LATEST NEWS
March 1, 2010 – H1N1 Update from Vicki Corke, H&S Coordinator
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has advised that over the last few weeks, all influenza activity indicators are either within or below the expected range for a normal flu season, marking the end of the second wave of H1N1 flu activity in Canada. There has been a significant decrease in the rates of H1N1 infection, hospitalization and deaths.
However, there are other strains of a flu virus continuing to circulate in Canada. We continue to encourage Domclean Limited's employees to follow good personal hygiene practices by covering their nose and mouth with their arm or a tissue when coughing or sneezing and to wash their hands frequently with soap and water. It is important that we all do our part to prevent the spread of any virus.
January 13, 2010 – H1N1 Update from Vicki Corke, H&S Coordinator
According to the World Health Organization, overall Pandemic Influenza Activity continues to decline or remain low in the Americas. In Canada, after experiencing substantial influenza activity unusually early during the fall and winter period, rates of influenza-like-illness have now dropped below the historical seasonal baseline.
Even though it appears that the H1N1 flu outbreak appears to have peaked, it is still important to get the H1N1 flu vaccine. We encourage all of you to get the vaccine if you have not already done so. It is our hope that we can lessen the impact of a pandemic and a possible third wave of the flu.
Domclean employees must continue to frequently and thoroughly wash their hands and wear disposable gloves when cleaning and removing garbage. Employees must not report to work if they experience any of the symptoms of the H1N1 virus.
December 9, 2009 – H1N1 Update from Vicki Corke, H&S Coordinator
In Canada, the influenza virus circulation remains active and widespread, however the World Health Organization and Health Canada advises that the disease activity appears to have peaked in the last 3 to 4 weeks. A slight decline in the reporting of H1N1 cases has been experienced in all provinces and territories.
It is important to continue to follow Domclean Limited’s directions in preventing the spread or contracting this virus. Again, employees must remain at home if you suspect that you have the flu and contact your Crew Leader or District Manager. Under no circumstances should anyone attempt to report to work with flu-like symptoms. Before returning to work, employees must contact their District Manager for further directions.
November 2, 2009 – H1N1 Update from Vicki Corke, H&S Coordinator
Keeping informed... Health Canada is strongly urging people to have the H1N1 vaccine. As reported in the Globe and Mail on Saturday, October 23rd, Canada’s chief public health officer, David Butler-Jones reported that the federal regulator approved the drug this week, saying it is safe and effective. Canadians have a choice: Immunize themselves or face a real risk of the disease. Immunization is the only thing which will stop the pandemic and prevent people from needlessly becoming ill. Public Health officials stressed that the vaccine doesn’t contain a live virus so you cannot contract influenza from it.
Seriously consider this information and decide what is right for you and your family as we move into the flu season.
However, if you suspect you may have the flu you must stay at home and contact your Crew Leader or District Manager. Under no circumstances should you attempt to come to work with flu-like symptoms. Before returning to work, you must contact your District Manager again for further directions.
October 1, 2009 - H1N1 Update from Vicki Corke, H&S Coordinator
It was published today that the anticipated second wave of the flu virus has arrived in Ontario concentrating primarily in Toronto, Hamilton and London according to the Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion. This publication is not intended to panic people but to asisst in preparing for it and to remind everyone of good personal hygiene practices in an effort to prevent spreading of the virus.
How you can prevent becoming infected:
- Cover nose and mouth with your arm or a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Immediately discard tissue after use.
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water and use instant hand sanitizer, especially after sneezing or coughing.
- Avoid touching your eyes, mouth or nose.
- Avoid close contact with infected people.
- If ill, stay home from work and limit contact with others.
Contagiousness:
Research is being done on how long a person can be infectious, but it is believed that this period is for one day before the onset of symptoms and continues for approximately seven days after the symptoms have started. The time it takes between being infected and experiencing symptoms is between two and seven days.
Symptoms:
Almost Always:
- Fever
- Cough
Common:
- Fatigue
- Muscle ache
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Decreased appetite
- Runny nose
Sometimes:
- Nausea
- Vomitting
- Diarrhea
(Source: World Health Organization)
What to do if you become ill:
- If you experience any of the above symptoms stay home and contact your Crew Leader or District Manager. Under no circumstances should you attempt to come to work with any of these symptoms.
- Before you will be allowed to return to work, you must contact your District Manager for directions.
KEEP INFORMED BY WATCHING YOUR LOCAL NEWS OR READING LOCAL NEWSPAPERS!
CLICK HERE for a listing of Emergency Contacts
June 12, 2009 - H1N1 Update from Vicki Corke, H&S Coordinator
It was announced on June 11, 2009 that this pandemic has reached a level 6. The WHO (World Health Organization) has advised that there should be no confusion or concern that this virus is becoming more powerful. Pandemic status relates to geographical spread, not disease severity.
Employees must continue to frequently and thoroughly wash their hands and wear disposable gloves when cleaning and removing garbage. Employees must not report to work if they experience any of the H1N1 symptoms and the employee can only return to work when cleared by a medical professional.
May 7, 2009 - H1N1 (Swine Flu) Update from Vicki Corke, H&S Coordinator
We continue to monitor the spread of the H1N1 virus. We have reviewed our procedures in place and are confident that these procedures continue to protect our employees from contracting or spreading this virus. We ask our employees to continue to frequently and thoroughly wash their hands and to wear their personal protective equipment as advised by their District Manager.
May 1, 2009 - Swine Flu (H1N1) Outbreak from Joe Rose, V.P. Operations
It is important for our customers to know that we have implemented our Pandemic Plan as directed by our Health and Safety Co-ordinator. We have advised all employees to frequently and thoroughly wash their hands as this is the best defence against contracting and spreading this virus. At this stage, we have provided disposable gloves for our employees to wear when they are cleaning and most importantly when they are removing garbage. Employees are asked not to report to work if they are experiencing any of this virus' symptoms, and can only return to work when cleared by a medical professional.
Customers are encouraged to contact me with any concerns experienced during this outbreak.
Domclean Reflections.
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