President of BC doctors organization urges physicians to reach out to the public on COVID-19
By Contributor
Dear Colleagues,
Our colleague and Provincial Health Officer, Dr Bonnie Henry, has been very clear in her direction on COVID-19. The time is now. The public must self-isolate and maintain social distance in accordance with her orders. What they do today will impact the health and perhaps the fate of British Columbians in the next weeks and months.
As physicians it is crucial that we are united in providing the public with clear guidance. We need to amplify Dr Henry’s message. During these times of crisis, adhering to the public health direction as the single source of truth is imperative. The truth is that self-isolation and maintaining social distance will save lives.
Today, I am asking all of you – as physicians who care deeply about your patients, their families, and your communities – to help get this message out. It is especially important at a time when we continue to see some of our younger people congregating and socializing, putting not just themselves at risk, but their parents and grandparents.
What can you do?
- Email your patients, and remind them to self-isolate and to encourage their children to do the same.
- Take to social media. Let’s get hundreds of physicians in BC out on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook this week using the hashtags #stay_home #BCdocs
- Groups of physicians could connect with your local media.
- Think of other innovative ideas to get the message out, e-mail us at communications@doctorsofbc.ca(link sends e-mail) and we will share them.
I know that many of you are feeling overwhelmed, so we have made this as easy as possible. Below you will find some written materials and messaging to get you started.
As physicians, we hold a privileged place of trust with our patients and the public. We have an opportunity to make a real difference, to save lives. I encourage you to do what you can to help.
For questions or comments, please e-mail covid19@doctorsofbc.ca(link sends e-mail).
Sincerely,
Kathleen Ross, MD
President, Doctors of BC – 2019/2020
