UPDATE: This is a rapidly evolving situation. For the most up-to-date information specific to our province, please visit princeedwardisland.ca/coronavirus or contact Public Health at 1-800-958-6400.
Dear members,
By now, many of you have heard that PEI has its first confirmed case of COVID-19. As health care workers, our work puts us in close proximity to infectious diseases all the time. We have the tools, knowledge and temperament to treat patients in a safe and comforting manner – a pandemic doesn’t change that.
In the days, weeks and months ahead, safety will become a chief concern. As nurses, we must stay safe and healthy so we can continue to provide the crucial care that’s needed in times like these.
Your job is to be cautious and stay safe. Our job at PEINU is to do everything in our power to advocate for your safety so you can continue to perform your work in the safest manner possible. Your safety is not negotiable.
I would like to take this opportunity to encourage you all to read the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions’ position statement on COVID19. It includes important information for you, including an employer checklist.
In addition, health care unions are uniting to call on governments and employers to heed the lessons learned from SARS and adhere to the precautionary principle. Since the science is not settled – since we still don’t know exactly how this virus can be transmitted – health care workers must use all reasonable precautions.
You can read health care unions’ complete joint statement on the CFNU website.
The strength of our public health care system rests on your capacity to provide the care Islanders need. It’s imperative that you stay safe and healthy, now more than ever, as we deal with this pandemic.
As we weather this storm together, stay safe and take care of each other.
Mona O’Shea
President
PEI Nurses Union