We have been monitoring what’s happening with Covid 19 (coronavirus) and reviewing what steps we can take now and planning for the future should Quebec Health, who are monitoring current conditions and communicating with us, deem next level precautionary steps are needed.
At this time we are continuing our services, meetings and group activities.
We are focusing on keeping our cleaning and hygiene supplies stocked and working with staff on daily sanitizing of common community used surfaces at ACCM. Each morning, a designated staff will sanitize items touched on a daily basis by many members including items such as doorknobs, various handles and rails, keyboards and phones.
Importantly, We work with a diverse group of people, including people living with HIV and/or cancer, which means a greater number of members may have compromised immune systems, leaving these people more vulnerable to COVID-19 infections.
We are also asking that all members, volunteers and staff that are showing signs of sickness (actively coughing and sneezing) do not come to the drop in or attend our groups, and stay home from their scheduled shifts if volunteering or working. If you use buyers club and are sick, please contact Sylvain to arrange to have your items pre-bagged for you and available to pick up at the door on the pick up date.
If you have travelled outside of the country, health authorities are asking you to self-quarantine for 14 days after you return home. Watch for symptoms including fever, cough and respiratory difficulty. This is mandatory for public sector employees and all health-care and education workers. During the 14-day period, avoid contact with anyone in a hospital, a nursing home or with weakened immune systems.
Some tips that you can do right now:
- Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly for 20 seconds (sing happy birthday twice), especially after using tissue and before handling food
- Avoid touching your face. Sneeze into your sleeves or tissue and throwing away used tissues right away after using
- Keep at least a 1 month supply of your medications, just in case!
- People living with HIV should always try to have at least a one month extra supply of medications.
- If you don’t have an extra 1 month supply:
- Check to make sure your prescription still allows refills, and if not, contact your doctor and let them know;
- If your prescription allows for refills, go to your pharmacy and tell them you want an extra 1 month supply of your medications;
- If your pharmacy cannot give you an extra 1 month supply, seek out the support team who can assist you with seeking a compassionate pharmacy who may be able to assist.
- If you have questions about Covid 19, check with Quebec Public Health for updated information:https://www.
quebec.ca/en/health/health- issues/a-z/2019-coronavirus/