Given the recent updates on COVID-19, Muscular Dystrophy Canada has implemented a work from home policy, therefore, effective immediately all MDC offices are closed.
Our staff remain available via email and telephone and will continue to serve our clients, volunteers, donors and other key stakeholders.
During this difficult time, we remind everyone that social distancing is a critical component of reducing the potential harm.
In the coming days, MDC will continue to provide updates as we strive to implement new online platforms and solutions to support our community.
We recommend that everyone continue to be informed by credible sources like the World Health Organization, the Public Health Agency of Canada and provincial health agencies.
Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.
Barbara Stead-Coyle
CEO
How to prevent infections
The steps outlined below are good practice, at all times, to inhibit the spread of viruses:- Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly with soap and water.
- Sneeze and cough into your sleeve; when using tissues, immediately put them in the trash and wash your hands.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Regularly clean commonly used surfaces and devices you touch.
- Avoid crowded spaces and close contact with anyone that has a fever or cough.
How you can prepare
You should always have a plan in place should you, or a loved one, become ill. You should have:- A list containing the names of your doctors, clinic, pharmacy and insurance company along with contact information.
- A list of all your medications and the doses.
- Enough medication for one to two weeks in case you cannot get to the pharmacy to refill your prescriptions.
- Extra supplies like, hand sanitizers and soap to wash your hands.
How to avoid disruptions to care services for individuals with neuromuscular disorders
- Screen: Have a sign posted at the entrance of your home for your caregivers and attendants to self-screen and review the precautionary measures they can take while in your home.
- Greetings: Have your caregivers and attendants say hello without touching (e.g., a wave hello)
- Wash Hands: Have your caregivers and attendants wash their hands for at least 20 seconds with soap carefully and repeatedly (throughout the day).
- Sanitize: Have your caregivers and attendants use hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol-based) when they arrive at your home and each time prior to touching or feeding you.
- Disinfect: Have your caregivers and attendants clean, sanitize and disinfect the surfaces that are touched in your and use disinfecting wipes on items that are frequently touched (e.g., cell phones, doorknobs, your wheelchair controls, lifting device controls, and remote controls). Make this convenient by having wipes near the items that should be regularly cleaned.
- Back Up: If your attendant becomes sick, ask them to seek medical care. Ensure you have sufficient back up attendants in case your caregivers and regular attendants cannot work; your attendants may not be able to work because either they get sick or they need to take care of a family member who is. You will still need assistance, so make sure you have someone who can provide it.
What to do if you think you might have the infection
- Public Health Agency of Canada
- Government of Canada novel coronavirus toll-free info line: 1-833-784-4397
- Government of Canada Travel Advisories
- World Health Organization
