We’ve all seen an unprecedented flurry of changes in the past week. How we work, live, and shop have all changed as a result of efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19. It is a confusing and scary time, but there are resources available to ensure you have the right information, and the right tools to manage the upheaval.

First, it’s important to get your information from reputable sources – not something somebody might have said on the Internet. We recommend visiting Health Canada’s website – or that of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – for accurate, up-to-date news and direction.

We also recommend following the right protocols to staunch the spread of the virus. For healthy individuals with a low risk of COVID-19, this means:

• Social distancing,
• Washing your hands frequently, and
• Avoiding the urge to touch your face.

Individuals who have travelled outside of Canada, have COVID-19 symptoms, or have been in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 will be required to self-monitor, self-isolate, or isolate. (There are subtle distinctions between each; more info can be found here.)

It is also important to avoid contact with the elderly or those with weakened immune systems who may be more vulnerable to infection. That said, do ensure that your elderly and isolated loved ones are cared for by offering to get their supplies and keeping regular contact via phone, Skype, or FaceTime.

Having attended to your family’s needs, it comes time to turn to work. Working from home (or WFH) is now the preferred work mode for businesses and employees alike, and the one that fits with current protocols. It can be an adjustment for many people, but there are resources for those new to virtual work, from setting up your home office to ensuring your connections are secure. We’re posting info today on our Twitter feed, and urge you to follow along.

And we’re going to finish this post by reminding everyone of the importance of maintaining good health. Prioritize sleep, eat a balanced diet, get regular exercise (whether it’s a walk along a quiet street or an at-home yoga routine), be mindful of social distancing, and remember: keep washing your hands.

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