COVID-19 Blog Articles

This Toolkit has been created by Homewood Health to support organizations and leaders in decision making.

"This pandemic Workplace Re-entry Toolkit is a consolidation of content focused on the considerations facing employers and employees as the world prepares for life after COVID-19. We’ve put together a package of informative materials to support you and your organization. Additionally, we’ve included resources for managers and employees, providing guidance and support while addressing some frequently asked questions."

"As we near the summer months, the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic continues – filled with evolving new norms of how we go about our daily lives. We know that self-isolation and physical distancing are necessary, as they are preventative measures to slow the spread  of the virus and the risk of infection. As we adopt and implement modifications to our routines, these changes can be linked to psychological effects including feelings of fatigue, isolation, and loneliness."

"As we enter a new month of COVID-19 protocols, the indirect and evolving implications of the pandemic are establishing new norms and roles within our family units for parents, guardians and those tasked with childcare responsibilities."

Read the full article.

We asked the U of G community to show their thanks to employees who continue to work at one of our campuses or research stations during COVID-19.

The community response was very positive, with many sharing their notes of appreciation and thanks to their colleagues.

See below a compilation of the THANK YOU notes.

Over the last couple of months, it has been inspiring to see and hear about the ways our U of G community has come together to support one another and our community.  The article “U of G Community Helping Build Online Volunteer Connections” outlines just some of the many ways our colleagues have stepped up to support the Guelph community and beyond.

"Self-isolation and quarantine are essential in slowing the spread of COVID-19. Unfortunately, home is not the safest option for individuals and families experiencing domestically violent relationships. As quarantine measures continue, many experts and statistics show domestic violence is increasing.

"As the impact of COVID-19 continues to evolve beyond physical illness, many are faced with economic challenges as numerous non-essential businesses and their employees have faced temporary closures and subsequent layoffs. Additionally, service-based industries including travel and food preparation are seeing reductions in business as are those in manufacturing and construction. In many instances, businesses have closed in order to reduce the risk of infection.

This handout from Homewood Health is intended as an aide to support yourself, other employees and family members as a result of the questions and possible anxiety that has arisen from the COVID-19 pandemic.

"As we navigate uncharted territory and the evolving realities of COVID-19, we may experience potential fear, stress and anxiety due to the overwhelming volume of information and the demands being put in place to combat the spread and risk of infection.

Anxiety is highly common and is often triggered by specific events, trauma or stressful scenarios creating challenges in our daily activities and interactions. Stress results from normal reactions, where adjustments or a response is required, causing our mind and bodies to react with physical, mental or emotional actions"

"Could remote working be the new normal for work workplaces? We’re getting a taste of what that looks and feels like right now...  This article is all about the advantages of having a remote workforce, and the key factors employers and managers must consider for their virtual work environments to be successful."

Homewood Health has two articles attached below, one for employees and another for Managers.