Surgeon General Message to the Defence Team re GoC COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool

Government of Canada’s New COVID-19 Symptom Self-Assessment Tool

To the Defence Team,

The Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces take the health and well-being of their members and employees very seriously. As such, Canadian Forces Health Services is committed to providing our people with exceptional health related information updates throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 has disrupted our lives in many ways. As Canadians, we all have a community responsibility to help protect older adults and medically vulnerable people who are at greater risk for severe and life-threatening disease. By following recommended hygiene practices and through physical distancing, we can help as many Canadians as possible to stay healthy.  

Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Symptom Self-Assessment Tool

I would like to share an important recent development related to the Government of Canada’s response to COVID-19. I realize that many of you are concerned that you or a loved one may be infected with COVID-19. The Government of Canada has developed a COVID-19 symptom self-assessment tool which allows Canadians who are concerned to determine if they should seek medical attention for COVID-19. You can complete the assessment yourself, or on behalf of a family member unable to do so on their own.  I encourage anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or having concerns with a potential exposure to use this tool to determine if they should pursue the next steps in order to be tested for COVID-19.

COVID-19 symptom self-assessment tool

Please note – this self-assessment tool does not replace the advice of a medical professional. Please see details below regarding what you should do if the self-assessment tool directs you or a family member to call your provincial telehealth to speak to a health care provider.

CAF Members

• If you need immediate medical attention, call 911. 
• If you develop symptoms within 14 days of a potential exposure, follow your military medical clinic’s procedures to obtain medical advice.  

Civilian employees and CAF family members

• If you need immediate medical attention, call 911.
• If you develop symptoms within 14 days of potential exposure, call your health care provider or local public health authority health info-line, tell them your symptoms and follow their instructions.

In addition to this new self-assessment tool, I would like to remind you of the following resources for CAF members, civilian employees and CAF family members:

• CDS message to CAF members 20 March
• As noted by the CDS in his direction to members 13 March, where possible, and as directed by commanders, we will adopt a posture where only essential unit level tasks continue, but otherwise CAF members are to remain at home
• As stated in the DM message for civilian employees regarding COVID-19, only critical core services should access DVPNI from home
• Message from the Deputy Minister regarding flexible work arrangements and leave
• DND/CAF Security Guide for Teleworking during the COVID-19 Response
• Canada.ca/coronavirus is the official Government of Canada webpage for COVID-19 updates and information
• Call 1-833-784-4397 for COVID-19 information
• Email: phac.info.aspc@canada.ca
• CAF Member Assistance Program (CFMAP) 1-800-268-7708
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• LifeSpeak – online health and wellness platform
• HR Connect for civilian HR-related questions 1-833-RHR-MDND, (1-833-747-6363).
• HR GO App for updated information for civilian employees
• CAF Medical Clinic nearest you – psychosocial services and mental health program 
• Military Family Resource Centres
• Family Information Line 1-800-866-4546
• Wing or Base Chaplain
• Facebook – Canadian Armed Forces
• Facebook – Canadian Forces Health Services
• Facebook – Department of National Defence
• Twitter – Canadian Armed Forces
• Twitter– Canadian Forces Health Services
• Twitter– Department of National Defence

Remember these key hygiene and social practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

• Hand washing for at least 20 seconds with soap and water
• Cover your mouth and nose with your arm or a tissue when coughing or sneezing
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
• Physical distancing - all Canadians are asked to reduce their contact with others to further prevent the spread of COVID -19- it is our civic duty to do so

The Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces are collaborating with other federal departments and provincial/territorial public health authorities in order to maintain proper situational awareness on the novel coronavirus situation in Canada and to synchronize interdepartmental actions under the lead of Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).

I understand and appreciate how this unprecedented and evolving situation brings with it uncertainty and additional stress on our professional and personal lives. I am extremely proud of the dedication and self-sacrifice shown by everyone during this challenging time as well as their individual and collective action to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 in their communities.

MGen Andrew Downes, OMM, CD, QHP, MD

Surgeon General
Canadian Armed Forces