5 years after B.C. declared COVID-19 a public health emergency, BCCDC says it’s ready for future pandemics

Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Pandemic in British Columbia

A little over five years ago, a sense of panic spread throughout British Columbia’s public health system as a new virus, later known as COVID-19, began to emerge. Dr. Jat Sandhu, an epidemiologist at the B.C. Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), reflected on the initial scramble to ensure there was enough personal protective equipment for medical professionals and to understand the gravity of the situation. As an epidemiologist, it was a time to step up and make a difference.

The uneasiness quickly spread to the general public as details were shared by scientists and government officials. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic as COVID-19 cases and deaths soared. Less than a week later, B.C. declared a public health emergency, leading to massive changes in daily life.

Glenn Mikkelsen, the manager of CN Centre in Prince George, B.C., was forced to cancel the 2020 World Women’s Curling Championship, marking the beginning of months of event cancellations across the province. It was a shock to many and seemed unfathomable.

However, work continued at the BCCDC as testing and contact tracing for the virus ramped up. Regular public health updates were shared with British Columbians, and researchers focused on stopping the spread of COVID-19, including vaccine development and treatment options. Sandhu, who was seconded to the BCCDC during the public health emergency, now serves as the agency’s chief strategy officer, overseeing critical components of the COVID-19 response.

As the pandemic persisted, Sandhu and his team learned valuable lessons. Clear and consistent communication with the public was key to building and maintaining trust. Despite challenges, the BCCDC remained a trusted source of information for public health matters.

The pandemic also exposed gaps in the health-care system’s information infrastructure, highlighting the need for better coordination between agencies. Investments in technology have since been made to integrate data more effectively.

Most importantly, the pandemic underscored the inequities within the health-care system. Marginalized and underserved communities were disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, emphasizing the need for targeted support and protection, especially for Indigenous communities.

Looking ahead, Sandhu believes that BCCDC is better prepared for future health events. Investments in technology, research, and information sharing have enhanced the agency’s readiness. Surveillance and analytics on various issues, including other viruses like measles and avian influenza, are ongoing to monitor potential outbreaks.

In a globally connected world, the threat of disease anywhere is a concern everywhere. Sandhu emphasized the importance of early intervention to address disparities and ensure that no community is disproportionately affected in future health crises.

While the pandemic is still fresh in people’s minds, Sandhu remains optimistic about British Columbia’s ability to pivot in the face of future challenges. The focus on recovery and resilience will continue to guide the province’s response to any health emergency. Preparedness, data-driven decision-making, and collaboration will be crucial in safeguarding public health and well-being in the years to come.