Author: Gregory Crunican

Supporting People

The COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist has been updated for the week of January 21st to January 27th.

• COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist
• • • The Hand Sanitizer Recall List (on the U:\\ drive) was updated (Jan 27th, 2021), please confirm the removal of recalled sanitizers from all locations.

Resources related to COVID-19 continue to be available and updated as new information and guidelines are made available to us. You can find all of the resources here.

COVID-19 VACCINE WEBINARS

Webinars have been scheduled over the coming weeks that will be open to employees, people who use our services and their family members. To register for upcoming webinars click here

January 29th –  Marwah Younis Damani PharmD

Marwah Younis Damani is a pharmacist with a focus on the developmental sector. Currently she is the medical director for Community Living Toronto. Marwah and her pharmacy student will be joining us to discuss the COVID-19 vaccines.

February 5th – Dr. Phillip Dwek

Dr. Dwek is an infectious diseases specialist primarily working in Oshawa. Dr. Dwek completed his internal medicine specialty in 2015 at Western University and went on to specialize in infectious diseases at the University of Toronto completing his training in 2019.

To view a recording of the previous webinars follow these links January 18th and January 22nd 

COVID-19 VACCINE UPDATE

Let’s be ready when vaccines become available to us!

Public Health units are reaching out to Christian Horizons as they prepare for vaccination distribution.  Current shortages have caused vaccination delays so Public Health is getting set up for when vaccines become available so they can provide them as quickly as possible.

We are contacting all district employees who provide direct supports or are closely involved to the work of providing direct supports by Christian Horizons email. This email will provide a link to add your name to the list that we will provide to Public Health of employees ready to be vaccinated. You will also affirm in your response that when they reach out, we can provide your name and contact information to them. Keep an eye out in the coming days for this email and please respond as soon as possible to get on the list. Public Health may call for names at any time, and have required a response within 24hrs.

Along with Public Health we want to be ready and ensure everyone who wants the vaccine gets the opportunity at the first availability. Keeping Christian Horizons employees, those using our services and our communities safe is our top priority.

For more information and COVID-19 vaccines and links to:

• Government Resources
• Discussions with Experts
• Resources for people who use our services

Be sure to follow this link: COVID-19 Vaccine Information and Resources Web Page

Supporting People

The COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist has been updated for the week of January 21st to January 27th.

• COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist
• • • The Hand Sanitizer Recall List (on the U:\\ drive) was updated (Jan 20th, 2021), please confirm the removal of recalled sanitizers from all locations.

Resources related to COVID-19 continue to be available and updated as new information and guidelines are made available to us. You can find all of the resources here.

COVID-19 VACCINE WEBINARS

Additional webinars have been scheduled over the coming weeks that will be open to employees, people who use our services and their family members.

January 22nd – Dr. Linda Moriarty 

Dr. Moriarty is a research scientist and the director of the Moriarty Research Lab at the University of Toronto. The Moriarty Lab is an infectious diseases research lab, with a focus on blood borne pathogens. Dr. Moriarty hosts daily zoom calls for the public to engage with research scientists and ask questions related to COVID-19 vaccines.

To register for the January 18th webinar, and to include a question click here

January 29th –  Marwah Younis Damani PharmD

Marwah Younis Damani is a pharmacist with a focus on the developmental sector. Currently she is the medical director for Community Living Toronto. Marwah and her pharmacy student will be joining us to discuss the COVID-19 vaccines. It is possible that two weeks from now additional vaccine options will be approved in Ontario this will allow for an up to date webinar on what is available.

February 5th – Dr. Phillip Dwek

Dr. Dwek is an infectious diseases specialist primarily working in Oshawa. Dr. Dwek completed his internal medicine specialty in 2015 at Western University and went on to specialize in infectious diseases at the University of Toronto completing his training in 2019. More information about Dr. Dwek’s webinar will be available in the coming weeks.

COVID-19 VACCINE UPDATE

With continued information being released about COVID-19 vaccines, an additional web page focused on COVID-19 vaccine information has been released with links to relevant government resources, discussions with experts, and resources for the people who use our services. This week additional information about vaccine roll out for both Ontario and Saskatchewan have been linked. Additional resources for the people who use our services are also available.

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

The COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist has been updated for the week of January 7th, 2021 to January 13th,  2021.

• COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist

This week, updates have been made to the COVID-19 Exposure flowcharts for both people using services and employees. The goal of these flowcharts is to help guide decision making around COVID-19 exposure. The reformatting of the flowcharts allows for a more streamlined decision making process. A reminder that if local public health departments require additional measures during any of the outlined scenarios, they are to be followed.

• Flowchart for guidance on COVID-19 exposure for people using services
• Flowchart for guidance on COVID-19 exposure for employees

With the recent announcements of curfews in Quebec and the possibility of requiring proof of your affiliation with Christian Horizons to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, letters for proof of employment can be obtained through your program manager.

