March 9, 2020

WHAT’S THE LATEST COVID-19 RESPONSE AT LAMP CHC?

COVID-19 has been declared a pandemic.

The World Health Organization has declared the COVID-19 virus a pandemic. With the declaration of a pandemic, LAMP will respond according to our pandemic plan, with the response including modification or suspension of services and programs where appropriate. The changes that may be implemented may cause some inconvenience, however our adjustments during this pandemic are aimed at preventing and minimizing community spread of COVID-19. We appreciate your cooperation and thank you for understanding as the situation evolves.

What to expect when you visit LAMP:

1. We will be implementing screening at the door at our sites starting Monday March 16, 2020. Community members visiting LAMP can expect:
   1. To be asked about your travel history
   1. To be asked about your health and whether you have or are experiencing any symptoms related to COVID-19
   1. To be asked about your known contact with anyone who has a travel history to high risk regions
   1. To be asked about your contact with any confirmed or possible case of the COVID-19 virus

• There will be modifications or suspension of group programs where necessary. Please contact the program/or service directly to inquire about changes before your visit to the program.

• The situation may change quickly, please check our website, social media, and reach out to programs directly for updates.

LAMP’s priority is maintaining the safety of staff, clients, and the community at large. Your patience and cooperation are appreciated at this time of transition.

What is the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Novel coronaviruses are new strains of coronaviruses that have not been previously identified in humans. A novel coronavirus has emerged in Wuhan, China which is called the 2019 Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19. COVID-19 is present in Ontario.

Symptoms of COVID-19

The symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, new onset cough, and difficulty breathing. Persons diagnosed with COVID-19 or those who are suspected of having COVID-19 should STAY HOME. Specifically, DO NOT attend child care, school or work. AVOID public spaces, contact with others, taking public transit; and refrain from having visitors.

Please delay your visit to LAMP Community Health Centre until you are well, if any of the following applies to you:

1) If you have a fever, new onset of cough or difficulty breathing

AND any of the following:

2) International travel

OR

   Close contact with a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

OR

3) Close contact with a person with acute respiratory illness who has travelled

    internationally 14 days prior to their symptoms

What to do if you have the symptoms listed above or if any of the scenarios applies to you:

• Call your healthcare provider

                OR

• Call Public Health at 416-338-7600 if you do not have a health care provider

Prevention

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Prevention measures include:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are ill.

• Stay home when you are ill.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then immediately throw the tissue in      the garbage and clean your hands.

• If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve or arm.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a household   cleaner.

• Prior to travelling, check the Public Health Agency of Canada – Travel Advice and

Advisories website (https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories)  for up-to-date travel information.

For more information on COVID-19:

• Contact Toronto Health Connection: 416-338-7600.

• Ontario Ministry of Health. The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Situation Summary. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/summary.html

• City of Toronto. Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). https://www.toronto.ca/communitypeople/health-wellness-care/diseases-medications-vaccines/coronavirus/