A Message from Maureen – Let’s Stick it to COVID-19

The third wave of COVID-19 has devastated the Canadian healthcare system and been incredibly challenging to our collective sense of wellbeing.

It’s been a long time since we have seen our extended families and friends in person. We’ve all missed attending birthday parties, graduations and weddings. And by now, most of us know someone who has lost a job, a loved one, or been affected in countless other ways by the pandemic.

But there is hope on the horizon.

As more and more Canadians get vaccinated, a gradual return to some form of normalcy—barbeques, outdoor activities and maybe even travelling—could happen this summer or by the fall if we continue to work together and follow public health measures.

With that in mind, the next step we can all take to help bring an end to this awful pandemic is to get vaccinated. Vaccines are another layer of protection for yourself and everyone around you against the spread of COVID-19.

All vaccines approved by Health Canada are effective at preventing hospitalization and death from COVID-19. The best vaccine to get is the first one you are offered based on the eligibility criteria. However, if you are concerned about getting vaccinated due to your personal condition please speak with your medical health care practitioner.

It’s important to remember that once you receive your first shot or are fully vaccinated, you must still continue to follow public health measures, including:

• Adhering to the guidelines set out by your Province and wearing a mask.
• Practicing physical distancing by keeping a distance of at least 2 meters.
• Washing your hands frequently with soap and water throughout the day and before preparing foods and eating.
• Cleaning your home with regular household cleaners, especially regularly touched items such as toilets, sink tap handles, doorknobs and bedside tables.

By continuing to work together, we will be able to achieve what is necessary to mitigate the effects of the pandemic and eventually defeat it. It’s time for us to roll up our sleeves and stick it to COVID-19!

 

Maureen M. Charlebois
Chief Nursing and Clinical Officer
Bayshore HealthCare