Updated June 12, 2009
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a Level 6 H1N1 (human swine influenza) pandemic, based on the transmission patterns of this new influenza virus around the world.
What does this all mean?
It simply means the virus has spread to more locations; it does not mean the virus is more severe. According to Dr. Robert Strang, Chief Public Health Officer with the Nova Scotia Department of Health Promotion and Protection, there have been 79 cases of H1N1 in Nova Scotia as of June 11. In almost all cases, symptoms were mild and treatable at home; in one case, the individual was hospitalized (the patient had a pre-existing medical condition) and is now improving. Click on this link to view more information from the Department of Health Promotion and Protection released June 11, 2009.
TCL has a Pandemic Preparedness Plan already in place and it is based
on the WHO’s response stages. We are also closely monitoring advice
from the NS Department of Health and will act accordingly. Our first
concern is for the well-being of all those we welcome through our
doors.
Here are a couple of very helpful websites if you wish to obtain more information about the current outbreak:
www.fightflu.ca
www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/index-eng.php
With that in mind, here are the measures we have already put in place at TCL:
- Regular surveillance of pandemic updates
- Stockpiled hygiene supplies, such as personal protective equipment (PPE), alcohol-based hand sanitizer (provided at our facility entry points)
- Enhanced sanitation and waste disposal procedures
- Preparing (and posting) of signage designed to remind us of appropriate hygiene practices.
The Public Health Agency advises Canadians to:
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, or use hand sanitizer
- Cough and sneeze into your arm or sleeve (or tissue and then wash hands afterward)
- Keep doing what you normally do, but stay home if you are sick with flu-like symptoms
- Check www.fightflu.ca for more information
- Check www.voyage.gc.ca for travel notices and advisories
- Talk to a health professional if you experience severe flu-like symptoms (phone doctor first and await instruction)
We will be posting updates on this website to keep you informed.
Below you will find the latest Public Health Agency of Canada - Human Swine Influenza Updates direct from their website.