There is a pressing need for an accurate presentation of COVID-19 science and candid assessment of the state of the pandemic in British Columbia.

Inspired by colleagues in Alberta, we are pleased to announce the launch of Protect Our Province BC (POP-BC).  POP-BC will build on work begun by Protect Our Province Alberta (POP-AB) with the aim to fill a gap left by the governments and Public Health officials: providing timely, trustworthy information on the pandemic. Led by a group of health experts, business leaders, and education advocates, POP-BC will provide critical, unfiltered information to BC residents about the COVID-19 pandemic. POP-BC will use the same format as POP-AB, with weekly, one-hour, web-based presentations. These presentations will have a weekly focus, short presentations from experts and advocates, and will include generous time for questions from the media and from the public.

Co-founder Dr. Karina Zeidler says, “This new initiative allows experts and science-based advocates to speak directly with people in BC, and to acquaint the audience with COVID-19 science.”  Co-founder Jennifer Heighton, education advocate, adds, "Understanding how COVID-19 and its variants operate allows people to make informed decisions on how best to keep themselves, and their families, safe and healthy during this historical pandemic."

Our group’s website is protectbc.ca.

First Event: https://protectbc.ca/livestream

Date and Time: 20 October, 2021 @ 12:00 PM (PST)

On October 20th @ 12:00, we will provide our first, one-hour, POP-BC event, focused on the latest scientific information regarding how COVID-19 spreads, and the implications of aerosol spread for health care and community settings, including hospitals, workplaces, and schools.

Our experts will make the case that the mechanism of transmission - aerosols - must drive our individual and collective responses to the pandemic.  

Recommendations will include:

• Recognize that the transmissibility of the delta variant requires aerosol best practices to drive down COVID-19 spread and prevent illness, in conjunction with vaccination programs;
• Maintain indoor masking, and encourage the provision of high quality masks in congregate settings;
• Establish provincial standards for those who operate indoor spaces, ensuring effective ventilation and filtration of indoor air, with education and supports as required.

The first POP-BC briefing will include the following speakers:

• Dr. Karina Zeidler, Family Physician and Steering Committee Member, POP-BC
• Dr. Victor Leung, Infectious Diseases Physician and Medical Microbiologist
• Michelle Naef, P.Eng, PhD candidate at the University of Alberta, in the David and Joan Lynch School of Engineering Safety and Risk Management
• Moderated by Dr. Amy Tan, Family Physician and Palliative Care Physician

There will be time built into the briefing for questions and answers from the media and general public.