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

COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist

• The COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist has been updated for the week of September 22nd – September 29th, 2022.
• The Hand Sanitizer Recall List (on the U:\\ drive) was updated March 2022. Please confirm the removal of recalled sanitizers from all locations
• Additional information on arranging pick up and drop off of biohazard bins in Ontario has been added. 

COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters (Bivalent)

On September 12th in Ontario, and Saskatchewan, access to the Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccine became available for high risk populations including people who use our services. The vaccine is accessible at family doctors offices and in pharmacies. It is strongly encouraged that everyone residing and working in high risk settings receive the COVID-19 vaccine booster when they are eligible in order to reduce negative outcomes from infection and help reduce the spread of the virus in our communities.

COVID-19 VACCINE WEBINAR

We have scheduled a webinar for next week on September 30th. We will discuss current guidelines and share information about the Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccine. To register for the webinar follow this link.

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. Additionally, the University of Toronto has provided this resource which they will continue to keep up to date.

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

◊

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

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

This week, look for the following updates:

SUPPORT PEOPLE TAB

COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist

• The COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist has been updated for the week of September 15th – September 22nd, 2022.
• The Hand Sanitizer Recall List (on the U:\\ drive) was updated March 2022. Please confirm the removal of recalled sanitizers from all locations
• Additional information on arranging pick up and drop off of biohazard bins in Ontario has been added. 

Person supported COVID-19 Exposure Guide

• Our flowcharts have been updated to reflect that people supported who have a close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 isolate for 5 days (previously 10).
• Continued monitoring for symptoms and the use of a mask when possible is recommended for an additional 5 days after isolation ends.

Employees COVID-19 Exposure Guide

• Employees in Ontario who have a close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 without the use of PPE are able to continue working with additional precautions:
  • Wearing a mask for the 10 days following an exposure regardless of mask requirements in your district.
  • Completion of a Rapid Antigen Test prior to each shift in the 10 days following the exposure.
  • Continued self monitoring for symptoms and immediate isolation from work if symptoms develop.
• Clarification for situations when employees who have met the 10 day isolation guidance and continue to have symptoms.
  • They are able to return to work if their symptoms have been improving for a minimum of 24 hours.

COVID-19 Exposure Attendance and Testing Guide 

• Employees in Ontario who have a close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 without the use of PPE are able to continue working with additional precautions:
  • Wearing a mask for the 10 days following an exposure regardless of mask requirements in your district.
  • Completion of a Rapid Antigen Test prior to each shift in the 10 days following the exposure.
  • Continued self monitoring for symptoms and immediate isolation from work if symptoms develop.

COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters (Bivalent)

This week, on September 12th, in Ontario and Saskatchewan, access to the Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccine became available for high risk populations including people who use our services. The vaccine is accessible at family doctors offices and in pharmacies. It is strongly encouraged that everyone residing and working in high risk settings receive the COVID-19 vaccine booster when they are eligible in order to reduce negative outcomes from infection and help reduce the spread of the virus in our communities.

COVID-19 VACCINE WEBINAR

There is no webinar scheduled for this week. We have scheduled a webinar for September 30th, to discuss current guidelines and share information about the Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccine. To register for the webinar follow this link.

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. Additionally, the University of Toronto has provided this resource which they will continue to keep up to date.

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

There are no updates for the week of Sept 8 – 15, 2022.
Stay tuned for updates coming up next week.

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 1st – September 8th, 2022.
• The Hand Sanitizer Recall List (on the U:\\ drive) was updated March 2022. Please confirm the removal of recalled sanitizers from all locations
• Additional information on arranging pick up and drop off of biohazard bins in Ontario has been added. 

Monkey Pox

At this time, we are not aware of any cases of Monkey Pox being connected to Christian Horizons

Over the past few weeks there have been an increased number of inquiries about Monkey Pox. Health Canada has information available to help better understand the current situation, including current case counts, how it is being monitored, treatment and information on the vaccine for Monkey Pox. It is important to highlight that Monkey Pox is not a novel (new) illness to our healthcare systems and that tools currently exist to treat/prevent infections.

COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters (4th dose)

On July 13th in Ontario and on August 12th in Saskatchewan residents over the age of 18 are eligible for a 2nd COVID-19 booster dose.

During the press conference in Ontario, Dr. Moore stated this will allow Ontarians to decide in partnership with their health care team if an additional booster would be the correct decision for them. It is recommended everyone consult with their health care team to determine if an additional booster is the correct decision for you.

There continues to be strong evidence for a decreased risk of contracting COVID-19 in the 3 months following immunization. More details on the protection can be found here.

Access to Antiviral 

Early in 2022, Health Canada approved Paxlovid as an antiviral for treating mild to moderate cases of COVID-19. The early drawback to Paxlovid was the limited availability and restricted access.

In Saskatchewan, access to Paxlovid is facilitated by contacting Healthline 811.

In Ontario, with recent updates to who can access Paxlovid as a treatment, people with developmental disabilities now qualify. It is recommended that people we support connect with their primary care provider to see if they would be a candidate for Paxlovid now before they have symptoms or a confirmed case so that a prescription can be available at their pharmacy. There is a quick turn around for accessing Paxlovid, the antiviral must be started in the 5 days after symptoms start. Having a prescription at the pharmacy will help cut down on any delays.

COVID-19 VACCINE WEBINAR

There is no webinar scheduled for 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 and ScienceUpFirst. Additionally, the University of Toronto has provided this resource which they will continue to keep up to date.

 

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

◊

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

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

This week, look for the following updates:

SUPPORT PEOPLE TAB

COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist

• The COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist has been updated for the week of August 18th – August 25th, 2022.
• The Hand Sanitizer Recall List (on the U:\\ drive) was updated March 2022. Please confirm the removal of recalled sanitizers from all locations
• Additional information on arranging pick up and drop off of biohazard bins in Ontario has been added. 

COVID-19 Screening Protocol

• An update to the screening protocol has been made to reflect the need for employees to complete the screening questions whenever they enter a Christian Horizons location. Employees entering a Christian Horizons location where an active screener is not available are expected to complete the screening questions independently.

Monkey Pox

At this time, we are not aware of any cases of Monkey Pox being connected to Christian Horizons

Over the past few weeks there have been an increased number of inquiries about Monkey Pox. Health Canada has information available to help better understand the current situation, including current case counts, how it is being monitored, treatment and information on the vaccine for Monkey Pox. It is important to highlight that Monkey Pox is not a novel (new) illness to our healthcare systems and that tools currently exist to treat/prevent infections.

COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters (4th dose)

On July 13th in Ontario and on August 12th in Saskatchewan residents over the age of 18 are eligible for a 2nd COVID-19 booster dose.

During the press conference in Ontario, Dr. Moore stated this will allow Ontarians to decide in partnership with their health care team if an additional booster would be the correct decision for them. It is recommended everyone consult with their health care team to determine if an additional booster is the correct decision for you.

There continues to be strong evidence for a decreased risk of contracting COVID-19 in the 3 months following immunization. More details on the protection can be found here.

Access to Antiviral 

Early in 2022, Health Canada approved Paxlovid as an antiviral for treating mild to moderate cases of COVID-19. The early drawback to Paxlovid was the limited availability and restricted access.

In Saskatchewan, access to Paxlovid is facilitated by contacting Healthline 811.

In Ontario, with recent updates to who can access Paxlovid as a treatment, people with developmental disabilities now qualify. It is recommended that people we support connect with their primary care provider to see if they would be a candidate for Paxlovid now before they have symptoms or a confirmed case so that a prescription can be available at their pharmacy. There is a quick turn around for accessing Paxlovid, the antiviral must be started in the 5 days after symptoms start. Having a prescription at the pharmacy will help cut down on any delays.

COVID-19 VACCINE WEBINAR

There is no webinar scheduled for 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 and ScienceUpFirst. Additionally, the University of Toronto has provided this resource which they will continue to keep up to date.

 

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

◊

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

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

This week, look for the following updates:

SUPPORT PEOPLE TAB

COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist

• The COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist has been updated for the week of August 18th – August 25th, 2022.
• The Hand Sanitizer Recall List (on the U:\\ drive) was updated March 2022), please confirm the removal of recalled sanitizers from all locations
• Additional information on arranging pick up and drop off of biohazard bins in Ontario has been added. 

Monkey Pox

At this time, we are not aware of any cases of Monkey Pox being connected to Christian Horizons

Over the past few weeks there have been an increased number of inquiries about Monkey Pox. Health Canada has information available to help better understand the current situation, including current case counts, how it is being monitored, treatment and information on the vaccine for Monkey Pox. It is important to highlight that Monkey Pox is not a novel (new) illness to our healthcare systems and that tools currently exist to treat/prevent infections.

COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters (4th dose)

On July 13th in Ontario and on August 12th in Saskatchewan residents over the age of 18 are eligible for a 2nd COVID-19 booster dose.

During the press conference in Ontario, Dr. Moore stated this will allow Ontarians to decide in partnership with their health care team if an additional booster would be the correct decision for them. It is recommended everyone consult with their health care team to determine if an additional booster is the correct decision for you.

There continues to be strong evidence for a decreased risk of contracting COVID-19 in the 3 months following immunization. More details on the protection can be found here.

