The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) is continuing to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely to ensure that informed decisions are being made based upon the advice and direction of health professionals. The health and well-being of Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) staff, citizens, families and communities throughout the province is our utmost priority and therefore out of an abundance of caution and as part of the effort to reduce the likelihood of workplace or community transmission of COVID-19, the Senior Management Team is directing all Métis Nation of Ontario employees to work remotely between March 16 – April 3, 2020.
MNO employees are well equipped to use a wide range of technology to continue business as usual on Monday morning. Furthermore, each branch is developing comprehensive community and client access plans that will detail specific instructions on ensuring seamless frontline services to our citizens and communities. More details will be provided in the coming days. MNO will re-assess both in-office and remote working requirements as new information is received.
We want to remind everyone of the steps we all can take, every day, to help reduce exposure, protect your health, and prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid shaking hands or hugging in work or social settings
- Maintain a social distance where possible (3ft distance between yourself and anyone coughing or sneezing)
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, or sneeze or cough into your sleeve or arm, and wash your hands, or use hand sanitizer, after handling the tissue
This is a time for all of us to come together, care for one another and do our part to slow the spread – here’s just a few examples of some concrete steps our families and communities can take by practicing Social Distancing:
- Avoid in-person meetings. Use online conferencing, email or the phone when possible, even when people are in the same building.
- Unavoidable in-person meetings should be short, in a large meeting room where people can sit at least three feet from each other; avoid shaking hands.
- Pick up the phone and check in on a friend and loved one
- Set up regular check in calls with family
For the most up-to-date information on the steps you can take to protect your health, we recommend the following provincial or national resources, or your local public health unit in your community:
We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as new information comes available.
Posted March 15, 2020