We know that in addition to the outstanding work you're doing on the frontlines, caring for your patients, residents and clients, that you're also following the news and keeping track of the latest information on COVID-19.
Like you, we know it takes a toll after a while, both personally and professionally. That's why we're sharing more resources to support your self care! Whether you're looking to exercise, meditate or check out a virtual concert there are plenty of resources available. In fact, hundreds of mental health workers are now offering free therapy to Ontario's frontline COVID-19 staff like you. Don't be afraid to reach out for extra support.
Sharing Acts of Kindness In these challenging times, we want to take time to highlight some of the inspirational stories of people coming together and supporting one another. Like this one or this one.
We're inviting our members to share any stories with us about kindness they've experienced throughout this pandemic, at your workplace or otherwise, by
email or on social media with the hashtag #COVIDKindness. Remember to also tag us @we_rpn on Twitter and Instragram or @wearepracticalnurses on Facebook so we can help spread these stories of kindness.
Key Provincial Updates and Resources for Health Professionals In case you missed it, yesterday the province released a new action plan to respond to COVID-19 that includes a $17B investment to ensure our health system, society and economy can weather this crisis. This includes $75M for PPE and $62M to deploy more health care workers, including nurses, particularly in remote and rural communities.
Premier Ford confirmed today that the action plan is already in motion. There are 72 new COVID-19 assessment centres across the province and the government is working to increase capacity in the health care system, including 1000 new acute care beds and 500 critical care beds.
Premier Ford also announced that Ontario ordered five-million N95 masks that are now on the way.
Ontario is working towards increasing testing capacity
to 18,900 per day by April 17. Currently Ontario processes about 2,400 tests per day. The government is hopeful that this number will reach 5,000 per day by the end of the week. The current backlog of nearly 11,000 tests is anticipated to be cleared by early next week. The Ministry of Health has updated the Public Health Management Guidance and created a new Quick Reference document on Testing and Clearance .
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario and Ontario College of Pharmacists have prepared statements regarding drug prescribing and in particular hydroxyCQ prescribing.
guidance on the use of expired N95 respirators and masks; and
guidance on the use of commercial-grade respirators for medical purposes.
Today, the Government of Canada issued an Emergency Order under the Quarantine Act requiring any person entering Canada by air, sea or land to self-isolate for 14 days whether or not
they have symptoms of COVID-19. Exceptions to this order include certain persons who cross the border regularly to ensure the continued flow of goods and services, and those who provide essential services.
More information is now available about the government's recently announced COVID-19 benefit program that will provide up to $2000/month for workers impacted by the pandemic.
For more information, we encourage you to visit theGovernment of Canada website.
Daily Reports
As of 10:30AM today, Ontario reported 837 confirmed cases, 8 resolved cases, 13 deaths and 10,965 currently under investigation with lab results pending.
Click Hereto read the latest Ministry of Health Daily Report
**Please note, these reports are intended for health professionals only and we request that you not share this with the public.
In the News For an interactive map tracking all cases
across Canada and internationally, click here
Below are some key stories from today that may be of interest to our members:
We will continue to monitor this situation and keep you updated as more information becomes available. Thank you for the important work that you're doing and the sacrifices you're making to keep Ontarians safe. We appreciate everything that you're doing each and every day.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Tiff Blair at tblair@werpn.com
Sincerely,
WeRPN Team
WeRPN 5025 Orbitor Drive Building 5, Suite 200 Mississauga, Ontario L4W 4Y5
Share