COVID-19 Statement from the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers (British Columbia) Society

March 23, 2020

To our members and partners:

The COVID-19 pandemic has continued to spread globally and has impacted our lives greatly.  To date, there are over 300,000 confirmed cases and 14,000 deaths globally, and the situation in British Columbia and the rest of Canada has been worsening.  The World Health Organization, Centre for Disease Control and our public health officials have collectively urged the public to strongly comply with a number of preventive measures to combat COVID-19.  These measures will protect yourself, your family and your community.^1,2   These measures include, but are not limited to:

1. Practice social distancing when you are out in the community, and remain at home as much as possible;
2. Wash your hands often with soap and water (alternatively, hand sanitizers when you are out in the community) for at least 20 seconds;
3. Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces;
4. If you are sick with COVID-19 symptoms, wear a mask, self-isolate for 14 days and seek medical assistance accordingly;
5. Self-isolate for 14 days upon return to Canada; and
6. Stay informed and follow the advice given by your healthcare providers and public health officials.

We hereby ask and urge you to immediately follow and comply with these measures seriously, and encourage those around you to do the same.  As a legal or industry professional, you play an important role in the fabric of our society and communities.  You are a role model to those around you and your leadership will be instrumental to our collective fight against COVID-19.   Our healthcare professionals are working tirelessly and altruistically with shortages in staffing and resources – the least we can do is our part not just as legal and industry professionals, but as a responsible member of the society in general.  This is beyond just you – think about your colleagues, friends, family and the communities at large, especially those who are vulnerable.  

Together, we can help prevent unnecessary deaths and spread of cases. 

On behalf of the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers (British Columbia) Society

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¹  https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-feature/coronavirus-disease-covid-19 

²  https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public