Author: Gregory Crunican

Our values, vision, and mission together with your well-being and the well-being of people who use our services continue to be our top priority during the current pandemic.

This week, look for the following updates:

SUPPORT PEOPLE TAB

COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist

• The COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist has been updated for the week of July 22nd to July 29th, 2021
• The Hand Sanitizer Recall List (on the U:\\ drive) was updated (July 21, 2021), please confirm the removal of recalled sanitizers from all locations

Personal Protective Equipment Frequently Asked Questions

• Updated to reflect change in guidance around eye protection
• Employees and visitors are only required to use eye protection when indoor or in a confined space and with in 2 metres (6 feet) while providing direct care to someone who uses our services

Updated Guidance for Activity Restrictions and Visits within Ontario

A number of changes have been made to the activity restrictions and visiting guidance as outlined by MCCSS.

The guidance documents refer to fully vaccinated individuals. The Ministry of Health defines someone as fully vaccinated when they:

• Have received the total required number of doses of a COVID-19 vaccine approved by Health Canada and
• At least 14 days have passed since they have received their final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine

Some of the highlights to the updates include:

• Visitors only need to use eye protection when indoors and providing direct care within 2 metres (6 feet) of a person using services
• If all parties taking place in a visit are outdoors and fully vaccinated there is no requirement for physical distancing or mask use
• If all parties taking place in a visit outdoors are NOT fully vaccinated physical distancing is still required but masks do not need to be worn
• Same day absences or outings can occur in line with the Re-opening plan for Ontario
• People who use services going on overnight outings will need to follow the following guidance on their return:
  • If the person returning is fully vaccinated they will need to pass active screening on their return. There are no additional precautions required
  • If the person returning is NOT fully vaccinated they will need to follow additional precautions for 14 days or until they receive a negative COVID-19 PCR test, whichever occurs first

COVID-19 Current Activity Restrictions 

• Significant updates have been made to the activity restrictions document
• Updated guidance around visits, including indoor, outdoor, short term absences and overnight visits

COVID-19 Visiting Guide for Locations

• Updated guidance around visits, including indoor, outdoor, short term absences and overnight visits

COVID-19 Visiting Guide for Families and Friends

• Updated guidance around visits, including indoor, outdoor, short term absences and overnight visits

COVID-19 Visiting Record (Word and ODB form)

• Updated so that visitors acknowledge understanding of the different requirements for visits.

COVID-19 VACCINE WEBINARS

There will be a webinar on July 23rd to register click here. The webinar will be 1.5 hours long and focus on answering questions from people who use our services, family members and employees. It is encouraged that when you register for the webinar to submit your question. Questions submitted before the webinar are prioritized to be answered.

To view previously recorded webinars please click here.

COVID-19 VACCINE UPDATE

As COVID-19 vaccination progresses throughout Canada it is important to highlight that we (Christian Horizons employees) are not permitted to share information about the vaccination status of the people who use our services or employees with anyone. The only exception is that you may share the vaccine status of a person with their substitute decision maker (e.g., inform the substitute decision maker that the person has received the vaccine to which the substitute decision maker consented). 

• Electronic Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination
  If you have previously chosen to receive a COVID-19 vaccine but have misplaced your electronic and physical proof of vaccination you can receive a new electronic proof through the Ontario Health site here. You will require your health card number

RAPID ANTIGEN TESTING FOR COVID-19

Pilot programs within Ontario will need to input their testing data from July 16th – July 22nd by midnight on July 22nd. This is done through the pandemic checklist on the ODB. Please see the short video below for detailed instructions.

The Rapid Antigen Screening Training course is now available in the LMS. Employees working in the pilot locations in Ontario can now enroll themselves from the catalog and complete the course at any time.

For ease of reference, the links to the Instructions and FAQs can be found below.

• Rapid Antigen Screening Instructions 
• Rapid Antigen Screening FAQs 
• How to Enter Test Result Data on the Weekly Checklist (video) 

Our values, vision, and mission together with your well-being and the well-being of people who use our services continue to be our top priority during the current pandemic.

