Contact Tracing and Testing

From: J Birch Sent: Wednesday, April 29, 2020 3:19:09 PM To: justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca <justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca>; Chrystia.Freeland@parl.gc.ca <Chrystia.Freeland@parl.gc.ca>; dujarric@un.org <dujarric@un.org>; dan@jpost.com <dan@jpost.com>; david.penberthy@news.com.au <david.penberthy@news.com.au>; news@skynews.com <news@skynews.com>; Secretary@HHS.gov <Secretary@HHS.gov>; dir_enq@cso.gov.hk <dir_enq@cso.gov.hk>; doug.fordco@pc.ola.org <doug.fordco@pc.ola.org>; contact.nbcnews@nbcuni.com <contact.nbcnews@nbcuni.com>; tips@GlobalTVBC.com <tips@GlobalTVBC.com>; GlobalOttawa@globalnews.ca <GlobalOttawa@globalnews.ca>; media@gatesfoundation.org <media@gatesfoundation.org>; collaborate@usda.gov <collaborate@usda.gov>; HRISSupport@Tyson.com <HRISSupport@Tyson.com>; info@bnn.ca <info@bnn.ca> Subject: Contact Tracing and Testing (Opinion)

Hey Everyone, I was reading a story about how some business are resuming operations despite fully testing their workforces. It also discussed that the food industry is concerned with operations at larger plants as there have been outbreaks in similar cramped conditions. In relation to the Pandemic, it is of the utmost importance that we test every single first responder and essential service worker prior to them re-joining the workforce. In such cramped conditions such as a plant or assembly line even one sick worker can spell disaster for the workforce as a whole. Contact tracing and testing in and of itself is how we will not only stem the tide of this wave of infection but prevent future ones. We need to ensure that as our workforce is returning to work they have the adequate protections to ensure our essential services and essential workforces are not compromised by sickness. Everyone should get a quick test for coronavirus prior to returning to work, additionally their health should be monitored and temperatures taken each shift to ensure that we are protecting them and the service at the same time. Coupled with social distancing and sanitation procedures we should be able to keep the risks minimal. Furthermore, the story was talking about how the protein industry is returning but many are afraid of returning to work until they can ensure safety. That is completely understandable given this time and I think we should explore alternative options to increase safety and efficiency. Perhaps plants can look at renting additional satellite locations for some or all of their operations to spread out their workforce across multiple buildings instead of cramped into one location. This will allow workers to spread out, conform to social distancing and it will ensure less sickness and greater efficiency for the business. Amending a few of the internal procedures can help us ensure that our essential workers and industries remain as safe as possible during this time and into the future. Together we will endure and we will be stronger for it because we will do it through unity. One people, one world, one voice. Stay Safe, Stay Sanitized and Stay Supportive, John Ames Birch @johneames2