Daily COVID-19 digest
Roll-out of mandatory masks: Last week, we announced our decision to provide — and make mandatory — protective masks for everyone in our collection centres across the county, including employees, volunteers, donors and contractors. We are now set to roll-out masks in our facilities through a two-phased approach: On Monday, May 4, distribution and implementation of mandatory masks will take effect for all frontline staff. Masks will become available and made mandatory for all donors the following week starting Monday, May 11. Further details regarding the roll-out and implementation process for mandatory masks will be added to our PPE page tomorrow. It is important for you to know that this decision was made with an abundance of caution. The safety of all employees, volunteers, donors and contractors is our priority.
Meet our first convalescent plasma donor: Check out this video of Jerry Glubisz, a recovered COVID-19 patient who donated plasma yesterday in Vancouver as part of our national clinical trial. The trial will test the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 convalescent plasma as a possible treatment to help patients with the virus. We will also share this video on our social media channels to continue getting the word out about the trial. As mentioned in yesterday’s digest, we expect more recovered patients to begin donating at one of the 11 Canadian Blood Services donor centres that have the capability to collect plasma, over the next few weeks.
Upcoming mental health webinar: During the best of times, managing our mental health can sometimes be a struggle — and in this new reality of physical distancing, isolation and uncertainty, many people are experiencing new and heightened feelings of stress and anxiety. In the wake of COVID-19, paying attention to and prioritizing our mental health is more important than ever, which is why our healthy workplace team will be hosting a 30-minute webinar next week for staff, in observance of CMHA Mental Health Week (May 4-10, 2020). The webinar will discuss tips, coping strategies and warning signs and provide information about how to access and leverage the many resources available to support you and your family’s well-being during this challenging time. The session will be offered four times during the week of May 4, to accommodate different schedules and time zones. Visit the employee portal to register.
Celebrating #ThankfulThursday with Tims: There’s no group more deserving of a serious coffee break than our amazing frontline staff who have been working tirelessly to help keep Canada’s Lifeline strong during the COVID-19 pandemic. This week, Tim Hortons showed some love for our frontline employees and volunteers by delivering coffee and treats to collections and donor relations employees across Canada, to thank them for their selfless service. Visit Yammer to see some of the photos captured during these very special deliveries.
About the daily digest
This daily digest will highlight the latest policy and employee support measures, resources to help you manage our new reality and original content like articles and videos to remind us that what we do matters. Things are moving quickly, so you can expect to hear from us daily. No access to email? No problem — all this information and more can be found on blood.ca/employees from any device, no login required.
Click here to read past editions of the daily digest.
Have questions? Check out blood.ca/employees or email us at communications@blood.ca