As the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak moves into its second month, and with more than 14,500 confirmed cases worldwide as of February 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 four confirmed cases of 2019-nCoV in Canada as of February 2 and PHAC has assessed the public health risk to Canadians and Canadian travellers to countries other than China as low.
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 2019-nCoV outbreak through trusted online resources including the World Health Organization (www.who.int) and Health Canada (www.canada.ca/en/public-health.html) websites.
Attached to this link, 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.
English: 1-800-663-1142
French: 1-866-398-9505
Hearing Impaired: 1-888-384-1152 (24/7)