COVID-19 VACCINE WEBINAR

On Thursday January 14th from 230pm – 330pm a webinar will be hosted for employees to ask questions related to the COVID-19 vaccine. Be sure to register at the link below using a Christian Horizons email, all non Christian Horizons email registrations will be removed.

January 14th, Vaccine Webinar

Additional webinars will be booked as needed to ensure employee questions are addressed answered around COVID-19 vaccines.

COVID-19 VACCINE UPDATE

With COVID-19 vaccine roll out across the country, the question, when will our employees and people who use our services have access to the vaccine continues to be explored. Christian Horizons is represented at the provincial level on committees and working groups focusing on vaccine prioritization, education, and distribution in order to advocate for the developmental services sector.

With those provincial connections come opportunities to help direct resources. In the coming days direct support professionals will have access to a survey from Dr. Yona Lunsky about the COVID-19 vaccine. It is strongly encouraged that direct support professionals complete the survey to help identify areas for improvement.

With continued information being released about COVID-19 vaccines, an additional web page focused on COVID-19 vaccine information has been released with links to relevant government resources, discussions with experts, and resources for the people who use our services. Direct support employees are strongly encouraged to review the material on this page in order to have up to date information around different vaccines safety and efficacy.

• COVID-19 Vaccine Information and Resources Web Page

A resource that is a great starting point for information around mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) is from our partners at Sunlife. It is strongly encouraged that you take the time to view this video.

• Sunlife Discussion with Dr. Alan Bernstein

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

Last week (December 24th) there was an update to resources and guidelines for Ontario during the lock down. The links to the relevant resources can be found below. We are anticipating additional updates from our regulatory bodies in early January which will determine Christian Horizons policies.

• Province Wide Shut Down – Interim Directions (Ontario) 
• December 26th Lock Down – No Visitors Poster
• MCCSS Memo on Lock Down Restrictions

LEARNING FROM YOU

The following resources are being reviewed or developed for update in the new year:

Flowcharts for exposure scenarios – These are being reviewed to ensure they are up to date with current public health recommendations

Outbreak Drills – To help prepare locations for possible outbreaks, an outbreak drill template is being developed. The outbreak drill template will be based off of the fire drill template to help direct support locations work through possible outbreak events.

COVID-19 VACCINE UPDATE

Earlier this week some of our direct support locations in Ontario were contacted to provide information for direct support employees willing to have the COVID-19 Vaccine early in the New Year. This is exciting news for everyone in our organization. Christian Horizons continues to advocate for broader access to vaccinations for the people we support and our direct support professionals in the first wave of vaccinations.

NEW YEARS WISH

There are few years that hold profound memories, for many of us 2020 is likely to be one that is remembered and talked about for the rest of our lives. We look to 2021 with hope and thanks to our community for continuing to work with the people we support throughout the constantly changing times of 2020. Thank you, and Happy New Year.

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

On December 21st Doug Ford announced that all of Ontario will be entering a lockdown starting on December 26th. Similarly on Dec 17th in Saskatchewan new public health orders went into affect until early January that limit household gatherings to only those who live in the same home (with some exceptions). These restrictions are important for us to follow and we acknowledge they may cause stress and frustration for people who use our services and ourselves.

In response to Ontario’s announcement, MCCSS has released a memo with directions for direct support locations in Ontario to adhere to during the lock down. The following guideline has been developed to reflect these changes, along with a link to the original memo sent by MCCSS.

• Province Wide Shut Down – Interim Directions (Ontario) 
• December 26th Lock Down – No Visitors Poster
• MCCSS Memo on Lock Down Restrictions

The most notable change to MCCSS guidelines is visitor restrictions. Starting December 26th only essential visitors will be permitted for both indoor and outdoor visits at direct support locations. Essential visitors will be required to wear eye protection and a medical mask while indoors, and at minimum a medical mask while outdoors. Masks and eye protection are to be supplied to any essential visitors by Christian Horizons direct support locations.

A number of previously developed resources will be suspended in Ontario during the lock downs as per MCCSS recommendations. These will be clearly identified on CHconnect COVID-19 Resources.

With the roll out of vaccination programs in all provinces, the light at the end of the tunnel is beginning to shine. Christian Horizons – through our seat at the Provincial Network table is actively involved in a Working Group focused on vaccination. The Working Group is working through education resources, consent, distribution, advocacy, prioritization etc.  We will continue to work with the Provincial Network and our Ministry partners to highlight the importance of early access to Covid-19 vaccination for people who use our services and our direct support professionals.

LEARNING FROM YOU

The following resources are being reviewed or developed for update in the new year:

Flowcharts for exposure scenarios– These are being reviewed to ensure they are up to date with current public health recommendations

Outbreak Drills – To help prepare locations for possible outbreaks, an outbreak drill template is being developed. The outbreak drill template will be based off of the fire drill template to help direct support locations work through possible outbreak events.

