Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Please be aware of the current rise in illness due to Coronavirus (COVID-19). Transmission has been reported in Canada, most often through person-to-person exposure, so we remind everyone to wash your hands frequently, maintain social distancing, practice respiratory hygiene, and avoid touching your face. If you have symptoms of acute respiratory illness, if you have recently travelled to a confirmed affected region, or if you have an ill family member with a confirmed case of COVID-19 please refer to Public Health Ontario for guidance immediately. 

For more details below review the information below:

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to the severe case of acute respiratory syndrome.  COVID-19 is currently on the rise, with some limited transmission that has been reported in Canada. Most often, spread from person-to-person happens during direct exposure to a person infected with COVID-19.

While COVID-19 does not yet appear to be a major risk to our employee population, we should all still continue to be cautious, as it is currently an active flu season.

Everyone should practice good respiratory etiquette – covering their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (or an elbow if no tissue is available). Everyone should practice proper hand hygiene as it is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of communicable diseases and infections in any setting (i.e. thorough hand washing, use of anti-bacterial wipes and hand sanitizers).

In addition, if you are planning to travel you should be precautionary in taking the right measure to protect yourself and the public.


Germ Prevention

Daily we are in contact with our coworkers, visitors, contractors and the general public, especially when dealing with the service and retail industries. It is important to adapt a routine that will reduce the spread of germs at home and in the workplace. Your home is a controlled environment with limited people accessing it, however the workplace is not, and you may be exposed to a widespread of germs. There are several things you can do to avoid catching it or spreading it to others.

Wash your hands often!

Hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of communicable diseases and infections in any setting.

Hands should be washed regularly through out the day:

  • Before handling or eating food
  • After using the washroom
  • After sneezing or wiping your nose

You can use soap and water and rub all surfaces of your hands vigorously for 15 – 20 seconds. If your hands don’t have visible dirt on them, you can use an alcohol-based hand rub and rub it all over your hands for 20 seconds.

Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze!

Use a tissue and throw it out after each use rather than keeping it in your pocket or on your work area/desk. If you do not have a tissue it is recommended that you cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve to avoid the spread of germs in the air.

Don’t touch your face!

Germs can be easily spread when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk and droplets can enter your body through your eyes, nose and mouth. When you touch surfaces always be sure to wash your hands before touching your face or use a tissue.

Clean & disinfect surface or shared items!

Viruses can live for 24 to 48 hours on surfaces such as desks, countertops, door handles, computer keyboards and phones. If you have a shared workspace it is recommend that you clean or disinfect before each use.

Some people are more vulnerable when exposed to germs. For example, babies, children under the age of 5, 65 and older, pregnant people and those with already severe health conditions that has weakened their immune system.  Taking the above precautions and making it part of your daily routine can reduce the risks.

With your help we can keep our community safe during this time. Thank you.

Sources: OHSP Manual, publichealthontario.calung.ca

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