Minister of Health Adrian Dix and seniors advocate Isobel MacKenzie announced community support programs for seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic on Thursday (Mar 26).

The province has provided funding to expand the call line 2-1-1 and the website bc211.ca so, the elderly can be connected with other residents who can offer support.

The website and phone line is to support seniors who are living at home and is available across the province.

Operators will manage calls from people who are offering to help and people who need help.

MacKenzie is encouraging people who want to help seniors in their community to call the phone line or visit the website.

“The message is simple, wherever you live in BC if you want to help seniors with virtual visits, picking up and delivering some groceries, picking up and delivering some medications, maybe dropping off a meal or two, call 2-1-1,” she said.

Mackenzie also added the province has increased funding for the Better At Home program.

The additional funding is for the core better at home service so, it can meet the COVID-19 challenge.

Mackenzie also offered a message to seniors about the pandemic.

“Please do not be afraid but please stay home and let us help, we want to help. Your kids, your grandkids, your community, every one of your elected officials at every level of government wants you to be safe and we are here to make sure you are supported,” she said.

Isobel stressed the importance of physical distancing saying now is not the time to be out and about in the community.