a Message from Homewood, your Professional Assistance Provider
As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak moves into its third month, and with more than 89,773 confirmed cases worldwide as of March 2, 2020, we know there is significant concern and anxiety about the spread and potential impact of the virus. At Homewood Health, we are taking steps to reduce the risk of coronavirus impacting our facilities and programs across Canada while we are also prepared to help you, your colleagues, employees and their families address any mental health concerns related to the outbreak.
As a health care provider with inpatient and outpatient facilities, infection control is an important part of how we operate on a day to day basis. Under the leadership of our infection control team, we are enhancing our already stringent policies, practices and surveillance across our entire operation to help keep our patients, clients, employees and partners healthy and safe.
It is important to note that the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) report that there are only twenty four confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Canada as of March 2. Health Canada has issued active travel notices for several countries and areas including China, Hong Kong, Iran, Japan, Northern Italy, Singapore and South Korea. Each country or area may have different levels of risk. These risk levels may change as COVID-19 evolves internationally.
The WHO has also observed that the coronavirus outbreak has been accompanied by an “infodemic” – an over-abundance of both accurate and inaccurate information. With that in mind, we recommend staying abreast of new developments in the COVID-19 outbreak through trusted online resources including the World Health Organization and Health Canada websites.
Attached to this message, you will find information sheets that aggregate many of the key facts related to the coronavirus outbreak and provide details and insights related to potential psychological and emotional responses to the situation.
As always, Homewood Health is here to support you, your employees and their families during this or any other time of crisis.