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Goodbye, 2020. Hello, 2021!
2020 may be over, but the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact communities and workplaces
As we move into the new year, workplaces continue to face unprecedented challenges due to COVID-19. The world is much different now than it was at the beginning of 2020. Most businesses have had to find new ways to operate and many employees continue to work remotely. This new reality may leave staff feeling isolated or disconnected. This isolation, along with increased stress and anxiety as a result of the pandemic, can negatively impact the mental health of your staff. As part of your planning for the year ahead, consider how your organization can help promote and protect the mental and physical health of your employees.
Contact Niagara Region Public Health to learn more about how we can help. We will work with you to identify the resources that best meet your needs and support your workplace through this challenging time.
Keeping workplaces safe and open
Webinars to help you build your safety plan are now available! Workplace Safety Prevention Services (WSPS) has a variety of pre-recorded webinars to help workplaces across different sectors develop a safety plan framework to keep the workplace safe and open. Examples include: personal care services, casinos and gaming establishments, bars and food establishments, meeting and event spaces and so much more!
Visitor safety in the workplace
Is your workplace allowing visitors or customers into the building? COVID-19 safety protocols are equally as important for everyone who enters the workplace, not just staff. In addition to screening, physical distancing, face coverings, and limiting the number of individuals in your workplace, there are a number of other recommendations to help keep your employees and community safe.
Help on your path to mental wellness
Looking for resources and tools to support your mental health? BounceBack is a free, guided self-help program targeting individuals 15 years of age and up who are experiencing mild-to-moderate anxiety and depression, stress or worry. Delivered over the phone with a coach and through online videos, this program provides tools to support your mental wellness.
Youth Mental Health and Addiction service
The Youth Mental Health and Addiction (YMHA) service helps youth working towards recovery. This service is for 17 – 25 year-olds who are experiencing emerging mental health or addiction concerns. It provides assessment, treatment plan, counselling, and support. The YMHA service is currently taking on new clients.
New year, new ways to quit smoking!
Individuals are experiencing increased levels of stress, anxiety and boredom - this can have a direct impact on smoking behaviours
Recognizing this, important changes have been made to provincial smoking cessation programs to help all individuals in Ontario during these difficult and stressful times.
Two *new* programs have been created, offering six weeks of free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) which can be mailed directly to your home. In addition, anyone can self-register. The programs are:
If you have any questions, please contact the Tobacco Hotline at 905-688-8248 ext. 7393
COVID-19 and the workplace
All the resources and information you need, all in one place!
Both employers and employees have a role to play in reducing the community spread of COVID-19. On our business page, you will find recommendations and guidelines that apply to all workplaces in Niagara (with the exception of health care settings). This information can help employers prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect the safety of staff, customers and visitors who enter your workplace. Resources include:
- Provincewide Shutdown guidance from the Government of Ontario
- Signage and screening tools
- Workplace safety plan guidance
- Workplace COVID-19 exposure and outbreaks
- Cleaning and disinfecting recommendations
For more information, call the Info-Line at 905-688-8248 press 7 or call toll-free at 1-888-505-6074.
