COVID-19 Updates from November 25th, 2021 – December 2nd, 2021

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  November 25th – December 2nd, 2021
  • The Hand Sanitizer Recall List (on the U:\\ drive) was updated Oct. 13th 2021), please confirm the removal of recalled sanitizers from all locations

COVID-19 VACCINE WEBINARS

Our next webinar will be on November 26th. To register please click here.

During the webinar we will have an opportunity to review the following:

  • Booster/3rd doses of the COVID-19 vaccine
  • Approval for COVID-19 vaccines for children
  • Answering submitted questions
  • District specific breakout sessions to answer questions at the local level.

To view previously recorded webinars please click here.

If you are looking for additional webinars with a variety of experts from across Canada consider the resources available at This is Our Shot and ScienceUpFirst

COVID-19 VACCINE UPDATE

With the announcement of increased access to third doses/booster shots for COVID-19, it is important to be aware that consent will need to be facilitated for the people that use our services as they become eligible. It appears that each health unit in Ontario and the Saskatchewan Health Authority have varying interpretations for who is currently eligible so it will be important to work within your local communities to meet the consent requirements as they are required. 

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 SCREEENING FOR COVID-19

The portal for entering the results of Rapid Tests that are being completed by employees, can be found here under “Quick Links” on CHConnect.

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

 

 

COVID-19 Updates from November 4th, 2021 – November 11th, 2021

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  November 4th , 2021 – November 11th, 2021
  • The Hand Sanitizer Recall List (on the U:\\ drive) was updated Oct. 13th 2021), please confirm the removal of recalled sanitizers from all locations

CURRENT TRAVEL PARAMETERS

  • Updated to reflect change in federal guidance around non-essential travel.

RAPID ANTIGEN SCREEENING FOR COVID-19

The portal for entering the results of Rapid Tests that are being completed by employees, can be found here under “Quick Links” on CHConnect.

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

COVID-19 VACCINE WEBINARS

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

During last weeks Webinar we discussed how to know when research is reliable when it comes to COVID-19. To see a clip of that information watch the video below:

If you are looking for additional webinars with a variety of experts from across Canada consider the resources available at This is Our Shot and ScienceUpFirst

COVID-19 VACCINE UPDATE

With the announcement of mandatory vaccine policies within the developmental services sector in Ontario, Christian Horizons has taken steps to make it easier to report vaccination status. Managers or a delegate are now able to enter proof of employees vaccination status with their permission.  It is important for anyone responsible for inputting this information to remember to delete or return any copies of the proof after it has been uploaded. The link for self reporting is still available and we encourage all employees to use this option when possible.

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.

COVID-19 Updates from September 30th – October 7th, 2021

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 September 30th- October 7th
  • The Hand Sanitizer Recall List (on the U:\\ drive) was updated (Sept 29th, 2021), please confirm the removal of recalled sanitizers from all locations

COVID-19 Screening Protocol

  • A screening tracking sheet for Contractors entering a Christian Horizons location has been included that will allow programs to track vaccination status and results of rapid tests when they are required.

RAPID ANTIGEN SCREEENING FOR COVID-19

There was an automatic enrollment for all direct support professionals, program managers, and team leads on September 17th regardless of vaccination status to the RANT screening education. Office locations will determine who are the most appropriate employees to complete the training in order to assist with the completion of rapid antigen screening and then self enroll.

There will be a new portal for entering the results of Rapid Tests that are being completed by employees, the link can be found here. It is also available under “Quick Links” on CHConnect.

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

  • Rapid Antigen Screening Instructions 
    • No updates to this resource this week. A reminder however to review the instructions in preparation for widespread adoption this week.
    • A reminder as well that people who are fully vaccinated are not required to undergo rapid testing however they can choose to do so. If they do, results are reported using the link found here. This link is also available on CHConnect under Quick Links.
  • Rapid Antigen Screening FAQs 
    • This has been updated to reflect guidance around the use of rapid testing for people who are fully vaccinated.
  • Rapid Antigen Screening Job Aid
    • This resource is to be printed off and made available at all RANT screening locations.

There have been questions about the use of Ethylene Oxide in the sterilization of the swabs that will be used for rapid testing. This is a common sterilization process for medical equipment and it is also used in the food industry to sterilize spices and herbs. Reuters did an investigative piece on the safety of this sterilization technique and it can be found here.

COVID-19 VACCINE UPDATE

With the announcement of mandatory vaccine policies within the developmental services sector in Ontario, Christian Horizons has taken steps to make it easier to report vaccination status. Managers or a delegate are now able to enter proof of employees vaccination status with their permission.  It is important for anyone responsible for inputting this information to remember to delete or return any copies of the proof after it has been uploaded. The link for self reporting is still available and we encourage all employees to use this option when possible.

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.

COVID-19 VACCINE WEBINARS

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

We will have an Organizational Webinar titled: Understanding the science of the COVID-19 vaccines the Legal matters of the Vaccine Policy, on October 6th at 11am. To register click here

If you are looking for additional webinars with a variety of experts from across Canada consider the resources available at This is Our Shot. “This Is Our Shot is a movement aimed to rally Canadians and encourage each other to replace vaccine hesitancy with confidence so that we can end the pandemic – together.” In addition to excellent resources, if you have already received both of your COVID-19 vaccines you can enter to win a variety of prizes. Grand prizes include trips to different locations within Canada.

