As cold and flu season is upon us we are beginning to see an increase in staff illnesses. Some of these illnesses include COVID-19, RSV, Influenza A & B and the common cold. The symptoms for these illnesses are very similar so it is important that we all stay home when we are sick, and that we follow the protocols put in place by the Professional Practice team around COVID-19 testing, and isolation to ensure that we are doing our part to reduce the spread.
Mandatory 10 Day Isolation Period for COVID+ Staff
As healthcare workers we are required to follow Best Practice Guidelines around COVID-19 protocols. The mandatory 10 day isolation period is still in place for all of our client facing staff who test positive for COVID-19. This is in alignment with other healthcare settings such as Long Term Care, Retirement Homes and Hospitals.
Reducing Your Risk of Becoming Sick or Re-Infection
We understand that this can become challenging, especially if you are sick more than once in the year. To reduce your risk of becoming sick or re-infected we strongly encourage all of our staff to:
- practice the 5 moments of hand hygiene,
- screen yourself daily and screen your clients at each visit,
- follow our PPE protocols such as universal masking (wearing a mask during all visits) and donning additional PPE based on screening or when advised to do so because of potential exposure to an infectious disease,
- get your COVID-19 boosters as they become available to you,
- get your annual flu shot, and
- practice masking outside of work when in public or highly populated spaces.
As always, thank you and stay safe.