Get prepared for a pandemic or disease outbreak
Last updated on July 7, 2022
Disease outbreaks can happen suddenly and without warning, often posing a threat to public health and safety. When an outbreak is limited to a particular area, it's called an epidemic. When the outbreak spreads to the rest of the world, it becomes a pandemic.
Public health emergencies are planned for and managed by the BC Centre for Disease Control
Stages of a pandemic
Health alerts about disease outbreaks can come from several trusted sources across the province.
- Visit Health Link BC for public health alerts in your area
Get prepared
There are many things we can do in advance to prepare for a pandemic. These tips work best if they are done before one begins, but are also worth doing while a pandemic is underway.
Stay safe
Global surveillance systems can detect when a new virus has appeared that could cause a pandemic. You can stay safe by knowing what to expect and where to turn to for information.
Stay prepared
A pandemic may last for several years, depending on how long it takes to develop a vaccine and stop the spread of the disease. Staying prepared throughout the pandemic is essential.
Pandemic preparedness guide
Find out how to prepare for a pandemic, and stay prepared as circumstances change.
For more information or inquiries about this guide, please contact us at PreparedBC@gov.bc.ca.