This week, look for the following updates:

SUPPORT PEOPLE TAB

• COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist
  • The COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist has been updated for the week of July 8th to July 15th, 2021.
  • The Hand Sanitizer Recall List (on the U:\\ drive) was updated (June 30, 2021), please confirm the removal of recalled sanitizers from all locations.
  • A new section has been included for the Pilot Locations for Rapid Antigen Testing to include the number of tests that were completed and the results. 
•  COVID-19 Visiting Guide for Locations
  • MCCSS has released additional guidance around visits for people who use services
    • Non-essential indoor visits will be permitted in alignment with the indoor social gathering limits outlined in the Roadmap to Reopen (e.g. five people in Step Two).
    • Overnight absences (essential and general) will be permitted.
      • Upon return, residents will continue to follow the 14-day precautions unless they have received a negative COVID-19 PCR test result within 72hrs before their return.
•  COVID-19 Visiting Guide for Families and Friends
  • MCCSS has released additional guidance around visits for people who use services
    • Overnight absences (essential and general) will be permitted.
      • Upon return, residents will continue to follow the 14-day precautions unless they have received a negative COVID-19 PCR test result within 72hrs before their return.
• Rapid Antigen Screening Instructions Ontario 
  • Data Collection Tool in Appendix A has been updated to more closely reflect the data capture in the Weekly Checklist
• Current Travel Parameters for Employees
  • The COVID-19 Travel Parameters document has been updated to reflect new government guidelines for testing and self-isolation that came into effect July 5, 2021.

RAPID ANTIGEN TESTING FOR COVID-19

Further to our update last week, we have begun rapid antigen testing at a select number of our pilot locations with the remainder to follow in the coming weeks. A plan to roll out a similar screening program in Saskatchewan is also in the works and continues to progress. For all employees involved in this pilot, thank you.

The Rapid Antigen Screening Training course is now available in the LMS. Employees working in the pilot locations in Ontario can now enroll themselves from the catalog and complete the course at any time. More information to follow via email later today.

For ease of reference, the links to the Instructions and FAQs shared last week can be found below. We have made some minor language consistency updates to the documents.

• Rapid Antigen Screening Instructions 
• Rapid Antigen Screening FAQs 

COVID-19 VACCINE WEBINARS

There is no webinar this week, to view previously recorded webinars please click here.

There will be a webinar on July 23rd to register click here

COVID-19 VACCINE UPDATE

• Electronic Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination
  If you have previously chosen to receive a COVID-19 vaccine but have misplaced your electronic and physical proof of vaccination you can receive a new electronic proof through the Ontario Health site here. You will require your health card number.

Our values, vision, and mission together with your well-being and the well-being of people who use our services continue to be our top priority during the current pandemic.

This week, look for the following updates:

SUPPORT PEOPLE TAB

• COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist
• The COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist has been updated for the week of June 24 to  July 1, 2021.
• The Hand Sanitizer Recall List (on the U:\\ drive) was updated (June 23, 2021), please confirm the removal of recalled sanitizers from all locations.
• COVID-19 Current Activity Restrictions
  • Updated this week to reflect additional guidance released by MCCSS around visiting for direct support locations in Ontario.
• COVID-19 Visiting Guide for Locations
  • No changes have been made to the Visiting Guide
  • A number of inquiries have been made about the requirements after essential overnight visits, please see the Visiting Guide for a complete list of the additional precautions that would be in place for the people who use our services if they are away overnight.
  • At this time there are no changes or exceptions made for people who may be fully vaccinated. This is something that Christian Horizons continues to advocate for with MCCSS.

RAPID ANTIGEN TESTING FOR COVID-19

Further to our update last week, we are progressing with setting up Rapid Antigen Screening for COVID-19 at our pilot locations across Ontario. A plan to roll out a similar screening program in Saskatchewan is also in the works and will be shared in the coming weeks. Thank you to all of you for being part of this pilot.

In Ontario we will be going live with the first swabs being completed within the next week.

Rapid Antigen Screening Training course is now available in the LMS. Employees working in the pilot locations in Ontario can now enroll themselves from the catalog and complete the course at any time. More information to follow via email later today.

For ease of reference, the links to the Instructions and FAQs shared last week can be found below. We have made some minor language consistency updates to the documents.

