Posted on Monday March 16, 2020
Important message from Lakeridge Health Volunteers Resources
We are reaching out to all of our valued volunteers with an important update. As you are aware we are seeing a continued global spread of COVID-19 and the World Health Organization has declared a pandemic. In order to help keep you, patients and staff safe and out of an abundance of caution, Lakeridge Health is moving to the next stage of our pandemic plan.
What does this mean for volunteers?
We are suspending the volunteer program across all hospital sites effective immediately. Other operational changes put into effect include additional restrictions on visitors, cancelling of large gatherings, some clinics are downsized and active staff and visitor screening is being implemented at all hospital entrances.
Unfortunately, this will also mean that we will need to postpone our anticipated Volunteer Week celebrations, but rest assured we will be exploring new opportunities to celebrate your volunteering when this suspension period is over.
During this period, we are also committed to keeping you informed by email and by asking you to check our Lakeridge Health website for updates.
Keeping yourself healthy
If you are concerned about symptoms or risk of COVID-19, contact the Durham Regional Health Department at 905-668-2020 or 1-800-841-2729 or contact your primary health care provider.
Take these everyday steps to reduce your risk:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds. If soap and water are not available, 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 throw the tissue away and wash 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
Thank you for your service as a volunteer and we look forward to seeing you back with us.
Note for Spiritual and Religious Care Providers: Should you choose to come in to support a parishioner’s urgent needs, please know you will be required to go through screening at hospital entrances (this is a series of questions currently).