COVID-19 Updates from September 16th – September 23rd, 2021

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 September 16th – September 23rd
  • The Hand Sanitizer Recall List (on the U:\\ drive) was updated (Sept 15th, 2021), please confirm the removal of recalled sanitizers from all locations

Rapid Antigen Screening Instructions 

  • The rapid antigen screening instructions have been updated to reflect changes around the mandatory requirement for employees to undergo rapid tests if they have not disclosed their proof of vaccination.

RAPID ANTIGEN SCREEENING FOR COVID-19

The Rapid Antigen Screening Training course is available in the LMS. Employees in Ontario can now enroll themselves from the catalog and complete the course at any time. There will be an automatic enrollment for all direct support professionals, program managers, and team leads on September 17th regardless of vaccination status. Office locations will determine who are the most appropriate employees to complete the training in order to assist with the completion of rapid antigen screening.

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

There have been questions about the use of Ethylene Oxide in the sterilization of the swabs that will be used for rapid testing. This is a common sterilization process for medical equipment and it is also used in the food industry to sterilize spices and herbs. Reuters did an investigative piece on the safety of this sterilization technique and it can be found here.

Recently there have been increased inquires about Christian Horizons response to how Bill S-201 interacts with the requirement for employees who have not shared their vaccination status to complete rapid testing for COVID-19 at a minimum every 7 days. This question is addressed in the COVID-19 vaccine FAQ but we felt it was important to highlight the answer here as well:

Bill S-201 or the Genetic Non-Discrimination Act prevents companies and employers from requiring genetic testing or the results of genetic tests. There have been inquires around how this Bill interacts with the requirement for employees to complete rapid antigen testing if they have not shared their vaccination status with Christian Horizons.  Notably, genetic testing as defined in the Bill, refers to testing an individual’s genes, an example of this would be testing for the genetic markers for Huntington’s disease or breast cancer. Rapid testing for COVID-19 is not genetic testing. Rather, it looks for the presence of antigens to COVID-19 which are a by-product of the body’s immune response to a new infection not an individual’s genetic markers. Polymer chain reaction (PCR) tests do look for genetic material of COVID-19

COVID-19 VACCINE UPDATE

With the announcement of mandatory vaccine policies within the developmental services sector in Ontario, Christian Horizons has taken steps to make it easier to report vaccination status. Managers or a delegate are now able to enter proof of employees vaccination status with their permission.  It is important for anyone responsible for inputting this information to remember to delete or return any copies of the proof after it has been uploaded. The link for self reporting is still available and we encourage all employees to use this option when possible.

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.

COVID-19 VACCINE WEBINARS

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

If you are looking for additional webinars with a variety of experts from across Canada consider the resources available at This is Our Shot. “This Is Our Shot is a movement aimed to rally Canadians and encourage each other to replace vaccine hesitancy with confidence so that we can end the pandemic – together.” In addition to excellent resources, if you have already received both of your COVID-19 vaccines you can enter to win a variety of prizes. Grand prizes include trips to different locations within Canada.

COVID-19 Updates from September 2nd – September 9th, 2021

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 September 2nd – September 9th
  • The Hand Sanitizer Recall List (on the U:\\ drive) was updated (Sept 1st, 2021), please confirm the removal of recalled sanitizers from all locations

COVID-19 Symptom Self-Check Poster

  • The symptom Self-Check Poster has been updated to reflect the change in guidance for COVID-19 symptoms. Runny nose, sore throat and headache have been removed as symptoms.

 COVID-19 Exposure Attendance and Testing Guide 

  • The attendance and testing guide has been updated to include a disclaimer that when referencing a COVID-19 test it is a PCR test. Additionally, an edit has been made to the guide for when to be tested. If an employee is fully vaccinated and Public Health states they do not need to be tested after a close exposure they are cleared to return to work.

Rapid Antigen Screening Instructions Ontario 

  • The rapid antigen screening instructions have been updated to reflect new guidance that people who are fully vaccinated should not participate in rapid testing.

COVID-19 VACCINE UPDATE

With the announcement of mandatory vaccine policies within the developmental services sector in Ontario, Christian Horizons has taken steps to make it easier to report vaccination status. Managers or a delegate are now able to enter proof of employees vaccination status with their permission.  It is important for anyone responsible for inputting this information to remember to delete or return any copies of the proof after it has been uploaded. The link for self reporting is still available and we encourage all employees to use this option when possible.

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.

COVID-19 VACCINE WEBINARS

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

If you are looking for additional webinars with a variety of experts from across Canada consider the resources available at This is Our Shot. “This Is Our Shot is a movement aimed to rally Canadians and encourage each other to replace vaccine hesitancy with confidence so that we can end the pandemic – together.” In addition to excellent resources, if you have already received both of your COVID-19 vaccines you can enter to win a variety of prizes. Grand prizes include trips to different locations within Canada.

