Last Update: June 7, 2023
On May 5, 2023, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Director General declared that COVID-19 is now an established and ongoing health issue, which no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern. The Government of Canada has noted it will continue its work with provinces and territories to implement a long-term, sustainable approach to the ongoing management of COVID-19.
Since the onset of the pandemic in early 2020, occupational therapists have demonstrated their commitment to protecting the health and safety of the people with whom they work. This commitment continues, encompassing COVID-19 as one of many communicable diseases encountered in health care.
Occupational therapists are expected to use their clinical judgement to determine how to best meet client care needs and incorporate infection prevention and control measures into their occupational therapy practice, demonstrating their commitment to client safety and acting in accordance with the profession’s standards. Please refer to the COTBC’s Practice Standards for Infection Prevention and Control for further details.
Registrants are advised to monitor the Office of the Provincial Health Officer, BC Centre for Disease Control, the Government of BC’s COVID-19 response, and local health authority websites for up-to-date information.
Current College Updates & Resources
- COTBC Statement on COVID-19 Misinformation
- Practice Guidance: Telehealth in Occupational Therapy Practice
- COTBC Advisory Statement on B.C. Provincial Health Officer Order SARS-CoV-2 Swabbing
- Public Resource: What can I expect from my Occupational Therapist?
- Practice Guidance: Point of Care Risk Assessment Resource for Occupational Therapists
BC Provincial Health Officer Updates
Orders and notices related to COVID-19 from the Provincial Health Officer can be found on the Government of BC’s website. Registrants are advised to read, follow and enact orders and notices related to their applicable practice areas.
Archived College Resources
- Guidance from Dr. Bonnie Henry, PHO, regarding Mask Use and Infection Prevention & Control for Health Professionals
- FAQ on the Health Professionals COVID-19 Vaccination Status Information and Preventative Measures Order Dated March 7, 2022
- Practice Guidance: Hospital and Community (Health Care and Other Services) COVID-19 Vaccination Status Information and Preventative Measures Order
- Next Steps for Complying with March 7, 2022, Public Health Order Requiring Recording of Registrants’ Vaccination Status
- Public Health Order Requires COTBC to Record Vaccination Status of Registrants
- August 26, 2021: Practice Guidance: BC’s Restart Plan Step 3
- March 17, 2021: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About BC’s COVID-19 Immunization Plan (UPDATED)
- December 8, 2020: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about BC’s Restart Plan Phase 3 (UPDATED)
- November 20, 2020: COVID-19 Practice Guidance on Province-Wide restrictions: New COVID-19 measures
- November 13, 2020: Clarification of BC Ministry of Health’s Mask Use in Health Care Facilities Policy
- May 25, 2020: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about BC’s Restart Plan Phase 2
- May 22, 2020: Providing in-person community care during COVID-19: Guidance for regulated health-care providers (UPDATED)
- May 12, 2020: BC’s Restart Plan: Phase 2 Guidance in Development
- May 8, 2020: What BC’s Restart Plan Means for Occupational Therapists
- March 23, 2020: Questions and Answers about the Provincial Health Officer’s March 23, 2020
- FAQ on returning to work after travel
- FAQ on whether you should suspend services
Informational Resources
- BC Centre for Disease Control
- BC COVID-19 Symptom Self-Assessment Tool
- Public Health Agency of Canada
- HealthLink BC
- Infection Prevention and Control Canada
- Government of Canada COVID-19 for Health Professionals
- Provincial COVID-19 Task Force: Ethical Decision Making Framework
- World Federation of Occupational Therapists COVID-19 Resource
- World Health Organization
This webpage was first published on February 21, 2020. We update the time stamp each time we add new information.
