Communicable Disease Prevention and Response for Housing and Social Service Providers

Information to help housing and social service providers prepare for and respond to communicable diseases

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Homelessness and precarious housing are associated with increased risks of communicable diseases. Supportive housing and shelter sites play an important role in preventing and controlling the spread of communicable diseases.

​To support staff at shelters and supportive housing sites in BC, public health, BC Housing and other partners have developed a communicable disease handbook.

This resource provides information on:
  • Preparing for and preventing the spread of communicable diseases 
  • Responding to communicable disease illness and outbreaks on site

Access the Handbook

​​BC Communicable Disease Handbook for Housing and Social Service Providers​​

Handbook contents

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Respiratory illnesses

Gastrointestinal illnesses
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Tuberculosis infections

Extra measures

Masking and personal protective equipment

Hand hygiene
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About the development of the handbook

The handbook builds upon existing guidance from BC and Canadian sources including Alberta Health and Toronto Public Health. The handbook was developed to:
  • ​Establish consistent communicable disease readiness and response tools and resources in collaboration with BC Housing Shelter and Supportive Housing sites.
  • Ensure resources are accessible across all regions of British Columbia.
  • Facilitate the sharing of tools and best practices between regions.
  • Promote unified expectations and messaging across sites, reducing variability between health authorities.