CORONAVIRUS UPDATE – STEPWEST PARTICIPANTS IN CANADA

UPDATE April 17th, 2020: How the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is affecting – International Experience Canada applicants.

NOTE: This article will be updated regularly according to the latest updates from the Canadian Government.

COVID-19 (coronavirus) is affecting the whole world and at this point in time, including Canada. At Stepwest we take the health and safety of our participants and our staff very seriously. We are constantly monitoring the development of the Coronavirus or COVID-19 and how it is affecting Canada. If you are one of our participants in Canada, here is some important information you will need to know, because we want to make sure that you are ready in case you are feeling any of the symptoms and that you know exactly what to do when in Canada, using your insurance, etc..

BUT the most important thing, no need to panic. Make sure to have a good diet and good hygiene, this will lower the chances of getting the virus as your immune system will be stronger.

HOW TO STAY HEALTHY AND PREVENT ANY SYMPTOMS?

In order to stay healthy and prevent yourself from contamination, we recommend you to apply the following actions:

• Wash your hands with soap and water, especially before preparing, handling, serving or eating food.
• If you cannot wash your hands with soap and water, use hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your face, mouth, nose, and eyes.
• Make sure when coughing or sneezing to be respectful of the people surrounding you, and cover your mouth and nose with your elbow.
• Dispose of used tissues, then wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.

You can also find here the World Health Organization Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS I SHOULD BE AWARE OF?

Those who are infected with Coronavirus may show little to no symptoms. Symptoms may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure to COVID-19. Symptoms include:

• Fever
• Coughing
• Difficulty breathing
• Be responsible, if you have symptoms of the COVID-19, the Canadian Government recommends that you call the medical center and advise them you are coming with a respiratory illness. You may be asked to wear a mask as a precautionary measure to avoid getting affected by the spread of the illness.

WHAT DO I DO IF I HAVE THE SYMPTOMS?

Call your insurance or public health authority in your province.
You will need to quarantine yourself and make sure to remain in your home if you are developing symptoms and that too as quickly as possible. Follow your doctor’s instructions. Reduce your contact with other people and wear a mask to prevent spreading the infection.

IF YOU ARE A STEPWEST PARTICIPANT AND IF YOU HAVE BOOKED YOUR INSURANCE WITH US (GUARDME)

Your insurance coverage with GuardMe remains in force, and there are no special conditions or exclusions due to the prevalence of the virus. This means that you are eligible for medically necessary treatments as per the normal terms and conditions of the insurance. If you want to see a doctor or ask any questions, you can reach out to them directly through:

• Mobile Doctor 24/7 directly online
• TOLL FREE Number: 1-888-756-8428 Multilingual help available 24/7.

IF YOU ARE A STEPWEST PARTICIPANT THAT IS ALREADY IN CANADA AND HAS YOUR OWN INSURANCE

Make sure you check with your travel insurance provider about coverage, as some insurance providers may not provide coverage for issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Make sure you contact your Insurance Company to inquire about what the exact protocol is if you have to visit a doctor in Canada due to this virus. Moreover, ask about what clinics you could visit that are closeby to your vicinity, and inquire about the specific documentation that you would need to provide in order for you to be covered for your medical assistance in Canada.

TRAVEL PRECAUTIONS

Official Global Travel Advisory: To limit the spread of COVID-19, many countries have put in place travel or border restrictions, and other measures such as movement restrictions and quarantines. Contact your airline or tour operator to determine options for canceling or postponing your trip. The Government of Canada advises people against all travel outside of Canada, including the US (and our neighbor of Washington state) at this time.

At Stepwest we will make sure to continuously monitor the severity situation and keep you updated. We are here to help you and answer your questions, so make sure that you reach out to your coordinator if you have any concerns at all. We will be monitoring our emails over the weekend and make sure that we keep our availabilities open to assist you with any of your questions and concerns regarding this current situation.