COVID-19

NOTICE

COVID-19 Guidelines and Procedures

I. EMPLOYERS GUIDELINES

We are committed to creating and maintaining a safe work environment for employees. We will take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker.

Note – this document outlines the prevention steps that we adopt as an employer and is not a substitute for medical advice from a health professional.

If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to Helena Fleming.

II. THE SITUATION IN CANADA

As of March 9th 2020, there are 60+ confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus in Canada, namely BC, Ontario, Alberta, and Quebec.

We strongly encourage you to prepare for the next phase, which may involve local government actions, such as school closures, building shut down, or movement restrictions.

We suggest you begin planning ahead now to reduce risk of infection, by taking the following steps:

Stock up on supplies (canned goods, toilet paper, etc.)
Do your groceries during off-peak hours
Avoid public transit and busy public areas (malls, movie theatres, etc.)
Exercise outdoors instead of indoor fitness gyms/classes
Fill your prescriptions (when possible you should have enough to last you 2-3months)

III. EMPLOYEE TRAVEL (BUSINESS & PERSONAL)

Employees are to refrain from business travels period.

While we cannot prohibit employees from going on personal travel, we ask that any travels be disclosed to Helena Fleming and individuals must follow the prevention and disclosure steps outlined in this section. This is for safety and preventative measures.

As of March 6, if you have returned (or plan on returning) from a trip (for previous business or personal reasons), you must work from home for 14 days, regardless of the presence of symptoms. Working from home does not penalize employees – i.e. there are no implications to salary, sick days, or vacation time.

Currently, business travel within Canada/US is suspended. Please remember to:

Avoid contact with sick people
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
Carry hand sanitizer with you
Clean your hands often by washing them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60%–95% alcohol
It is especially important to clean hands after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose
Try to keep a distance from others (6 feet)

If you start to feel sick while traveling, you may call ahead to a health professional to explain your symptoms.

IV. MEETINGS, EVENTS, CONFERENCES

Only schedule virtual meetings rather than going on site.

Avoid shaking hands or bodily contact and encourage meeting attendees to sanitize hands prior to meetings.

At this time, all conferences and events are suspended

Employees are encouraged to end or cancel meetings and move them to virtual meetings.

V. FEELING ILL

If you are not feeling well, please do not travel – stay home and call your doctor if you have specific medical questions.

The CDC site provides advice on how to take care of yourself if you are experiencing symptoms.

Employees that are likely to get sick more easily or for whom getting sick would be particularly problematic should consider speaking with their leader to work from home.

VI. PREVENTION MEASURES

The office will be equipped with hand sanitizers and sanitizing wipes. Visitors are prohibited for entering our offices until further notice. The office cleaners have been asked to wipe down door handles and surfaces every day.

Wipe down work surfaces and electronics regularly using wipes in the office

Wash your hands frequently

Use cough etiquette: distance yourself and cover your nose/ mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Wash your hands immediately with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer (containing 60-85% alcohol).

Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not readily available

Ensure food, including eggs, is thoroughly cooked

VII. CARING FOR OTHERS

Employees may take time off to care for ill family members in accordance with the company’s leave policies.

Please consult the CDC’s guidelines on preparing your household for the virus.

If your family member is diagnosed with the COVID-19, it is strongly mandatory that you also consult a health professional and enter a 14-day isolation period (work from home).

When caring for others, your healthcare provider will advise if hospital care is appropriate.

To prepare for this potential situation, you should have on hand:

Soap and Tissues
Alcohol based hand sanitizer
Household cleaning products
Soaps and detergents for dishes and laundry
Acetaminophen or ibuprofen
Household bleach to disinfect surfaces

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