Holiday Wish

While this years celebrations may look different than previous years, the Covid-19 Resource Group and Working Group would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

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

• The COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist has been updated for the week of December 17th to December 23rd 2020.
  • COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist
    • • The Hand Sanitizer Recall List (on the U:\\ drive) was updated (Dec 16th, 2020), please confirm the removal of recalled sanitizers from all locations.
• As we continue to experience surges of  COVID-19 cases in some communities, support locations in these communities are now subject to additional restrictions. The following table helps to show which activities are no longer permitted within these communities:
  • COVID-19 Current Activity Restrictions

An Update on COVID-19 Visiting Record in the ODB

Thank you to everyone for your continued feedback to help improve the COVID-19 Visiting Record. In response, we have updated the Visiting Record in the ODB. Among the improvements made are:

• The form has been streamlined into 3 main sections (Identifying Information, Visit Details, and Employee Sign Off and Supervisor Approval)
• Additional fields have been added to the Summary Page (e.g., Date of Visit, Name of Visitors)
• A locked field for Manager only Sign Off

The updated COVID-19 Visiting Record became available in the ODB on Tuesday, December 15 at 7:00 AM. An updated Instruction document, which is linked to the Visiting Record, will also be available in the ODB at that time.

A reminder that all Ontario locations are required to document visits in ODB using this Visiting Record. A Word version is available to be used when the ODB is down. Please transfer all information to the ODB once it is back up and running.

THANK YOU again for your ongoing diligence in this documentation.

LEARNING FROM YOU

COVID-19 FAQ

In response to identified learning needs in outbreak interviews a COVID-19 FAQ has been added to our Covid-19 resources on ChConnect. This will be updated regularly and will include information on vaccines as more information is made available.

Outbreak Debriefing Tool and Mental Health Resources

Acknowledging that outbreaks are a stressful situation a debriefing tool has been developed to assist managers in leading debriefing session with employees during and after outbreaks. Included within this tool are additional mental health resources that employees can look to access if/when required. This will be made available to managers if/when a direct support location goes into an outbreak.

Working Together

Covid-19 Working Group

The Covid-19 working group has been established to help further guide policy and resources. The group is comprised of district representatives,  if you are interested in assisting in this you can reach out to the Healthcare Strategies Manager – Gregory Crunican

Outbreak Managers Group

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

• The COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist has been updated for the week of December 10th to December 16th 2020.
  • COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist
• As we continue to experience surges of  COVID-19 cases in some communities, support locations in these communities are now subject to additional restrictions. The following table helps to show which activities are no longer permitted within these communities:
  • COVID-19 Current Activity Restrictions

Further Clarification on N95 Mask Requirements

• After using an N95 mask, it should be inspected, if the mask is not visibly soiled or structurally damaged it should be stored with other used N95 masks in a biohazard bag that can be sent out for sterilization.
• For an N95 mask to provide protection it needs to form an airtight seal around the mouth and nose. To do so it is important for facial hair to not interfere with the contact between the N95 mask and the face of the person wearing the mask. Therefor, anyone using an N95 mask must be clean shaven.
• N95 guidelines have been updated to give more specific instruction around use. Updated resources include:
  • Personal Protective Equipment Frequently Asked Questions (PPE FAQ)

An Update on COVID-19 Visiting Record in the ODB

Thank you to everyone for your continued feedback to help improve the COVID-19 Visiting Record. In response, we have updated the Visiting Record in the ODB. Among the improvements made are:

• The form has been streamlined into 3 main sections (Identifying Information, Visit Details, and Employee Sign Off and Supervisor Approval)
• Additional fields have been added to the Summary Page (e.g., Date of Visit, Name of Visitors)
• A locked field for Manager only Sign Off

The updated COVID-19 Visiting Record will be available in the ODB on Tuesday, December 15 at 7:00 AM. An updated Instruction document, which is linked to the Visiting Record, will also be available in the ODB at that time.

A reminder that all Ontario locations are required to document visits in ODB using this Visiting Record. A Word version is available to be used when the ODB is down. Please transfer all information to the ODB once it is back up and running.

THANK YOU again for your ongoing diligence in this documentation.

