COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Safety Note

March 13, 2020

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) Safety Note

Virtual Marine is committed to ensure the safety of our employees, customers and stakeholders.  In response to the ongoing COVID-19 concerns, Virtual Marine is adapting enhanced measures to mitigate the risks associated the virus.

Our strategy is to implement processes and procedures based upon the guidance provided by The Public Health Agency of Canada which are adjusted to the specific risks we encounter in our workplace.  We understand that the recommended guidance can change and evolve as more is learned about COVID-19, and we will be monitoring the situation closely and will provide additional updates to our procedures as they arise.

Virtual Marine’s enhanced measures include:

• Enhanced Personal Hygiene including more frequent cleaning of high touch surfaces

• Social Distancing including working at home and utilization of electronic conferencing

• Isolation in cases of suspected exposure

Information on the COVID-19 virus and additional information on how to reduce the spread of the virus can be found on the Government of Canada’s Public Health Agency using the URL Address below.

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection

Thank you for your understanding as we implement our enhanced measures to ensure the safety of our employees, customers and stakeholders.

Sincerely,

Anthony Patterson

President and CEO

Virtual Marine

Specific COVID-19 Procedures Relevant to Virtual Marine

Virtual Marine’s strategy is based on the following principles to mitigate the risks associated with the COVID-19 virus:

1. Personal Hygiene – to reduce the risk of infection or spreading infection to others

   • Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water or using the hand sanitizer provided both in Suite 100 and 208;

   • Routinely clean frequently touched surfaces, including tools, using disposable wipes provided for that purpose;

   • Clean utensils and dishes before and after you use them;

   • Wash hands after handling packages delivered to Virtual Marine

2. Social Distancing – to reduce the opportunity for person-to-person infection

   • Minimize face to face meetings as much as practical; use telephone/video conferencing to extent possible

   • Working at home to the extent that it is feasible to do so

   • Avoid passing paper documents to each other; use electronic documents if possible

   • Avoid shaking hands

   • Travel is limited to essential travel and only if approved by management.

3. Isolation – in cases of suspected exposure or infection

   • Do not come to work if you feel sick. Stay home and we will do our best to accommodate you to work from home.

   • Notify your manager immediately if you or a family member are feeling ill or may have come in contact with someone who potentially has the virus.

Summary of Guidance provided by The Public Health Agency of Canada

Toll Free

1-833-784-4397 

Website

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection

Email

phac.info.aspc@canada.ca

Symptoms

The symptoms of this virus are typically similar to the common cold.

• Fever

• Cough

• Difficulty breathing

• Pneumonia in both lungs

The best ways to help prevent the spread of any infections such as Coronavirus are:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, especially with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close interactions with co-workers/clients in the workplace.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, such as toys, electronic devices and doorknobs.

When coughing or sneezing:

• Cover your mouth and nose with your arm or tissues to reduce the spread of germs.

• Immediately dispose of any tissues you have used into the garbage as soon as possible and wash your hands afterwards.

How coronavirus spreads

Human coronaviruses cause infections of the nose, throat and lungs. They are most commonly spread from an infected person through:

• respiratory droplets generated when you cough or sneeze

• close, prolonged personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands

• touching something with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands

Current evidence suggests person-to-person spread is efficient when there is close contact.

How to care for a family member who is ill:

If you or a member of your family become ill with COVID-19, there are precautions that should be taken in the home. Your health care provider will advise you if hospital care is more appropriate. Refer to the guidance for health professionals when caring for someone with COVID-19 in a hospital setting.

To prepare for this potential situation, you should have on hand:

• soap

• facial tissue

• paper towels

• alcohol-based hand sanitizer

• household cleaning products

• regular detergents for washing dishes and doing laundry

• fever-reducing medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen (this includes products for children if you are a parent or caregiver)

• plastic garbage bags for containing soiled tissues and other waste

• household bleach for creating a solution of 1-part bleach to 9 parts water to disinfect surfaces