Category: Latest Updates

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 October 23^rd to October 29^th.
  • COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist
    • The Hand Sanitizer Recall List (on the U:\\ drive) was updated (Oct. 21, 2020), please confirm the removal of recalled sanitizers from all locations.
• The Activity Restrictions Guide has been updated to permit Host Family/Lifeshare respite in situations where it is essential for maintaining the long term living arrangement.
  • COVID-19 Current Activity Restrictions

Responding to Recent COVID-19 Surges

As some communities experience surges in COVID-19 cases and outbreaks, we want to remind you of additional resources available for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). While the COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist lists the resources that are required to be posted at locations, there are additional resources (including videos) located in the main Support People tab and can be accessed by clicking the “Show Additional Resources” button.

Please remember that personal support is also available when you and/or your immediate family members need it; our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through LifeWorks is now available to all employees, including Casual employees (temporarily until April 2021). LifeWorks can be accessed 24/7 and can offer guidance and support around various life matters. For more information, please visit the EAP page on CH Connect and check out the LifeWorks COVID-19 Toolkit page.

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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

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 October 16^th to October 22^nd
  • COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist
• In accordance with the Management of Cases and Contacts of COVID-19 from the Ontario Ministry of Health and the Public Health Guidance on Testing and Clearance testing and isolation guidance have been updated in the following documents:
  • COVID-19 Exposure Attendance and Testing Guide
  • COVID-19 Employee Exposure Flow Charts
• The COVID-19 Visiting Record is live in the ODB! All Ontario locations are required to document visits in ODB using this Visiting Record (Download instructions). 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.
• As we experience surges of  COVID-19 cases in some communities, support locations in certain 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
  • Please be aware that this document is changing constantly as new information is released on the various communities impacted by the surge in cases.

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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

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 October 9^th to October 15^th
  • COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist

• Updated to add guidance for when an employee has close contact with someone being asked to self-isolate and/or seek testing. These guides were created to support employees in assessing their level of exposure to COVID-19 and to identify any testing or self-isolation requirements.
  • COVID-19 Exposure Attendance and Testing Guide
  • COVID-19 Employee Exposure Flow Charts
  • Close contact is currently defined as living with or had prolonged contact (for more than 15 minutes) with the suspected or confirmed person, or had direct contact with bodily fluids of a confirmed case (e.g. coughed on, sneezed on, etc.).
• Due to an increase of COVID-19 cases in some communities, as a preventative measure, the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services (MCCSS) has directed that support locations within Ottawa, Niagara, Simcoe, Peel, Toronto and York be subject to additional restrictions. The following table helps to show which activities are no longer permitted within these communities.
  • COVID-19 Current Activity Restrictions

EDUCATE AND EQUIP TAB

EMPLOYEES TAB

• The Back to School Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document was updated to indicate that employees will need to self-isolate only if their close contact tests positive or develops COVID-19 symptoms. Employees are no longer required to self-isolate when their close contact (e.g. child) is asked to self-isolate and/or seek testing and has no symptoms.
• As a reminder, the Employees tab has been updated with information on testing guidelines for both Ontario and Saskatchewan:
  • As of October 6, 2020, all assessment centres and select pharmacies in Ontario require a scheduled appointment for testing. To book a COVID-19 test, please visit the Ontario Government COVID-19 Testing Locations page to find the nearest assessment centre or participating pharmacy and follow the directions to book an appointment (e.g. calling or online booking platform). Please remember that at this time, pharmacies can only accommodate asymptomatic individuals (not showing any symptoms of COVID-19), while assessment centres will accommodate individuals experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
    • If you are seeking testing, please remember to let the assessment centre/pharmacy know that you work in a congregate care setting, as we continue to have priority access for testing.
  • Universal testing is available in Saskatchewan to anyone wishing to be tested by referral only, except where drive-thru options are available. To obtain a referral to a community testing centre, please call Healthline 811, your family physician, or your nurse practitioner.