Access to Antiviral 

Early in 2022, Health Canada approved Paxlovid as an antiviral for treating mild to moderate cases of COVID-19. The early drawback to Paxlovid was the limited availability and restricted access.

In Saskatchewan, access to Paxlovid is facilitated by contacting Healthline 811.

In Ontario, with recent updates to who can access Paxlovid as a treatment, people with developmental disabilities now qualify. It is recommended that people we support connect with their primary care provider to see if they would be a candidate for Paxlovid now before they have symptoms or a confirmed case so that a prescription can be available at their pharmacy. There is a quick turn around for accessing Paxlovid, the antiviral must be started in the 5 days after symptoms start. Having a prescription at the pharmacy will help cut down on any delays.

COVID-19 VACCINE WEBINAR

There is no webinar scheduled for 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 and ScienceUpFirst. Additionally the University of Toronto has provided this resource which they will continue to keep up to date.

 

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

◊

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

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

This week, look for the following updates:

SUPPORT PEOPLE TAB

COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist

• The COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist has been updated for the week of August 11th – August 18th, 2022.
• The Hand Sanitizer Recall List (on the U:\\ drive) was updated March 2022), please confirm the removal of recalled sanitizers from all locations
• Additional information on arranging pick up and drop off of biohazard bins in Ontario has been added. 

COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters (4th dose)

On July 13th, Ontario announced that all Ontarians over the age of 18 are eligible for a 2nd COVID-19 booster dose. During the press conference, Dr. Moore stated this will allow Ontarians to decide in partnership with their health care team if an additional booster would be the correct decision for them. It is recommended everyone consult with their health care team to determine if an additional booster is the correct decision for you.

At this time, Saskatchewan has opened up 4th dose eligibility to those over the age of 50.

Access to Antiviral 

Early in 2022, Health Canada approved Paxlovid as an antiviral for treating mild to moderate cases of COVID-19. The early drawback to Paxlovid was the limited availability and restricted access.

In Saskatchewan, access to Paxlovid is facilitated by contacting Healthline 811.

In Ontario, with recent updates to who can access Paxlovid as a treatment, people with developmental disabilities now qualify. It is recommended that people we support connect with their primary care provider to see if they would be a candidate for Paxlovid now before they have symptoms or a confirmed case so that a prescription can be available at their pharmacy. There is a quick turn around for accessing Paxlovid, the antiviral must be started in the 5 days after symptoms start. Having a prescription at the pharmacy will help cut down on any delays.

COVID-19 VACCINE WEBINAR

There is no webinar scheduled for 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 and ScienceUpFirst. Additionally the University of Toronto has provided this resource which they will continue to keep up to date.

 

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

◊

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

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

This week, look for the following updates:

SUPPORT PEOPLE TAB

COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist

• The COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist has been updated for the week of August 4th – August 11th, 2022.
• The Hand Sanitizer Recall List (on the U:\\ drive) was updated March 2022), please confirm the removal of recalled sanitizers from all locations
• Additional information on arranging pick up and drop off of biohazard bins in Ontario has been added. 

COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters (4th dose)

On July 13th, Ontario announced that all Ontarians over the age of 18 are eligible for a 2nd COVID-19 booster dose. During the press conference, Dr. Moore stated this will allow Ontarians to decide in partnership with their health care team if an additional booster would be the correct decision for them. It is recommended everyone consult with their health care team to determine if an additional booster is the correct decision for you.

At this time, Saskatchewan has opened up 4th dose eligibility to those over the age of 50.

Access to Antiviral 

Early in 2022, Health Canada approved Paxlovid as an antiviral for treating mild to moderate cases of COVID-19. The early drawback to Paxlovid was the limited availability and restricted access.

In Saskatchewan, access to Paxlovid is facilitated by contacting Healthline 811.

In Ontario, with recent updates to who can access Paxlovid as a treatment, people with developmental disabilities now qualify. It is recommended that people we support connect with their primary care provider to see if they would be a candidate for Paxlovid now before they have symptoms or a confirmed case so that a prescription can be available at their pharmacy. There is a quick turn around for accessing Paxlovid, the antiviral must be started in the 5 days after symptoms start. Having a prescription at the pharmacy will help cut down on any delays.

COVID-19 VACCINE WEBINAR

There is no webinar scheduled for 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 and ScienceUpFirst. Additionally the University of Toronto has provided this resource which they will continue to keep up to date.

 

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

◊

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

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

This week, look for the following updates:

SUPPORT PEOPLE TAB

COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist

• The COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist has been updated for the week of July 28th – August 4th, 2022.
• The Hand Sanitizer Recall List (on the U:\\ drive) was updated March 2022), please confirm the removal of recalled sanitizers from all locations
• Additional information on arranging pick up and drop off of biohazard bins in Ontario has been added. 

COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters (4th dose)

On July 13th, Ontario announced that all Ontarians over the age of 18 are eligible for a 2nd COVID-19 booster dose. During the press conference, Dr. Moore stated this will allow Ontarians to decide in partnership with their health care team if an additional booster would be the correct decision for them. It is recommended everyone consult with their health care team to determine if an additional booster is the correct decision for you.

At this time, Saskatchewan has opened up 4th dose eligibility to those over the age of 50.

Access to Antiviral 

Early in 2022, Health Canada approved Paxlovid as an antiviral for treating mild to moderate cases of COVID-19. The early drawback to Paxlovid was the limited availability and restricted access.

In Saskatchewan, access to Paxlovid is facilitated by contacting Healthline 811.

In Ontario, with recent updates to who can access Paxlovid as a treatment, people with developmental disabilities now qualify. It is recommended that people we support connect with their primary care provider to see if they would be a candidate for Paxlovid now before they have symptoms or a confirmed case so that a prescription can be available at their pharmacy. There is a quick turn around for accessing Paxlovid, the antiviral must be started in the 5 days after symptoms start. Having a prescription at the pharmacy will help cut down on any delays.

COVID-19 VACCINE WEBINAR

There is no webinar scheduled for 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 and ScienceUpFirst. Additionally the University of Toronto has provided this resource which they will continue to keep up to date.

 

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

◊

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

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

This week, look for the following updates:

SUPPORT PEOPLE TAB

COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist

• The COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist has been updated for the week of July 21st – July 28th, 2022.
• The Hand Sanitizer Recall List (on the U:\\ drive) was updated March 2022), please confirm the removal of recalled sanitizers from all locations
• Additional information on arranging pick up and drop off of biohazard bins in Ontario has been added. 

Mask Mandates

Last week, in partnership with local public health departments, a number of districts have returned to mandatory use of masks when within support locations. In previous waves of COVID-19, the most significant risk we faced was negative outcomes from infection. While this continues to be a risk, particularly in those that have not received the COVID-19 vaccines, we are also facing pressure in our ability to properly staff locations due to current Public Health isolation guidance related to high risk exposures. Returning to universal masking in our support locations will help to ensure we can continue to provide supports to the people that need it most.

Your local leadership teams will be communicating any changes to masking guidance, with continued updates over the coming weeks.

These decisions come at a time when Ontario is seeing significant COVID-19 growth in waste water signaling, with predicted continued increases. At this time Saskatchewan is not seeing the same rate of growth in COVID-19 cases as Ontario is.

Graph taken from the Ontario Science Table

COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters (4th dose)

On July 13th, Ontario announced that all Ontarians over the age of 18 are eligible for a 2nd COVID-19 booster dose. During the press conference, Dr. Moore stated this will allow Ontarians to decide in partnership with their health care team if an additional booster would be the correct decision for them. It is recommended everyone consult with their health care team to determine if an additional booster is the correct decision for you.

At this time, Saskatchewan has opened up 4th dose eligibility to those over the age of 50.

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

◊

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

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

This week, look for the following updates:

SUPPORT PEOPLE TAB

COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist

• The COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist has been updated for the week of July 7th – July 14th, 2022.
• The Hand Sanitizer Recall List (on the U:\\ drive) was updated March 2022), please confirm the removal of recalled sanitizers from all locations
• Additional information on arranging pick – up and drop – off of biohazard bins in Ontario has been added. 

Mask Mandates

This week, in partnership with local public health departments, a number of districts have returned to mandatory mask wearing within support locations. In previous waves of COVID-19, the most significant risk we faced was negative outcomes from infection. While this continues to be a risk, particularly in those that have not received the COVID-19 vaccines, we are also facing pressure in our ability to properly staff locations due to current Public Health isolation guidance related to high risk exposures. Returning to universal masking in our support locations will help to ensure we can continue to provide supports to the people that need it most.

Your local leadership teams will be communicating any changes to masking guidance, with continued updates over the coming weeks.

These decisions come at a time when Ontario is seeing significant COVID-19 growth in waste water signaling, with predicted continued increases. At this time Saskatchewan is not seeing the same rate of growth in COVID-19 cases as Ontario is.

Graph taken from the Ontario Science Table

COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters (4th dose)

On July 13th, Ontario announced that all Ontarians over the age of 18 are eligible for a 2nd COVID-19 booster dose. During the press conference, Dr. Moore stated this will allow Ontarians to decide in partnership with their health care team if an additional booster would be the correct decision for them. It is recommended everyone consult with their health care team to determine if an additional booster is the correct decision for you.

At this time, Saskatchewan has opened up 4th dose eligibility to those over the age of 50.

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