Friday March 13, 2020
Dear CSIA Members,
As the world is dealing with the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the CSIA wants to assure you that your health and well-being is our highest priority.
We are closely monitoring the situation via https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
At this time, our Domestic Programs will continue to operate with the following amendments:
- No Indoor components (workshops, videos, lectures, seminars, etc)
- No Indoor gatherings (program registration, presentations of results, etc)
In addition, should the Health Authorities issue any changes in any Region or issue any restrictions or recommendations, we will immediately adjust our operations.
The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The CDC recommends the following:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough in your elbow or sneeze with a tissue, then throw it in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Follow CDC's recommendations for using a face mask: CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
- CDC recommends that face masks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19, to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
- In addition, we are asking every member to exercise the following Public Health Agency of Canada's advice:
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- If you have travelled outside Canada, it is important to monitor your health when you return to Canada. While abroad, you may have come in contact with the Novel Coronavirus. PHAC asks that you monitor your health for fever, cough and difficulty breathing for 14 days after you arrive in Canada. If you have these symptoms, call the Public Health Authority in the Province or Territory you are in, to inform them. They will provide advice on what you should do.
As recommended by Provincial Health Authorities; "To stop shaking hands, advising people to use another form of acknowledgement. It's a small gesture that shows that we are paying attention to what's going on and it's something that we can do in our community."
In summary, it's important that we all pay close attention to the above information. We will be sure to communicate any changes in our operations, immediately, should this highly fluid situation change at any time.
Thank you,
Perry Schmunk
CSIA Managing Director