• Rapid Antigen Screening Instructions ON (June 2021)
• Rapid Antigen Screening FAQs (June 2021)

COVID-19 VACCINE WEBINARS

This weeks webinar will be on Friday June 25th at 2pm click here to register. We will discuss the following topics:

•    Vaccination uptake and reporting
•    Welcoming people who use services back from essential visits when fully vaccinated
•    Information on our Christian Horizons Vaccination Policy
•    Rapid Antigen Test Screening (pilot now happening at Christian Horizons)
•    Specific community breakout meetings to offer further local updates

COVID-19 VACCINE UPDATE

• Electronic Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination
  If you have previously chosen to receive a COVID-19 vaccine but have misplaced your electronic and physical proof of vaccination you can receive a new electronic proof through the Ontario Health site here. You will require your health card number.

Our values, vision, and mission together with your well-being and the well-being of people who use our services continue to be our top priority during the current pandemic.

This week, look for the following updates:

SUPPORT PEOPLE TAB

• COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist
  • The COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist has been updated for the week of May 27th – June 2nd. 
  • The Hand Sanitizer Recall List (on the U:\\ drive) was updated (May. 19th, 2021), please confirm the removal of recalled sanitizers from all locations.
• Daily Symptom-Monitoring
  
  • The Daily Symptom Monitoring form has been updated to better reflect our MARs after responding to requests to review and extend the number of days captured on each page of the form.
  • If you would like to see other changes made to resources to improve work flow for documentation please email covid-19@christian-horizons.org
• COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ
  • Updated to include additional question and answers from our most recent webinar with Dr. Gautier and Dr. Sankar.

COVID-19 VACCINE WEBINARS

There is no webinar this week, to view previously recorded webinars please click here

COVID-19 VACCINE UPDATE

If you have previously chosen to receive a COVID-19 vaccine but have misplaced your electronic and physical proof of vaccination you can receive a new electronic proof through the Ontario Health site here. You will require your health card number.

The Women’s College Research Institute is asking for direct support professionals to complete a short survey with regards to COVID-19 vaccines. Additional information is available below, your responses to the survey questions remain anonymous.

All direct support professionals are being invited to complete a brief survey to help us better understand your perspectives and experience. You may have completed a survey in January similar to this one. We are looking to understand what has or has not changed over time, so we are asking all members to complete this brief survey once again.

This survey should take no more than 10 minutes of your time. All those who complete the survey have the option to enter a draw for one of 5 gift cards for $150.

Click here to access the consent information and the brief survey: https://dfcmutorontoca.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6nY5zAkrX64dslE

The survey is anonymous and voluntary. You will be asked some questions about you so we can understand whether age, role, ethnicity, or other factors are associated with people’s COVID-19 beliefs and experiences.  Data from the survey will only be shared in aggregate, and will not identify individuals in any way.

Thank you for your continued work and dedication, your commitment and tenacity to provide the best service and supports is exceptional!

◊

Questions or suggestions about any of the resources listed on the site?
Send us an email to let us know: covid-19@christian-horizons.org

Our values, vision, and mission together with your well-being and the well-being of people who use our services continue to be our top priority during the current pandemic.

This week, look for the following updates:

SUPPORT PEOPLE TAB

• COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist
  • The COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist has been updated for the week of May 27th – June 2nd. 
  • The Hand Sanitizer Recall List (on the U:\\ drive) was updated (May. 19th, 2021), please confirm the removal of recalled sanitizers from all locations.

There are no resource updates this week, however MCCSS has released direction on visitors for direct support locations in Ontario. With the changing public health guidelines in Ontario MCCSS has stated that all direct support locations will be under enhanced precautions. A detailed list of how this impacts direct support locations can be found in the COVID-19 Current Activity Restrictions. The key points for visiting include:

Essential Visitors (definition within the current activity restrictions document)

• Do not need to schedule an outdoor (or indoor) visit.
• Must pass active screening for COVID-19.
• Must wear surgical/procedure masks and eye protection at all times.

Non-essential visitors:

• Must schedule an outdoor visit.
• Must pass active screening for COVID-19.
• Must wear surgical/procedure masks and eye protection at all times.
• Must maintain physical distance at all times (2 meters/6 feet).
• Must not enter the congregate living setting during visits.
• Visits must be supervised by a staff person.

RAPID TESTING FOR COVID-19

Christian Horizons is working to introduce rapid antigen testing for COVID-19 at our direct support locations throughout Ontario and Saskatchewan as another precaution to ensure a safe work and support environment. A rapid antigen test for COVID-19 is a self administered nares swab (not a deep nasal swab), with observation from a trained user, that produces results within 15 minutes.  If someone were to test positive for COVID-19 with a rapid antigen test a confirmation test from a COVID-19 testing location would need to be completed afterwards.

