The recent outbreak of COVID-19, which may be commonly known as 鈥渃oronavirus鈥� or 鈥淲uhan coronavirus,鈥� has now been deemed a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), due to the death toll and the spread of the virus overseas.
COVID-19 is a virus that falls under the coronavirus 鈥渇amily鈥� of respiratory viruses. Its symptoms include:
- fever
- headache
- dry cough
- body aches
- breathing problems
If you believe you may have symptoms of COVID-19, it鈥檚 important to make sure that you seek medical attention and follow instructions from your local health authority to ensure that you do not spread the disease.
Learn more about COVID-19
Understanding what COVID-19 is and how you can avoid catching it can be helpful in preventing the spread of the virus.
- Protecting Older Adults from COVID-19 (Coming soon)
Managers may also find the article a useful resource.
If you are self-isolating
Whether you are self-isolating because you have symptoms, may have been exposed to someone with symptoms, or are choosing to stay at home to reduce your risk of exposure, your life will require some major temporary adjustments. These resources can help you maintain your well-being while you鈥檙e at home.
If you are self-isolating, please refer to recommendations from your local healthy authority for more information on the specific measures you should take.
If you are struggling while self-isolating, call the assistance program for support from caring counselors.
Caring for others
From kids鈥� cancelled classes to feelings of isolation due to social distancing or quarantine measures, caring for your friends, family, and loved ones during the COVID-19 outbreak may seem like a challenge. However, there are many ways to create routines, reach out, and stay connected during this difficult time.
Parenting
- Educational Resources for Parents (coming soon)
- Keeping Your Kids鈥� Education on Track During the COVID-19 Outbreak (coming soon)
Helping Older Relatives
- (article series)
- Protecting Older Adults from COVID-19 (coming soon)
Staying Connected
- Helping Your Community During the COVID-19 Outbreak (coming soon)
Work and illness
The COVID-19 outbreak is a good reminder that no matter what communicable disease you have, it鈥檚 important not to spread it by coming into work when ill. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with your company鈥檚 sick leave policy. Read the article for more information.
If you are working from home due to COVID-19, be sure to check in regularly with your manager and keep an eye out for communications from your company to stay up to date. You should also be mindful of maintaining your well-being. The following resources might help with this:
- Using Technology to Stay Connected When Remote Working (coming soon)
- Your Remote Working Day (coming soon)
For managers
You can help your team maintain a positive working environment even if they are working from home.
- Boosting Remote Worker鈥檚 Morale (coming soon)
Financial worry
With COVID-19 causing volatility in the financial markets, it鈥檚 not unusual to start worrying about your financial future. You or loved ones may also have concerns about how self-isolate may affect your income. Try reading the following resources:
Maintaining your mental well-being
Worries about COVID-19 can feel overwhelming, and some people may experience stress and anxiety. If you are struggling, find support by calling your assistance program. The following articles can also help:
You can also help yourself and those around you stay positive during stressful times by building your resilience and focusing on positive thinking.
- (article series)
- (article series)
- Quick Tips for Maintaining a Positive Attitude (coming soon)
- Teaching Yourself to Stay Resilient (coming soon)
漏 LifeWorks 2020
Well-being Experts
Last Reviewed Mar 2020