May 26, 2020

Please note: As we continue to transition to normal operations, beginning this week the Well-being Task Force will be moving to one communication per week. A website with well-being resources is currently under development. We will share that website with our faculty, staff and learners in the coming weeks.
 
Navigating the community as restrictions lift

Newfoundland and Labrador is at Level 4 of relaxing public health measures, which permits the gradual resumption of some activities and business operations, while maintaining certain public health measures to stop the spread of COVID-19.
As we navigate the world outside our bubble, we are still expected to follow health guidelines to stop the spread of COVID-19 including physical distancing and wearing a non-medical mask or face covering while in public.
 
Outdoor safety
With better weather and the importance of staying active for our well-being, outdoor activities are encouraged. According to the National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health, outdoor recreational spaces make important contributions to social well-being as well as physical and mental health. Activities, like walking, hiking, or bike riding, are all encouraged as long as physical distancing can be maintained.
 
In a series of Quick Response Reports, the Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Applied Health Research has information on Being Outside Safely and COVID-19. Evidence and expert opinion suggest it is possible to engage in some outdoor recreation and exercise safely, provided the public maintains basic precautions and hygienic practices.

Running essential errands
Shopping online and using curb side pick-up where possible, are still encouraged. If you do have to shop:

  • Stay at least 6 feet away from others while shopping and in lines.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face covering.
  • Go during hours when fewer people will be there (early morning or late night).
  • If you are at higher risk for severe illness, find out if the store has special hours for people at higher risk. If they do, try to shop during those hours. People at higher risk for severe illness include adults 65 or older and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions.
  • Disinfect the shopping cart, use disinfecting wipes if available.
  • Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
  • If possible, use touchless payment (pay without touching money, a card, or a keypad). If you must handle money, a card, or use a keypad, use hand sanitizer right after paying.

This 3 minute video explains how to physical distance in tricky situations, such as the grocery store: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qwxv0Lhl7AM

Resources:
Being Outside Safely and COVID-19: https://www.nlcahr.mun.ca/CHRSP/COVID10OutdoorsMay2020.pdf
 
National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health: COVID-19 and outdoor safety: https://ncceh.ca/sites/default/files/COVID-19%20Outdoor%20Safety%20-%20April%2016%202020.pdf
 
Center for Disease Control: Daily Life and Coping https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/index.html
 
From Camping To Dining Out: Here's How Experts Rate the Risks of 14 Summer Activities:
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/05/23/861325631/from-camping-to-dining-out-heres-how-experts-rate-the-risks-of-14-summer-activit?utm_term=nprnews&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=npr&utm_source=facebook.com
 
Public Advisory: Newfoundland and Labrador Enters Alert Level 4: https://www.gov.nl.ca/releases/2020/cssd/0512n03/
 
Sincerely,
The Well-being Task Force
Faculty of Medicine