LEARNING FROM YOU

Screening Protocol and Symptom Self Check Poster Update

• The self-screening checklist has been reviewed and updated as per the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) recommended screening questions.
• The screening protocol for all locations has been updated to help streamline entry to all locations
• Direct Support Locations will also need to ask the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) screening questions, one additional questions for everyone entering the home (including employees) and two additional questions for employees only.
• The additional questions for direct support locations apply to Saskatchewan based homes as well. The questions are recommended in the Saskatchewan Governments Toolkit guide.
• With the holiday season fast approaching it is possible that the screening questions  will see changes. Updates will be made as changes occur:
• COVID-19 Screening Protocol
• COVID-19 Symptom Self Check Poster

A THANK YOU

• On March 11th, 2020 it was announced that students would have an extended March break with two additional weeks off in order to prevent additional spread of Covid-19
• On March 16th, 2020 it was announced that publicly funded schools in Saskatchewan would be closing on March 20th to prevent the spread of Covid-19

For many of us this is likely the first memories that have shaped our experience for the past 10 months. During the course of the pandemic everyone has made significant changes to the way they work, with the concern of a potential outbreak occurring at one of our homes always a concern.

This week Janet Noel-Annable CEO had the opportunity to include Lydia Grant PM in Peel and Lisa Tritton AM in PEEL in her weekly video and discuss what it is like working in an outbreak location, if you have not had the opportunity to watch it we strongly recommend that you do to hear first hand what working in an outbreak location is like.

To everyone, thank you for your continued diligence and care in providing a safe environment for the people we support and each other. With a vaccine on the horizon it is important that we continue to be prepared and work closely together, especially during the holiday season.

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

• The COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist has been updated for the week of December 3rd to December 9th 2020.
  • COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist
• As we continue to experience surges of  COVID-19 cases in some communities, support locations in these communities are now subject to additional restrictions. The following table helps to show which activities are no longer permitted within these communities:
  • COVID-19 Current Activity Restrictions

Further Clarification on Eye Protection Requirements

A Reminder: Masks are for both personal protection and source control – eye protection is for personal protection

• In compliance to MCCSS guidelines eye protection is now required for our employees in direct support environments in Ontario.
• Eye protection is recommended for people using services
• Eye protection requirements for visitors such as service technicians are set by their employers, and our expectation is that they will follow their own regulations along with wearing a commercial mask.
• Employees in office-only settings are not required to use eye protection as they are able to maintain 2 metres of distance, they are still expected to follow all safety guidelines related to physical distancing and PPE.
• Eye protection guidelines have been updated to give more specific instruction around use. Updated resources include:
  • Personal Protective Equipment Frequently Asked Questions (PPE FAQ)

LEARNING FROM YOU

• We are working closely with employees who have worked in outbreak settings to hear their stories and learn from their experiences. Thank you to those who have taken the time to share with us so far. Your feedback is making a difference already, and will continue to do so:
  • We have heard concerns and confusion around regular cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces so have released a “COVID Cleaning Protocol for Locations“
    for locations to record their cleaning protocols (ex. which disinfectant to use and how to properly use it).” The cleaning checklist is the tool to track required cleaning. The poster is about providing instructions on how to clean
  • We have heard the importance of having clear plans and supports in place when responding to cases of COVID-19 at a location. We have released a new Emergency Response Plan – Site Specific Pandemic Addendum. This tool will help bring consistency to our program response plans across Christian Horizons and ensure that all the information needed during an outbreak is easily accessible for everyone. Most locations will already have a lot of this information included in a plan, however, this will be a way to ensure no areas are being missed.

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

• The COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist has been updated for the week of November 27^th to December 3rd.
  • COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist
    • The Hand Sanitizer Recall List (on the U:\\ drive) was updated (Nov. 25, 2020), please confirm the removal of recalled sanitizers from all locations.
  •  COVID-19 Cleaning Checklist Template
    • Updated to include a section for the time cleaning/ disinfection was completed
  • COVID-19 Current Activity Restrictions
    • Additional communities have been added.

Clarification around N95 use and storage

• N95 masks are to be used during Aerosol Generating Medical Procedures (AGMPs) during suspected or confirmed outbreaks
• Direction around storage of used N95s for sterilization is available in the PPE FAQ based on public health feedback
• Updated resources include:
  • Personal Protective Equipment Frequently Asked Questions (PPE FAQ)

Pandemic Fatigue

“Pandemic Fatigue” can occur when we begin to experience a sense of burnout and become tired of pandemic measures that impact our normal life routines. Pandemic fatigue may present itself as a natural response to following strict health measures and restrictions for such a prolonged period of time. These days, we may feel inclined to ignore public health guidance or simply begin to drown out the messages and warnings related to the continued risk of COVID-19. It is important that we remain vigilant and conscious of all of our efforts to protect people who use our services, friends, families, and ourselves. Please continue to wear your masks properly, wash your hands often, and be mindful of physical distancing. Our What Mask to Wear, When Poster, Hand Wash Poster, PPE Frequently Asked Questions, and other resources are available for you to review at any time. It is important to remember that our actions impact a greater number of people than just ourselves and our immediate social circles. For more information, you can visit the Wellington, Duffering, Guelph Public Health article by clicking here.

Mask Reminder:

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