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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

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 October 2^nd to October 8^th
  • COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist

• The COVID-19 Screening Protocol was updated to reference other known causes and conditions of symptoms, per the COVID-19 Reference Document for Symptoms from the Government of Ontario and the updated online self-assessment. Any COVID-19 symptoms are now screened for close contacts, and classroom proximity is considered a form of close contact.
• We know that you have questions related to possible COVID-19 exposure as our families start to have more social interactions in the community. We want to remind you of the resources that address exposure and can help address these questions:
  • COVID-19 Exposure Attendance and Testing Guide
    • Updated for employees to assess their level of exposure to COVID-19 and to identify any testing or self-isolation requirements.
  • COVID-19 Employee Exposure Flow Charts
    • Updated flowcharts with steps to follow depending on the type of COVID-19 exposure.

An Update on the Visitor Checklist:

Please continue to use the current COVID-19 Visitor Checklist to record visiting information. We are working on an optimized version, the COVID-19 Visiting Record,  that will be available in the ODB to provide direction on required documentation for Essential, Non-Essential, Designated Visitors, and Essential Overnight Visits. We apologize for the delay in releasing the new version; we have been reviewing your feedback and applying it as we update and develop new resources.  The updated version will be released in the coming week and a program email will be sent to notify you once it is launched. Thank you for your patience!

EMPLOYEES TAB

• We have written a short Back to School Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document to support you in deciding your next steps based on different scenarios related to children/housemates going back to school and COVID-19 symptoms and exposure.
• The Employees tab has been updated with information on testing guidelines for both Ontario and Saskatchewan:
  • As of September 25, 2020, select pharmacies in Ontario are offering free COVID-19 testing by appointment only.  You can view the list of participating pharmacies and, if you are asymptomatic (not showing any symptoms of COVID-19), you can call to book an appointment to get tested. All public health measures must be followed when going for a test, including wearing a mask, practicing physical distancing, and frequent handwashing. If you are feeling ill on the date of your appointment, please stay home and re-schedule your test at an assessment centre.
  • Universal testing is available in Saskatchewan to anyone wishing to be tested by referral only, except where drive-thru options are available. To obtain a referral to a community testing centre, please call Healthline 811, your family physician, or your nurse practitioner.

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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

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 was updated for the week of September 25^th to October 1^st.
  • COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist

Thank you for your continuous feedback on the resources for visits! The visiting resources were reviewed and the following were updated to meet your needs and those of locations as you welcome different types of visitors:

• The COVID-19 Visitor Checklist is now titled “COVID-19 Visiting Record” and has been optimized to provide direction on required documentation for Essential, Non-Essential, Designated Visitors, and Essential Overnight Visits. The updated version will be released in the ODB next week and a program email will be sent to notify you once it is launched. Please continue to use the current COVID-19 Visitor Checklist that is in the ODB until the new one is published.
• The Visiting Guide for Locations and Visiting Guide for Families and Friends (also at christian-horizons.org/coronavirus) have been updated to remind designated visitors that some locations may have certain times where visits can more easily be accommodated.

We acknowledge that these are challenging times as we all adjust our family life to the new normal- whether that is organizing homeschooling, arranging online learning, or sending your kids to school. We know you have questions related to possible COVID-19 exposure as our families start to have more social interactions in the community. We want to remind you that there are resources available that address exposure and can help with questions that you may have:

• COVID-19 Exposure Attendance and Testing Guide
  • Now available online for employees to reference and assess the level of exposure to COVID-19 and any testing requirements.
• COVID-19 Employee Exposure and Testing Scenarios
  • Employee flowcharts with steps to follow depending on the type of exposure to COVID-19.

Thank you for bearing with us as we navigate these realities with COVID-19 surging in different communities at times. We know you have questions – we do too. We continue to seek clarity and the best practices for your wellness and safety. Please continue to connect with your direct supervisor to address your specific situations and questions. We will review all of our resources in greater depth in the coming weeks to support you as best as we can in making the best decisions for you, your family (e.g. “what should I do if my child has the sniffles or a cough?”), and people who use our services.

Please do not hesitate to continue to ask your questions or provide feedback on forms, protocols, checklists, etc. It has been your feedback and diligence that helps to make things better every day!

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• Beginning September 25, up to 60 pharmacy sites, including Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall and independent pharmacies, will provide testing for Ontarians with no COVID-19 symptoms.
• Testing is available at any of the province’s 150 assessment centres currently open, and at participating pharmacies starting Friday. To find the closest pharmacy or assessment centre, please visit Ontario.ca/covidtest.
• Stay at home and away from others if you are feeling ill. If you are experiencing any symptoms or worried you have been exposed to COVID-19, you should get tested at an existing assessment centre.
• For added protection, download the COVID Alert app from the Apple and Google Play app stores.

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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

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 was updated for the week of September 18^th to September 24^th.
  • COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist

• The Visiting Guide for Families and Friends (found at christian-horizons.org/coronavirus) 
• The Going Out Safely Guide (also at christian-horizons.org/coronavirus)

The Visiting Guide for Locations was also updated to include further instruction on how to complete the Visits in the Community (included in the guide) document and how to support families and people who use our services in completing the Where I’ve Been Timeline tracker.

Please do not hesitate to continue to ask your questions or provide feedback on forms, protocols, checklists, etc. It has been your feedback and diligence that helps to make things better every day. Visitor guidelines have changed significantly over the past weeks.  We are seeking your feedback on a Draft COVID-19 Visit Checklist that we hope to release next week on the ODB. This updated form will help us continue to track visits at locations, designated visitors, and essential overnight visits. Will this work for you? Let us know at covid-19@christian-horizons.org

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Thank you for your continued dedication!

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 was updated for the week of September 11^th to September 17^th.
  • COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist
• The COVID-19 Screening Protocol was updated to note that Essential Visitors are no longer required to use a surgical/procedural mask and can instead wear a non-surgical mask while completing their visit.
  • COVID-19 Screening Protocol

A week ago, the Ministry of Community, Children, and Social Services (MCCSS) released Visitor’s Guidelines 2.0: Re-Opening of Congregate Living Settings, which went into effect on September 9th in Ontario. This document combines previous guidelines and provides updated direction on Essential, Non-Essential and Designated Visitors. These updates affected several resources and practices:

• The Visiting Guide for Locations defines Designated Visitors and reflects updated visiting guidelines in Ontario.
• The Visiting Guide for Families and Friends (also at christian-horizons.org/coronavirus) has also been updated to reflect these changes.

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An update from the Resource Team:

Since COVID-19 began, we have all been called upon to be flexible, responsive, and resilient. We have learned new skills to work with excellence amidst uncertainty and confusion. This has not been easy. Just as we think we know how to respond to one new aspect of our work, new Ministry or Public Health guidelines are released and things change again. Thank you for bearing with us as we navigate these new realities. We know you have questions – we do too. We continue to seek clarity with the Ministry and we will continue to advocate for you and for the wellness, safety, and belonging of people who use our services.

As we do so, please do not hesitate to continue to ask your questions or provide feedback on forms, protocols, checklists, etc. It has been your feedback and diligence that helps to make things better every day. Visitor guidelines have changed significantly over the past weeks.  We are seeking your feedback on a Draft COVID-19 Visit Checklist that we hope to release next week on the ODB. This updated form will help us continue to track visits at locations, designated visitors, and essential overnight visits. Will this work for you? Let us know at covid-19@christian-horizons.org

Together with you,

The COVID-19 Resource Team

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 COVID-19 Pandemic Response site is updated weekly so that you have the latest resources available.

This week, look for the following updates:

SUPPORT PEOPLE TAB

• The COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist was updated for the week of September 4^th to September 10^th.
  • COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist
    • The Hand Sanitizer Recall List (on the U:\\ drive) was updated (Sept. 2, 2020), please confirm the removal of recalled sanitizers from all locations

On August 28, 2020, the Ontario Ministry of Community, Children, and Social Services (MCCSS) released Re-Opening of Congregate Living Settings: Short-Stay Absences and Outings and Essential Overnight Absences. These updates impacted several of our current documents and practices: 

• Our COVID-19 Screening Protocol now includes active screening for people who use Christian Horizons’ services returning home. Note that the “travel” screening question has also been updated based on the travel parameters document.
• The Visiting Guide for Locations and the Visiting Guide for Families and Friends (also on our christian-horizons.org/coronavirus page) have been updated to include information on Essential Overnight Visits in Ontario.
• Increased activity in public spaces and with family and friends makes contact tracing all the more important. Based on some of the work happening in communities, we have created the “Where I’ve Been” Timeline tool to help people to remember where they’ve been and who they were with in case of potential exposure risks. We welcome your feedback on this.

EMPLOYEES TAB

There has been some confusion around recent updates to travel guidelines, including what qualifies as “inter-city” travel. To increase clarity, only people who travel by air are now required to self-isolate, or those who travel outside of Canada, unless otherwise indicated by provincial guidelines.

We rely on Christian Horizons employees to use discretion as we all work to minimize risk. This includes limiting any non-essential travel, following public health guidance such as masking, hand hygiene, and physical distancing while in public spaces, and not spending extended periods of time in closed spaces (such as buses, trains, etc.) with others. At this time, not all provinces prohibit interprovincial travel, but all continue to recommend against it.

• COVID-19 Current Travel Parameters

EDUCATE AND EQUIP TAB

• On Tuesday, September 1st, Janet Noel-Annable sent a letter to families with information on the MCCSS changes in Ontario. You can download the letter here. A community package for people using Christian Horizons’ services and their family and friends was created to support re-engaging back with communities. It includes:
  • Going Out Safely – a resource created by Christian Horizons outlining the various government guidelines and how Christian Horizons provides support to follow them.
  • Safety in You Community Social Story – a visual tool to support understanding of how to be safe when going out into the community.
  • “Going Out? Do it Safely” guide to going out in the community from the Government of Canada to use as a reference to help people assess risks as they access their community while following current government restrictions (also available in french).
• Educate and Equip resources are also available at christian-horizons.org/coronavirus to share with others.

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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

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 COVID-19 Pandemic Response site is updated weekly so that you have the latest resources available.

This week, look for the following updates:

SUPPORT PEOPLE TAB

• The COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist was updated for the week of August 27^th to September 3^rd.
  • COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist
    • The Hand Sanitizer Recall List (on the U:\\ drive) was updated (Aug. 26, 2020), please confirm the removal of recalled sanitizers from all locations.
• Updated to include a new screening question providing clarification to interprovincial and intercity travel.
  • COVID-19 Screening Protocol

EMPLOYEES TAB

• Traveling guidelines have been updated to include guidance on intercity travel to keep people and employees safe. At this time, not all provinces prohibit interprovincial travel, but all continue recommending against it. The COVID-19 Current Travel Parameters specify Christian Horizons requirements for personal and work-related interprovincial and out of country travel whether by air, train, car, or bus.
  • COVID-19 Current Travel Parameters

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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

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 COVID-19 Pandemic Response site is updated weekly so that you have the latest resources available.

This week, look for the following updates:

SUPPORT PEOPLE TAB

• The COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist was updated for the week of August 21^st to August 27^th.
  • COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist
    • A reminder to confirm the removal of sanitizers listed on the Hand Sanitizer Recall List available on the U:\\ drive.
• As of August 21st, in Ontario, the COVID-19 Visitor Checklist is to be completed through the ODB. More information on the transition and instructions can be found here.
  • COVID-19 Visitor Checklist (Ontario)
    • Please complete the Checklist for any future family visits through the ODB beginning August 21, 2020.

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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