Public Advisory: Advice for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities

  • Children, Seniors and Social Development

March 23, 2020

Seniors and persons with a weakened immune system or underlying medical conditions are at a higher risk of developing complications from COVID-19. The Provincial Government is asking that seniors, person with disabilities that may affect their immunity, and organizations serving both seniors and persons with disabilities consider ways to support social distancing. This includes:

  • Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, with at least 60 per cent alcohol, in the absence of soap and water.
  • Restricting your time in public by consolidating trips to get supplies or accept help from family, friends, neighbours or community groups.
  • Maintaining the recommended physical distance (approximately two metres/arm lengths) during contact with another person.
  • Cancel social gatherings.

During this time of social distancing, the Provincial Government is also suggesting ways that seniors and persons with disabilities can prevent social isolation by staying socially connected:

  • Stay in touch with family, friends and community groups by telephone, text, email, and/or on-line chat and messaging services, such as Skype, Zoom, VRS.
  • Stay open to learning and trying new technology, such as Facebook, WhatsApp and FaceTime, that provides options to communicate with family, friends, and community groups.
  • Stay active in your community by enjoying the outdoors and/or by becoming a volunteer for a local community group or not for profit organization that has the option to make phone calls or instant-messages from home.

In particular, if you are aware of anyone in your neighbourhood or community who may be socially isolated, please be sure to reach out to them by telephone, text, email or social media.

For the most up-to-date information related to COVID-19, please visit www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19. For questions related to COVID-19, please email covid19info@gov.nl.ca.

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Media contact
Gina MacArthur
Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-3768, 730-2977
ginamacarthur@gov.nl.ca

2020 03 23 12:20 pm