Safely providing care for others, whether it’s in hospitals, nursing homes or home care settings, is challenging even under normal conditions. The added risk of COVID-19 transmission, while mitigated by strong prevention strategies, has fundamentally changed the way workers in care professions do their jobs.
All of us in Nova Scotia should be deeply indebted to those who are providing health care during this time.
Working safely in the health and caring sectors today means wearing more PPE, limiting visitors, adhering to strict hand washing, social distancing, and enhanced cleaning protocols. For some it also means self-isolation, and taking added care at home and in the community. These are tough, essential jobs, being performed under extraordinary conditions.
As much as the tools and resources provided here are intended to support workers in care professions, their safety also depends in part on all Nova Scotians doing our part - by following public health directives – to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
COVID-19 prevention strategies for health care workplaces include:
- Caring for yourself and those you work with
- Wearing PPE, including face masks
- Practicing social distancing as much as possible
- Taking breaks and monitoring your own health and wellness
- Following all protocols for hand washing and workspace cleaning
- Making sure you have the supports needed to work safely
Listen to our radio ad focusing on news ways of working safely in health care: