Category: Latest Updates

COVID-19 Updates from December 31st, 2020 to January 6th, 2021

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

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.

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.

COVID-19 Updates from December 24th, 2020 to December 30th, 2020

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

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.

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.

COVID-19 Updates from December 17th, 2020 to December 23rd, 2020

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

  • 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:

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

We are working together with the outbreak managers who have responsibility for preparing their districts for outbreak situations and ensuring a rapid response when outbreak occur. The goal of the outbreak managers group is to bring that newly acquired expertise together in one place and work together when faced with challenging situations. A secondary goal of the outbreak managers group is to help mobilize information from the working group to those who are most affected by it.

COVID-19 Updates from December 10th, 2020 to December 16th, 2020

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

  • The COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist has been updated for the week of December 10th to December 16th 2020.
  • 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:

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:

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.

COVID-19 Updates from December 3, 2020 to December 9th

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

  • The COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist has been updated for the week of December 3rd to December 9th 2020.
  • 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:

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:

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!

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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 November 27 to December 3, 2020

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

Clarification around N95 use and storage

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:

We appreciate that many of our teams are currently living and working through outbreaks and wanted to express continued thanks for your diligence and commitment to the people who access our services and each other. This week while we acknowledge the seriousness of our health and wellness, here is a lighter reminder of the correct use of masks to ensure your safety and the safety of the people we support.

 

 

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

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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 November 20 to November 26, 2020

lfonnegra

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 20th to November 26th.
    • COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist
      • The Hand Sanitizer Recall List (on the U:\\ drive) was updated (Nov. 18, 2020), please confirm the removal of recalled sanitizers from all locations.

Further Clarification on Eye Protection Requirements

  • To protect against droplet exposures, eye protection is required for our employees in direct support environments in Ontario in “Yellow Zones” or greater.
  • Eye protection is recommended for people using services and employees in direct support locations in “Green Zones”
  • 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 or direct support locations completing administrative work are not required to use eye protection as they are able to maintain 2 meters 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:

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 around regular cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces and so have released a  COVID-19 Cleaning Checklist Template for locations that have not had a standard method of tracking required cleaning.
    • We have heard about the need for ongoing reminders and training on proper PPE usage. We are reviewing new tools released by MCCSS and Public Health to determine the best way to keep this knowledge fresh without unnecessary repetition or extra demands on your valuable time.
    • We have heard the importance of having clear plans and supports in place when responding to cases of COVID-19 at a location. We will be working to raise awareness of not only the additional precautions that come into effect, but also what you might expect or encounter as an employee. We are thankful for the many people who have stepped forward in their own location, or in being redeployed, to help keep people healthy and safe.

New COVID-19 Restrictions in Saskatchewan

Recently, the Premier, Scott Moe, and Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Saqib Shahab of Saskatchewan, announced new COVID-19 restrictions that come into effect today, November 19, 2020. These included reducing gathering sizes in homes for four weeks, requiring mandatory mask use in all public spaces across the province, and stopping visits for long-term and residential care locations. In light of this announcement, we have informed families that all family visits are postponed for the next four weeks. We will also be working with our teams in Saskatchewan to review and make any necessary updates to current resources for communities in Saskatchewan in the coming week.

As always, thank you for your feedback and recommendations to improve our resources. Your comments are valued, and we continue to work on reviewing and incorporating new Public Health information from Saskatchewan as well as working with MCCSS in Ontario to encourage consistency with the Ontario Public Health’s new color-coded response guidelines.

 

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 November 13 to November 19, 2020

lfonnegra

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.

Thank you for for your continued honesty and diligence in keeping people healthy and well.

As a reminder from Janet’s video this week, the first line of defense against COVID-19 is screening – not coming to work if you’re sick or after potential exposure, active screening at the door, washing your hands (and other hand hygiene), continuing to physical distance when in public or when possible at work, and wearing a mask.

This week, look for the following updates:

SUPPORT PEOPLE TAB

Introducing… Gregory Crunican, Healthcare Strategies Manager!

Hello Everyone,
My name is Gregory Crunican and I am the new Healthcare Strategies Manager for Christian Horizons. My formal education is a Bachelors of Science and Nursing from Western University. I have utilized this education to work as a Registered Nurse in a few different capacities. Most relevant to my role with Christian Horizons is my experience in Emergency and Infectious Diseases.

I am also an educator at Fanshawe College in London where I teach in the Developmental Service Worker (DSW) Program. My experience teaching has motivated me to return to school and I am currently completing my Professional Masters of Education through Queens University.

In my personal life my wife (Karli) and I are navigating the newer waters of parenthood with our 16month old son Torin. We all enjoy building blocks, breaking towers, jumping in mud puddles, and general mayhem, or at least one of the three of us is drawn to these activities.

I look forward to working with all of you over the coming months as we continue to navigate through our current health situation.

All the best,

Gregory


We remain committed to monitoring, meeting, and exceeding changing public health requirements to ensure the health and safety of our employees and people who use our services.

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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 November 6 to November 12, 2020

lfonnegra

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 6th to November 12th.
  • The COVID-19 Exposure Attendance and Testing Guide has been updated to provide direction for those returning from redeployment from an outbreak setting.

 

Move to Using Commercial Masks

Christian Horizons is moving to the use of appropriate commercial masks at all locations. To ensure consistent and appropriate quality, Christian Horizons will now supply you with this mask when you start work. This means you will no longer bring in your own mask and using cloth/sewn masks is no longer permitted. The mask you are provided will be appropriate for the level of precaution and masking requirements for your location. Next Thursday (November 12th), all mask-related resources will be updated for clarity on this transition and to answer additional questions.

We remain committed to monitoring, meeting, and exceeding changing public health requirements to ensure the health and safety of our employees and people who use our services.

Winter Weather Approaching

As the winter weather begins, please continue to conduct active screening in an properly setup indoor space while following the COVID-19 Screening Protocol.

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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 October 30 to November 5, 2020

lfonnegra

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

No significant changes this week! Please remember to still complete the COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist in the ODB.

Thank you for your continued work and dedication, enjoy a job well done!

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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