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COVID-19 What you need to know at CHATS

tim@caredove.com (Tim Berezny) — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 21:42:09 GMT

Read issue #2 of our newsletter here.

COVID-19 What you need to know at CHATS

tim@caredove.com (Tim Berezny) — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 21:42:08 GMT

Read issue #1 of our newsletter here.

Letter to Clients, Caregivers & Family Members

tim@caredove.com (Tim Berezny) — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 21:42:08 GMT

Since the declaration of COVID-19 as a global pandemic, CHATS has been taking various precautionary measures and adjusting our programs and services to ensure the health and safety of our clients, staff, volunteers and community.

During this difficult time, we are making every effort to ensure that as many of our programs and services continue to be provided.

However, as of Monday, March 16th until April 5th, we are suspending all community wellness programs, caregiver support groups and one-on-one meetings. For some of these programs, and where possible, staff will be using “virtual technology” to engage with clients and caregivers. This may include conference calls, webinars or group chats.

While we will assess the situation based on guidance from Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Public Health, Ontario Health and York Region Public Health, our offices and Adult Day Program sites in York Region and South Simcoe remain open. Active screening is also taking place. We ask that visitors refrain from coming to the offices over the next few weeks.

We are ensuring that all health and safety protocols are being followed in locations in which staff are working, including offices, Assisted Living and ADP sites. Drivers have been instructed on how to sanitize vehicles.

Please be assured that we have been keeping our employees informed about infection prevention and making necessary plans to keep everyone safe:

All our employees and volunteers have been asked to exercise additional vigilance when it comes to their own health and that of others. Individuals feeling ill or experiencing symptoms of the cold or flu are expected to stay home and, if necessary, seek medical attention.
All our employees and volunteers are regularly educated on the importance of hand hygiene, to cough/sneeze “in your sleeve” as a best practice to prevent the spread of virus/germs, and how to properly use personal protective equipment. We have asked all employees to refrain from handshaking, hugging, and kissing.
Clients and family members should ask our employees and volunteers if they’ve washed their hands during all visits.
We have put precautions in place for personal travel.

At this time, the government of Canada has assessed the public health risk associated with COVID-19 as low for the general population in Canada, but this could change rapidly. There is an increased risk for Canadians:

Aged 65 years and over
With compromised immune systems
With underlying medical conditions.

In an effort to control t he spread of any illness and to reduce or prevent the risk of exposure to/or transmission of infectious diseases, we ask that you adhere to the following recommendations:

Wash your hands often: Please remember that the best defense to protect yourself against the flu/COVID-19 is washing your hands often, coughing or sneezing into your sleeve, avoid touching your face, and notifying your doctor or calling TeleHealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms.
Screening for respiratory illness: Please be advised that at every single in-home visit and program visit, we will ask if you or someone that lives with you, is experiencing flu-like symptoms, such as new shortness of breath, fever or cough, as well as if you’ve been asked to self-isolate as a result of being in contact with someone that had flu-like symptoms.

What to do if you or someone that lives with you starts experiencing flu-like symptoms (new shortness of

breath, fever or cough):

Please call our office at 1-877-452-4287 to speak with one of our Client Service Representatives (or the best person to contact related to the service that you are receiving). In addition, you should also contact your physician or primary care provider and Public Health.
If you or someone that lives with you has been asked to self-isolate due to the flu or COVID-19, please call our office at 1-877-452-4287 as soon as possible.

Possible Service Cancellations:

Circumstances related to COVID-19 are changing rapidly. As new information becomes available, we may need to make difficult decisions to suspend other services in an effort to keep all clients and staff safe and healthy. We will keep you informed and let you know of any changes should they arise.

As always, CHATS continues to keep the best interest of our clients, families, volunteers and staff in mind, and is committed to ensuring that the best care is delivered in the safest way. We are monitoring the situation very closely and receive updates from Public Health Ontario and the Ministry of Health daily.

For the most up to date information on COVID-19, please refer to the Ministry of Health website at,

https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus

Please contact your Service Coordinator or Program Representative if you have any questions related to this

information.

Sincerely,

Christina Bisanz

Chief Executive Officer

Travel Guidance for Travellers Returning to York Region

tim@caredove.com (Tim Berezny) — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 23:28:03 GMT

CHATS has received some new guidance documents directly from York Region Public Health with respect to travel and self-isolation protocols. These are excellent, clear documents with guidance for travelers returning to Canada and to the workplace. CHATS is required to follow these guidelines with respect to our staff, volunteers and clients.

There are four documents:

10 Basic things you should know from CHATS' Infection Prevention and Control Nurses

tim@caredove.com (Tim Berezny) — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 23:34:38 GMT

“Together we are powerful. Containment starts with you. Our greatest enemy right now is not the virus itself. It’s fear, rumours and stigma. And our greatest assets are facts, reason and solidarity”.
WHO Director-General.

1. First, as we keep saying, wash your hands frequently with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand
sanitizer.

2. Touching your face after touching contaminated surfaces or sick people is one of the ways the virus can be transmitted. By washing your hands, you can reduce the risk.

3. Educate yourself about COVID-19. Make sure your information comes from reliable sources – i.e. Public
Health Ontario https://www.publichealthontario.ca/ , York Region Public Health, Ontario Ministry of Health
https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus , and WHO website https://www.who.int/ . Everyone
should know about the symptoms – for most people, it starts with a fever and dry cough, not a runny nose.
Most people will have mild disease and get better without needing any special care.

4. Avoid travelling if you have cough or fever, and if you become sick on a flight, inform the crew immediately.
Once you get home, make contact with your health professional (call), your Supervisor and CHATS IPAC
nurse and tell them about where you have been. Cruises are not recommended at this time.

5. If you cough or sneeze, do it in your sleeve, or in a tissue. Dispose of the tissue immediately and then wash your hands.

6. If you are over 60 years old, or if you have an underlying condition like cardiovascular disease, a respiratory
condition or diabetes, you have a higher risk of developing severe disease. You may wish to take extra
precautions to avoid crowded areas, or places where you might interact with people who are sick.

7. If you feel unwell, stay at home and call your doctor or local health professional. He or she will ask you
about your symptoms, where you have been and who you have had contact with. They will help to make
sure you get the right advice, are directed to the right health facility, and will prevent you from infecting
others. You could also call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.

8. If you are sick, stay at home, and eat and sleep separately from your family, use different utensils and
cutlery to eat. Many people are saying they can’t afford to stay home when sick because of lack of sick
benefits. You must stay home. Reach out to your Supervisor if you are struggling with lost time.

9. If you develop shortness of breath, call your doctor and seek care immediately.

10. It’s normal and understandable to feel anxious. Reach out to your IPAC team and or Supervisor or the
Human Resources team. Employee Assistance Program is also available. 1-800-268-5211 or contact Human
Resources for information.

How is COVID-19 Different from SARS and MERS?

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 23:44:04 GMT

North York General Hospital - How is COVID-19 Different from SARS and MERS?