March 15, 2020: Update – Recommendations for Protecting Your Team Against COVID-19 as of 4:00pm March 15, 2020

marvelandsnapBreaking News, KNBIA

Dear Kanata North Business Community,

Today at 2:00PM Ottawa Public Health Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Vera Etches provided a briefing to media on the City’s plans in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following today’s announcements from Dr. Etches, there are several material changes to recommendations from municipal, provincial and federal governments regarding the COVID-19 virus. We continue to work closely and consistently with Ottawa Public Health (OPH) on the development of protocols and steps that help to keep you, your families, our member companies and employees safe and healthy.

This situation is fluid and recommendations from all levels of government are evolving quickly.

A statement from Dr. Vera Etches today;

“I am asking all people in Ottawa to increase their practices of social distancing. This means limiting non-essential trips out of the home and working to maintain a distance of 1-2 meters from other people as much as possible. We are asking people to keep their children home from daycare if possible and to check with their employers about options for working from home or implementing distancing at work.”

A reminder, social distancing is now strongly recommended. Where operationally feasible to work from home it is the preferred approach at this time.

Ottawa Public Health Workplace Tools

Ottawa Public Health continue to update their website for workplaces. This covers important information like, how to prepare for COVID-19, considerations for work travel, what to do when returning from travel, and other helpful tips for your employees.

OttawaPublicHealth.ca/WorkplaceCOVID19

SantePubliqueOttawa.ca/TravailCOVID19

We have copied below a few of the material changes to recommendations received from Ottawa Public Health today.

  • Based on Ottawa Public Health guidance provided today, in person gatherings of all sizes should be cancelled.
  • As per statements from Ottawa Public Health today, companies are strongly encouraged to implement work from home protocols for all non-essential staff.
  • Ottawa Public Health warns that all returning travellers are being asked by public health authorities to follow the public health guidance by taking the following actions:
    • Even if you do not have symptoms, it is recommended to self-isolate for 14 days if:
      • You have travelled anywhere outside of Canada (including the United States of America).
      • You live with, provided care for, or spent extensive time with someone who has:
      • Tested positive for COVID-19, OR is suspected to have COVID-19, OR who has respiratory symptoms (fever, cough, or shortness of breath) that started within 14 days of travel outside of Canada.
    • If you have MILD symptoms, where you are NOT short of breath and can manage symptoms reasonably at home
      • Do NOT call Ottawa Public Health
      • Self-isolate until 24 hours AFTER symptoms have FULLY resolved
    • NOTE: Most people with mild symptoms will recover on their own at home

For business continuity planning resources – the federal government have established another helpful resource here; https://www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca/campaign-campagne/ressources-entreprises-COVID-19-business-resources.aspx?lang=eng

Credible Sources of Information from our Public Health Officials

Councilor Sudds and the City of Ottawa will be sharing information as it becomes available. You can also stay up to date on information by following these credible sources of information:

Ottawa Public Health

Ontario Ministry of Health

Health Canada / Public Health Agency of Canada

It is important to recognize that in Kanata North, we have mission critical telecom and network providers that cannot implement full work from home. Business continuity plans are being implemented now.

As our country moves to remote work, reliance on our networks will surge. Please reach out if you represent one of our networking companies and require specific support.

Additional business continuity planning resources have been established over the last 48 hours by the federal government. Visit their landing page for a number of helpful resources here; https://www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca/campaign-campagne/ressources-entreprises-COVID-19-business-resources.aspx?lang=eng

Our team will continue to post updates to the dedicated landing page on the KNBA website with real time updates and information on covid-19 recommendations as it relates to our businesses.

https://www.kanatanorthba.com/recommendations-for-protecting-your-team-against-covid-19/

Finally, I want to stress that as the #COVID19 situation unfolds, please be mindful of its impact on your #MentalHealth. It’s normal for situations like this to affect you and it’s completely OK to ask for help. If you need support, Distress Centre Ottawa is available 24/7 at 613-238-3311 or dcottawa.on.ca.

Sincerely,

Jamie Petten
President & Executive Director
Kanata North Business Association