October 13: Twitter Update from the Deputy Minister Jody Thomas

October 13, 2020 - Defence Stories

Friday update: Many L1s are checking-in on their teams’ mental health and reporting-up. In summary: You feel like you’re hitting a COVID wall with no end in sight and winter is coming. Parents especially. We hear you.

@CDS_Canada_CEMD and I sent out an all-staff message this week summarizing our intent and direction to L1s for the coming months. Read it here if you haven’t already: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/maple-leaf/defence/2020/10/joint-cds-dm-update-dt-covid-19-fall-posture.html

We’re seeing asymmetrically applied health restrictions, depending on local conditions. Any Defence Team members in Ottawa, Toronto and Peel should note that #Ontario shifted them to “modified stage 2” today. 

Small personal choices have big impact. “Layered risk mitigation” is a dry way to say that combining numerous small habits lowers overall risk for all of us. Hand washing, mask wearing and physical distancing are all critical.

You can also download the #COVIDAlert app. Seven provinces are now online with it. And you can get a flu shot. Clinics are starting to be available for CAF members, and we’re looking into civilian clinics for NCR staff. More to follow.

If you think your personal decisions don’t impact others, @OttawaHealth has a very jarring real-life example that demonstrates otherwise: https://twitter.com/ottawahealth/status/1314177426843471873/photo/1

I know we’re all itching to do something normal, but please make safe choices this Thanksgiving weekend. We can still connect virtually with extended family, enjoy a meal, and be grateful that we live in this magnificent country.

Let’s also remember those CAF members who are on duty this weekend, not only far from loved ones, but also far from home. We are grateful for their sacrifice, and thankful for their service—this weekend, and always. Be safe, and #washyourhands 

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