Many survey respondents were interested in taking part in COVID-19 serology.  This involves taking a blood test to detect COVID-19 antibodies, which tell us if you had COVID-19.  With reliable serology tests still under review we have decided not to do wide-spread serology testing at this point. We will be following up with a few survey respondents for serology to support validating serology tests and potentially inform vaccine immune response when vaccination becomes available. If you are chosen to take part you will receive a separate email with relevant information over the coming months.

While the data was collected in May, many of the impacts continue to be felt. The data has been used by Public Health, government and community stakeholders in government since July to inform different public health guidance. For example the school re-openings, where we learned three in four households with children reported impaired learning and decreased social connections, which can have lifelong impacts. Analysis of the full dataset and developing a public tool took time given the large dataset.  ‎

We asked about a range of socio-demographic questions like education, income, and ethnicity. This helps makes sure the survey represents BC's population. As well, our background and circumstances influence our experiences of health and well-being. This information helps public health meet the needs of our diverse population.

In accordance with Indigenous Data Governance practices in B.C., data from Indigenous respondents is provided to the First Nations Health Authority and Metis Nation B.C. to determine how best to use the data in planning and engaging Indigenous communities across the province.

No. UBC Qualtrics saves all data to Canadian servers. The survey information is stored in Toronto, Ontario and backed up in Montreal, Quebec.

All voluntary surveys include some  selection bias. This means some populations or groups are more likely to take part than others. We adjust the results as best we can to be more representative.   This includes outreach and post-collection weighting. Weighting means the answers of groups who participated less are ‘dialled up’. Please see the technical notes for more details.

Please see the technical notes on this page for more information. Appendix 1 includes indicator definitions, methods and analysis, data suppression, survey limitations and socio-demographic details. Appendix 2 includes detailed indicator definitions.  Not all areas are shown in the dashboard due to data suppression (see technical notes).  

This is due to data suppression in several communities across BC.  Please see the technical notes for more details.

There is a large dataset behind the dashboard and it takes a while to run.

The default map indicator is always the first indicator of the Response and Prevention.  To change the map indicator click on the various indicators on the bar chart.  

The percentage is not easily visible if the area is small or divided across the province.  Hover over the map to see a detailed description.

In some web browsers, such as Chrome, the scroll bar may not have enough contrast to see the up and down toggle. Click and scroll on the vertical bar to see the indicators or geographies in the full list.

Region, sub-region, and community borders do not necessarily follow municipal boundaries.  For in-depth geographic comparisons please use the downloadable dataset.

The BCCDC Foundation for Public Health is a registered charity, and as a separate non-governmental organization, works in partnership with the BCCDC to improve public heath outcomes in BC. Through their Emergency Response Fund, created in early 2020 to respond to COVID-19, the BCCDC Foundation was able to secure philanthropic donations from many donors across BC and through this funding was proud to be able to support the BC COVID-19 SPEAK Survey and SPEAK Survey Dashboard. To implement the project, the BCCDC leveraged existing community engagement and partnerships in health regions so that the overall project was done at a fraction of the cost that more traditional approaches would have taken.