaces and physical contact
  6.  Wearing non-medical face masks is still recommended when social distancing can’t be observed
  7. Wear a mask if taking public transit or sharing a vehicle with your Big/Little
  8. Take a self-assessment questionnaire immediately before hanging out with your Big/Little e.g. https://bc.thrive.health/covid19/en

 

Currently Not Allowed  Maybe Allowed (Based on match decision) Allowed

Sharing food

Overnight visits

Visiting crowded public places

 

Hang outs at each others’ homes if everyone is comfortable

Taking public transit and sharing a car with masks

Outdoor hang outs

Choosing not to have face to face meetings yet

Virtual activities

Phone calls

Text

Virtual meetings through Zoom and other platforms

Please Read:

In Person Meeting Recommendations- Sept 2020 Update

Volunteering During COVID- Sept 2020 update

In Person Meet Up Ideas:

Walk/hike 
Park picnic 
Bike Ride
Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
Crafts outdoors
Nature Bingo
Sidewalk Chalk – hopscotch 
Jump rope

[2020/06/01] – COVID-19 UPDATE

With life slowly returning to normal, make sure you are looking after yourself and staying safe! 
In person match meetups remain suspended until the end of June! We will have another update for you mid-June. Until then, keep your eyes out for an update!

[2020/04/28] – COVID-19 UPDATE

*IMPORTANT* Big Sisters is closely monitoring the Covid-19 situation in consult with our National Office.  As per their directive, we are still not allowing in person match meetings until the end of May. We know you are eager to get back to seeing your Little and we will let you know as soon as it is safe to do so and the restriction is lifted. We appreciate your support of our youth during this challenging time and your commitment to your mentoring role in their lives.

[2020/03/20] – COVID-19 UPDATE

Dear Big Sisters,

Things seem to be changing every day with the COVID-19 outbreak and we want to ensure the safety of all of our matches! Effective immediately we are instructing matches to cease any in person outings. 

We know this will be difficult and many Littles need their Bigs more than ever in the wake of information overload and worries about their health and the health of those close to them. Because of that we are urging our matches to keep connected during this time! Whether that means texting, calling, skyping or using another video based chat app now is the perfect time to stay in touch! 

Unfortunately, those with COVID-19 may have little to no symptoms. You may not know you have a coronavirus infection because symptoms are similar to a cold or flu, and they may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure. The Public Health Agency of Canada says that symptoms have included: high fever, cough, difficulty breathing, pneumonia in both lungs.

For up to date information regarding COVID-19, please refer to the BC Centre for Disease Control and the Government of Canada  websites.

Please connect with your Littles’ family to see how they are feeling about the outbreak and associated risks and let them know about the Agency’s most recent stance on the outbreak.

Caseworkers will also be reaching out to their matches to ensure everyone is informed. If you have questions please contact your caseworker and stay safe over the weekend!

Jessie Martin 

Big Sister Program Manager