Spotlight

News about COVID-19 proliferates rapidly and can come at you from all directions, making it hard at times to maintain informed opinions to guide your everyday actions. During a pandemic, having the right information can be every bit as important as having clean hands. Try the resources in this guide for COVID-19 updates published by reputable organizations.

A coronavirus is a type of virus that often causes respiratory tract infections in humans. Viruses from this group are responsible for some cases of the common cold as well as for more serious illnesses such as SARS, MERS, and most recently, COVID-19. The specific coronavirus that results in the COVID-19 illness is called SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2). For more information, take a look at the following sources.

There are a number of online counters that pull together statistics from a variety of sources to provide updates on the number of COVID-19 cases and associated figures for recoveries and deaths. Note that the actual figures reported may vary quite extensively depending on how frequently the data is updated, what sources are consulted, and how key terms are defined. Here are a few that we recommend consulting.

Consult the following sources for accurate, up-to-date information on how best to care for yourselves and others during the pandemic. To speak with a health professional or obtain medical advice, dial 8-1-1. If you are experiencing psychological distress and need someone to talk to: 9-8-8 (call or text)National Suicide Crisis Helpline 310-6789 (no area code needed)BC Mental Health & Crisis Response 1-800-SUICIDE / 1-800-784-2433BC Suicide Prevention and Intervention Line 604-872-3311Vancouver Coastal Regional Distress Line

Find out how various governmental agencies at the global, national and provincial levels are responding to the pandemic through their official COVID-19 channels below.

Find reliable and up-to-date sources of information on the novel coronavirus illness (COVID-19) and its widespread socioeconomic impacts.

Homework help resources at VPL and beyond for everyone in K–7, including homeschoolers.

If you've compiled a family history you may have considered donating it to a library collection so that it can reach a wider audience.

Information to help you find a professional genealogist for hire.

Obtain microfilms, books or photocopies from other libraries and archives through the Vancouver Public Library Interlibrary Loan department.