It is crucial that the information we rely on to keep up-to-date on preventative measures and the current status of the virus comes from reliable sources. There are numerous web sites that speak to the subject; however, the following reliable sources are examples of international, national and regional sources that should be referenced to provide information on COVID-19:
https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html
https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus
Updates on current Supercom activities
1. Supercom issued a Safety Bulletin on March 12, 2020 to all employees providing information on the common ways COVID-19 is spread and the best ways to prevent the spread of infections. The Bulletin identified credible resources for employees to monitor for accurate and current information regarding COVID-19 and the status of the Pandemic in various regions of Canada and the world. This Bulletin has been circulated to all Supercom employees on three separate occasions to date.
2. The Bulletin was followed by a “Pandemic Operational Readiness Guidelines” defining the actions to be taken by Supercom in the event of a Pandemic. The Guidelines are intended to establish a consistent standard of response for coordinating efforts to address human needs, critical service interruption and business sustainability during a Pandemic health crisis.
3. Considering the recent escalation of health measures, travel restrictions, and declaration of Emergency in Ontario and other provinces, Supercom issued a new Safety Bulletin on March 18, 2020.
4. Supercom office in Red Rock Indian Band is currently closed and scheduled for reopening on April 16, 2020.
5. Supercom office in Pic River is currently closed, and expected to re-open on Monday March 23, 2020 unless further instructions are being received from the community.
6. Supercom respects Pic Mobert request to minimize the traffic in community, and all Supercom business related travels are suspended until the situation changes.
7. The Supercom head office is still open for business, and we are closely checking the evolution of the situation, including the directives given by the Fort William First Nation to the local business and offices. There will be no meetings scheduled until March 30, 2020, and the personnel is prepared to work from home if the situation impose such measures.
8. Supercom is maintaining communication with all Supercom employees to monitor their health and potential exposure to the virus. Also, we are in close contact with NextBridge, Valard, our joint venture partners, and local and community contractors and we inform each other on the latest developments of project activities and evolution of the health measures taken on East-West Tie Line
Updates on curent Supercom activities
Working from home safely
• Never overload power strips with appliances
• Take care of cord clutter
It is recommended to invest in power cord ties. Leaving numerous cords strewn across your office makes you vulnerable to fires and falls. It’s quick and easy to minimize the risks with this simple accessory
• Make sure your computer is at the right height and your desk and chair are comfortable.
Have a quality ergonomic chair, a good desk, and an option to be able to stand at your desk. Studies have shown the dangers of sitting all day.
• Plan for the worst
Even if the likelihood of an emergency in your home office is small, it’s important to plan for the worst and be prepared. You may not want to think about life’s dangers but things like fires can affect anyone at any time.
Additional problems that arise
• Poor posture
• Inadequate emergency practicing or planning
• Wiring and electrical equipment that isn’t safe or poses hazards
• Home that’s under construction or being modified contributes to unsafe environment
• The dangers that accompany having kids and pets in the house (they can knock over equipment, trip on wires, or cause other incidents)
Home office safety solutions
• Smoke Alarms – You will already have these in your home but why not install another in your office due to the large amount of electricals? Remember to check the batteries regularly.
• Fire Extinguishers – Make sure you are confident with using one before you do so. Be aware that there are various types for different types of fire. Keep a cool head if a fire occurs and make sure you use the right type.
• Carbon Monoxide Detectors – You might put your headache down to your heavy workload but what if you’re actually being poisoned? Installing a detector is easy and necessary safety solution.
• First Aid Kit – Even if you do not recognize an immediate risk, accidents can and do happen. An easy to access first aid kit means you can quickly fix up your injury and get back to work.
• Liquids and Electrical Equipment – Don’t store any liquids next to anything electrical. The smallest spill could easily lead to a fire.
• Water – It sounds obvious but without a designated lunch break, you might forget to keep hydrated. Look after yourself by drinking regularly and give yourself time to eat. Just keep any drinks away from electronics.
Remember to
• Have a cell phone nearby and emergency contact information.
• Install quality doors and deadbolts on all exterior doors and use them.
• Have window treatments that hide what’s in your office so valuables can’t be seen.
• Install motion sensor lights that will alert you if anyone is wondering around the yard.
• Use caution with people who are delivering items, the same caution you would use at an office. Make sure they can identify themselves and state who they are.
Productivity tips for working at home
• Get Dressed
It’s important to still do your morning routine as you usually would if you were commuting into the office, since it signals to your brain that it’s time to work—not to lounge.
• Create a dedicated workspace
Ideally this should be a separate room where you can close the door. If that’s not an option, map out an area that can be clear of clutter.
• Set and maintain your normal hours
• Focus on your output
Every day, create a list of what you will deliver by the end of the day to help you stay on track.
• Eat Healthy Lunches
If you’re eating healthy at the office, don’t suddenly start eating bowls of chips or ice cream at home, just because you can. Not only do unhealthy food choices impact your energy and mood, but they can also compromise your immune system.
• Schedule more check-ins with your team
It can be a big adjustment to not be in close proximity, so make sure that you’re checking in. Not to be confused with micromanaging, checking in is really just making sure progress is being made and everyone has the resources they need.
• Limit distractions
You have to bring the discipline to keep distractions (such as tv, social media, internet) away from you at home just like you would in the office.
COVID – 19 How to isolate at home
While two weeks in isolation, there are some considerations we should keep in mind to limit the spread of the disease.
• Separation
Don’t go to public places, taking public transportation or taxis, or going to corner store to get groceries.
Arrange someone to deliver groceries or supplies to your door
While staying in the same house with other family members, make sure stay at least 2 meters away from each other and wear a mask.
Avoid older adults (Seniors) or those with compromised immune systems or chronic conditions
If a common place must be shared (ie. kitchen, bathroom), it is advised the sick person to use the area last and to thoroughly clean all surfaces after they are finished.
• Hygiene
All members of the family should remember to frequently wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds
Dry their hands with disposable paper towels or dry re-usable towel. Replaced when it becomes wet.
Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth
• Household items and surfaces
Coronavirus can linger on surfaces for a few hours after contact. It is recommended to frequently disinfect surfaces that are often touched such as toilets, tables, door knobs, phones, TV remotes
Do not share towels, pillow, utensils or electronic devices (such as iPad, phone)
Laundry can be wash in the same load but should wear gloves when handling clothes
• Pets
As a precaution, people should avoid close contact with their pets (snuggling or allow them to lick or allow it to sit on laps or sleep in the same room or bed)
Avoid coughing or sneezing on them.
Ask someone to take care of your pet while in isolation
• Supplies to have at home
Surgical masks (do not reuse); eye protection, disposable gloves (do not reuse)
Disposable paper towels, tissues, plastic bags
Thermometer, medication (Tylenol) to reduce fever, hand soap, alcohol base sanitizer, alcohol wipes
Household cleaning products, bleach, empty spray bottle to mix (1 part of bleach to 9 part of water)