Rapid antigen tests are only completed on people who are asymptomatic. If someone were to present and during screening state they have symptoms of COVID-19 a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test from a testing location would need to be completed to confirm if a COVID-19 infection is present or not.

The completion of a rapid antigen test does not replace the need for current infection prevention and control practices but adds another layer of protection for employees and the people who use our services.

This week we have been working with our Ministry partners in Ontario and Saskatchewan to outline the training requirements for employees to complete rapid testing. We have also identified a number of pilot locations across all districts to begin rapid antigen testing in the coming weeks.

COVID-19 VACCINE WEBINARS

There is no webinar this week, to view previously recorded webinars please click here

COVID-19 VACCINE UPDATE

The Women’s College Research Institute is asking for direct support professionals to complete a short survey with regards to COVID-19 vaccines. Additional information is available below, your responses to the survey questions remain anonymous.

All direct support professionals are being invited to complete a brief survey to help us better understand your perspectives and experience. You may have completed a survey in January similar to this one. We are looking to understand what has or has not changed over time, so we are asking all members to complete this brief survey once again.

This survey should take no more than 10 minutes of your time. All those who complete the survey have the option to enter a draw for one of 5 gift cards for $150.

Click here to access the consent information and the brief survey: https://dfcmutorontoca.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6nY5zAkrX64dslE

The survey is anonymous and voluntary. You will be asked some questions about you so we can understand whether age, role, ethnicity, or other factors are associated with people’s COVID-19 beliefs and experiences.  Data from the survey will only be shared in aggregate, and will not identify individuals in any way.

Thank you for your continued work and dedication, your commitment and tenacity to provide the best service and supports is exceptional!

◊

Questions or suggestions about any of the resources listed on the site?
Send us an email to let us know: covid-19@christian-horizons.org

Our values, vision, and mission together with your well-being and the well-being of people who use our services continue to be our top priority during the current pandemic.

This week, look for the following updates:

SUPPORT PEOPLE TAB

• COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist
  • The COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist has been updated for the week of May 6th to May 13th. 
  • The Hand Sanitizer Recall List (on the U:\\ drive) was updated (Apr. 7th, 2021), please confirm the removal of recalled sanitizers from all locations.
• Supervisor Audit Tool During COVID-19
  • Updated to a word document to allow for editing when needed at each location.
• Flowchart for Guidance on COVID-19 Exposure for Employees.
  • Update to wording around isolation follow a positive test result to align with the Exposure Attendance and Testing Guide.

RAPID TESTING FOR COVID-19

Christian Horizons is working to introduce rapid antigen testing for COVID-19 at our direct support locations throughout Ontario and Saskatchewan as another precaution to ensure a safe work environment. A rapid antigen test for COVID-19 is a self administered nares swab (not a deep nasal swab), with observation from a trained user, that produces results within 15 minutes.  If someone were to test positive for COVID-19 with a rapid antigen test a confirmation test from a COVID-19 testing location would need to be completed afterwards.

Rapid antigen tests are only completed on individuals who are asymptomatic. If someone were to present and during screening state they have symptoms of COVID-19 a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test from a testing location would need to be completed to confirm if a COVID-19 infection is present or not.

The completion of a rapid antigen test does not replace the need for current infection prevention and control practices but adds another layer of protection for employees and the people who use our services.

This week MCCSS approved our expression of interest bringing us one step closer to be able to make rapid testing available in Ontario. Similarly, we are quickly progressing through the steps to receive access to the rapid tests in Saskatchewan.

COVID-19 VACCINE WEBINARS

There is no webinar scheduled for this week, to view previous webinars please click here. For additional COVID-19 resources, including plan language resources for people who use our services click here.

COVID-19 VACCINE UPDATE

Starting on May 6th in Ontario anyone with an intellectual or developmental disability and their caregivers will be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine by registering under “High Risk Health Conditions”. ConnectAbility has produced a number of plain language resources and videos to help answer questions which can be found here

Thank you for your continued work and dedication, your commitment and tenacity to provide the best service and supports is exceptional!

◊

Questions or suggestions about any of the resources listed on the site?
Send us an email to let us know: covid-19@christian-horizons.org