Health Guidelines During COVID-19

This is indeed a challenging and trying time for people, with many more questions, it seems, than answers.

Avenue Living Communities recognizes this is a difficult time for everyone. Over the last month, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted the daily lives of every individual in Canada in some way. We are all in this together and we are here for you, our valued residents, to bring you ideas, advice, hints and support in the hopes of enhancing your physical, mental and emotional health.

One of the most-asked questions that people are wondering during the pandemic is how do we protect ourselves from a public health standpoint?

What should I do? What shouldn’t I do?

According to Alberta Health Services, there are public health measures in place to help authorities identify potential cases, but it’s very important that individuals take responsibility into their own hands as well and take the necessary personal steps to help prevent the spread of this very infectious disease.

Here are some simple practices that AHS suggest are imperative to help protect yourself and others during this trying period:

• Practice physical distancing
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow
• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
• Avoid travel
• Watch for COVID-19 symptoms: cough, fever, body aches, fatigue, shortness of breath, runny nose and/or sore throat

“Social distancing involves taking steps to limit the number of people you come into close contact with. It can help you reduce the risk of getting sick.

“This is not the same as self-isolation. You do not need to remain indoors, but you do need to avoid being in close contact with people. We are asking all Albertans to practice social distancing to help protect themselves and limit the spread of COVID-19,” says AHS.

Here are some tips AHS offers to help protect yourself and others:

• Keep at least six feet (the length of a bicycle) from others when going out for groceries, medical trips and other essential needs
• Limit the number of times you leave your home for errands
• Try to shop at less busy times
• Order online to have groceries or other items delivered if possible
• Go for a walk in your neighbourhood or park while maintaining distance from others
• Avoid overcrowding in elevators or other enclosed spaces
• Wash or sanitize your hands after touching communal surfaces

The Saskatchewan Health Authority says, as with most respiratory illnesses, the majority of people with the COVID-19 illness will recover on their own. There is no specific treatment for the disease caused by COVID-19. Severe or worsening symptoms may require supportive treatment in hospital.

“If symptoms feel worse than a standard cold, see a health care provider or call Health Link at 811. If Health Link 811 recommends you seek acute care, they will provide instruction to call ahead. Currently, there is no approved vaccine that protects against coronaviruses, including COVID-19,” it says.

Manitoba Health says the virus can be spread through close contact (within two metres or six feet) with an infected person who is coughing or sneezing.

“You can also get COVID-19 by touching objects contaminated with the virus and then touching your mouth, eyes or nose. Manitoba public health officials have provided guidance to health care providers about what should be done if they suspect someone has COVID-19.

In addition, they are working with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), and other provinces and territories to respond to the rapidly evolving situation,” it says.

The Federal Government says Canadians should continue to think ahead about the actions that they can take to stay healthy and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Canada. This includes staying at home as much as possible and being prepared in case you or a family member becomes ill. Everyone should be practicing physical (social) distancing. Even if you do not have symptoms of COVID-19, you could become infected by others.

In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 within communities and across the country, the Federal Government says all Canadians are advised to:

• Stay at home unless you have to go to work
• Avoid all non-essential trips in your community
• Do not gather in groups
• Limit contact with people at higher risk, such as older adults and those in poor health
• Go outside to exercise but stay close to home
• If you leave your home, always keep a distance of at least two arms lengths (approximately 2 metres) from others
• Household contacts (people you live with) do not need to distance from each other unless they are sick or have travelled in the last 14 days

Avenue Living is in it together, from a safe distance: our remote services

With COVID-19 concerns continuing to grow, here in Canada and around the world, the safety and health of our valued residents and team members is our top priority. Avenue Living is home to more than 20,000 people across the Prairies and we employ hundreds of team members. We take the health of everyone who lives or works in our Communities very seriously. Social distancing is a top priority in our personal efforts as a company, to flatten the overall curve. We want to remind you about the remote options we have in place to help you do your part:

• REMOTE PAYMENT OPTIONS – we offer a variety of flexible payment options, including electronic fund transfer, e-mail transfer, credit card by phone, mail-in cheques and online bank payments.
• REMOTE LEASE RENEWALS – residents with upcoming renewals are reminded by text to renew their leases and can receive their renewal documents to their email for an electronic signature, so no physical contact at all is required.
• REMOTE VIRTUAL VIEWINGS – prospective residents are encouraged to visit our website to enjoy our virtual tours. We also offer virtual viewings for available rental apartments through teleconferencing apps including ‘FaceTime’ and ‘Teams’.
• REMOTE PRAIRIE RELIEF TEAM – a team serving as a dedicated resource at this time of uncertainty for residents who have questions about their lease. Residents can email prairie-relief@avenueliving.ca or call our help line (1-855-247-1492 extension 5) to speak with a member of our staff about your unique situation.
• COMMUNITY TASK FORCE – created to be there as a helping hand to our most vulnerable residents in need of assistance during this difficult time (i.e. help walking their dogs or help carrying their groceries). Please call us if you need support, or if you’d like to volunteer to be part of this task force in your community: COVID-19@avenueliving.ca.

As always, we are continuing to monitor the situation, and will adjust our pandemic protocols as needed in the best interests of the health, safety and well-being of our valued residents and our team members. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us in the contact details provided above.