RAPID ANTIGEN TESTING FOR COVID-19

The Rapid Antigen Screening Training course is now available in the LMS. Employees 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.

COVID-19 Updates from July 15th, 2021 – July 22nd, 2021

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.
  • COVID-19 Screening Protocol
    • With Saskatchewan progressing through their reopening stages question 2 in our screening protocols no longer applies to their situations. Question 2 will only need to be asked in Ontario locations.
  •  COVID-19 Symptom Self-Check Poster
    • With the update to travel guidance an adjustment to the Self-Check poster has been made to align with this new guidance.

RAPID ANTIGEN TESTING FOR COVID-19

Pilot programs within Ontario will need to input their testing data from July 9th – July 15th by midnight on July 15th. 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.

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.

 

COVID-19 Updates from July 1st, 2021 – July 8th, 2021

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 1 to July 8th, 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.
  • COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ
    • Updated with additional information about the COIVD-19 vaccines
    • Updated to address the legal questions that employees have had around collection of vaccination information
  •  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.

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.

COVID-19 VACCINE WEBINARS

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

 

COVID-19 Updates from June 17th, 2021 – June 24th, 2021

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 17 to 23, 2021.
  • The Hand Sanitizer Recall List (on the U:\\ drive) was updated (May 19, 2021), please confirm the removal of recalled sanitizers from all locations.
  • COVID-19 Current Activity Restrictions

The COVID-19 Current Activity Restrictions was updated last week to reflect additional guidance released by MCCSS around visiting for direct support locations in Ontario. If you have not had a chance to review, please click here to review the updates from last week.

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. Stay tuned for further details!

Additionally, a 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.

COVID-19 VACCINE WEBINARS

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

COVID-19 VACCINE UPDATE

  • Employee COVID-19 Vaccine Submission
    We need your help to track COVID-19 vaccinations. Please let us know if you have had one or two vaccinations by submitting your data via one of the following sites. It is a very simple and easy to use tool.You can submit your data using any Christian Horizons device that is connected to a Christian Horizons network or VPN.
  • 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.

 

COVID-19 Updates from June 10th, 2021 – June 17th, 2021

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 10 – June 16, 2021. 
    • The Hand Sanitizer Recall List (on the U:\\ drive) was updated (May 19, 2021), please confirm the removal of recalled sanitizers from all locations.
  • COVID-19 Current Activity Restrictions
    With the Ontario province moving to Step 1 of the reopening plan, MCCSS has released additional guidance around visiting for direct support locations in Ontario. We are to continue to follow the Enhanced Precautions level as per MCCSS Visitors Guidelines, with the exception of the following changes.

Brief physical contact with visitors:

    • People using services and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, are permitted to engage in brief physical contact (e.g., a hug) during indoor or outdoor visits. This includes essential and non-essential visitors.
    • The requirement for visitors to wear eye protection and a surgical/procedure mask at all times remains in place.
    • Despite masking exemptions, where feasible, residents are strongly encouraged to wear a surgical/procedure mask also.
    • Non-essential visitors must maintain physical distance (2 meters/6 feet) before and after physical contact.

Brief physical contact with visitors:

    • People using services are permitted to leave the congregate living setting for a short-stay (i.e., same day) absence in the community in alignment with provincial parameters as outlined in the Re-Opening Ontario Act and related orders.
    • This will now include recreational outings (activities for pleasure) in addition to essential absences (e.g., work, school, medical appointment, physical exercise).
    • Please see the COVID-19 Visiting Guide for Locations for guidelines re: Visits In The Community (short-stay absences)

The COVID-19 Current Activity Restrictions has been updated to reflect these changes.

RAPID TESTING FOR COVID-19

Christian Horizons will begin rapid antigen screening in several pilot locations across all Ontario districts in the coming weeks. Please refer to the Rapid Antigen Screening memo article for additional details.

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.

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

COVID-19 Updates from May 20th, 2021 to May 26th, 2021

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 20th to May 26th. 
    • The Hand Sanitizer Recall List (on the U:\\ drive) was updated (May. 19th, 2021), please confirm the removal of recalled sanitizers from all locations.
  • COVID-19 Screening Protocol
    • Updated to include a section on the Screening Tracking Sheet that eye protection has been disinfected on exiting a direct support location.
  • COVID-19 Symptom Self-Check Poster
    • Updated screening questions to reflect requirements from Ontario Public Health and Saskatchewan Health Authority
    • Replace previous screening poster with updated one

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.

COVID-19 VACCINE WEBINARS

There will be a webinar this week on Friday May 21st from 2pm – 3pm. Dr. Moriarty an infectious diseases research scientist along with a panel of experts will be joining us to answer questions submitted by People who use our services, their families and our employees. This webinar will not be recorded for future viewing so we strongly encourage everyone who can to join us and submit their questions for the panel to answer when registering.

You can register for the webinar here

COVID-19 VACCINE UPDATE

This week Ontario joined Saskatchewan in opening access to COVID-19 vaccines for all adults. While Saskatchewan remains ahead with access to vaccines being available for those 16+ compared to 18+ in Ontario the open access is a significant turning point in our Countries response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

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