COVID-19: A message from the UBC PDA

Dear fellow postdocs,

Considering the circumstances, the UBC PDA has made the decision not to host any in-person gathering in the near future. We have cancelled our upcoming ski trip and will not be planning any socials and events until the COVID-19 situation has resolved in an effort to help to #flattenthecurve.

We are currently making plans on how to serve and strengthen the postdoc community during this time of isolation. Please stay tuned for updates. We are looking forward to welcoming you to online get-togethers!

We are aware that a lot of you will be dealing with different problems, such as ramping down research, finding a routine while working from home, travel bans – and being worried about your own health as well as about friends and family in Canada and abroad.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you are struggling – or if you just need someone to talk to. Supporting each other in this difficult time is the least we can do. Stay safe and healthy and take care of yourself and others!

 

Yours sincerely,

UBC Postdoctoral Association

 

We would like to share the following resources with you:

Regulations at UBC:

For the latest updates please visit https://covid19.ubc.ca

For those of you working in labs, all research activities have been curtailed until April 15^th. Talk to your supervisor and department head about applying for an exemption to continue critical research and to maintain critical reagents/animal husbandry – but ONLY when absolutely necessary. For those of you who still have to come to campus, there’s free parking available. Stay safe!

 

COVID-19 update from the Postdoctoral Fellows Office:

https://www.postdocs.ubc.ca/covid-19

 

General information about COVID-19:

Latest information about COVID-19 in the World and in Canada

• World Health Organization
• British Columbia Centre for Disease ControlAmazing resource offering information about the disease, the current situation in BC, how to protect yourself and others and what to do when you think you have fallen sick from COVID-19
• Vancouver Coastal Health
• Public Health Agency of Canada
• Live map of cases worldwide by Johns Hopkins University

Stay informed, but please check the mental health resources below, as it is very easy to get overwhelmed by the news about the outbreak.

 

Getting involved as volunteer:

• UBC Faculty of Medicine Educational Technology is urgently looking for volunteers to help translate informational videos about COVID-19 to as many languages as possible. More information on Twitter and Youtube.
• Crowdfight Covid19 is looking for volunteers who assist in various (mostly administrative) tasks to fight against COVID-19. Scientists from all areas of research welcome. It takes one minute to sign up and you decide about your level of commitment. For questions contact crowdfightcovid19+contact@gmail.com.

 

Travel bans and advisories:

• Government of Canada Travel

 

Funding insecurities:

• Message from the Tri-Agencies regarding COVID-19

 

Information regarding immigration:

• Special regulations from the Canadian government for immigrants affected by COVID-19
• If you have any questions regarding the impact of COVID-19 on your current application for a work permit/PR, reach out to IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) via the contact form in your online application portal. They get back to you within a week.

 

Managing Your Mental Health During the COVID-19 Outbreak:

Amidst the current outbreak of COVID-19, you may be developing feelings of fear, stress, worry and isolation – these feelings are natural when facing threats that are beyond our control. Everyone reacts differently to these feelings and they can be overwhelming for some. It is important to understand that if you need help in coping with these feelings, there are resources available. Below are articles and resources that will guide you in managing your mental health.

• Psychology Today – How to stay emotionally healthy during the coronavirus outbreak
• World Health Organization – Mental health considerations developed by the Mental Health Department as support for mental and psychological well-being during COVID-19 outbreak
• Canadian Mental Health Association – Coronavirus: managing stress & anxiety
• Anxiety Canada – What to do if you’re anxious or worried about coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Foundry BC– Tips for when the news stresses you out

 

Fun activities from home:

• Activities from home – A list of online resources (from self care to interesting live streams and games; from being productive to learning how to relax in these challenging times). A great list compiled by the Cornell PDA
• Free dance classes: Harbour Centre, https://www.danceplug.com/classes
• Free yoga classes
• Fun web cams showing cute animals: Vancouver Aquarium Live Cam, Zoo Livestreams, Tinykittens
•  

Other resources available online or on the phone to support your mental health

 

UBC Counselling Services Counselling Services will be offering appointments by phone during the COVID-19 outbreak: 604 822 3811

• MindhealthBC – Take a quick online assessment on your mental health and get resources for a variety of related concerns.
• Here to Help – help you find quality information, learn new skills, and connect with key resources in BC
• HealthlinkBC – If you still have questions call 811 to speak with a registered nurse, or access online resources for health-related questions.
• CrisiscentreBC – If you or someone you know is feeling hopeless or at risk of harm, call or chat online with a crisis responder any time
• TAO – Manage your well-being with tools on stress, relationship problems, substance use, and more. Register with a UBC email.