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:
A Change in Mask Guidelines
On Friday June 10th MCCSS released communication outlining expectations around the use of masks in Congregate Care settings. Based on that communication (found here) a number of infection prevention and control measures remain in place including, rapid antigen testing, active screening and the use of N95 during suspected and confirmed outbreaks. The following guidance changes to the universal use of masks at Christian Horizons locations have been made and are now in place:
Mask are NOT required as part of universal (at all times) precautions in Christian Horizons locations for employees, guests, or contractors. Masks will continue to be provided by Christian Horizons for any employees, people supported, visitors and contractors that would like to use them. Masks are required in the following scenarios and additional considerations are outlined below:
Required (Includes employees, visitors, and contractors)
- When there is a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 in someone (employee or person supported) who is directly connected to a support location and was at the support location in the 48hrs prior to symptom onset, or a positive COVID-19 test result.
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- Suspected cases of COVID-19 include anyone that would fail active screening
- Masks remain in place for the home until the illness is confirmed to not be COVID-19
- For Ontario to confirm an illness is not COVID-19 they require a medical note OR a negative PCR test on day 5 or later OR negative RANT tests on day 6 and 7 OR after 10 days from symptom onset/positive test.
- For Saskatchewan: A medical note OR 5 days from symptom onset/positive test result.
- For both Ontario and Saskatchewan, the countdown would restart if new symptoms occur in a different employee or if a person supported becomes ill
2. The person being supported requests the continued use of masks when they are receiving supports where physical distancing can not be maintained.
3.Local District Office Direction
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- The district leadership team may determine a support location has a high risk of negative outcomes due to a COVID-19 outbreak, and require the continued use of masks at all times.
Personal Considerations for Wearing Masks when Providing Care
When employees are providing direct care, the following should be considered to determine if a mask should be worn. If the answer is yes to any of these considerations, it is recommended that a mask be worn.
For the Employee
- Would I prefer/be more comfortable using a mask?
- Am I likely to encounter droplets (body fluids) while working with this individual?
For the Person Supported
- Is the person I am supporting medically fragile/complex/immunocompromised?
- Do they have cardiac (heart) issues
- Do they have respiratory (lung) issues
- Are they generally unwell.
- Is the person I am supporting not vaccinated against COVID-19?
- Is the person I am supporting elderly (over the age of 55)?
SUPPORT PEOPLE TAB
COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist
- The COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist has been updated for the week of June 16th – June 23rd, 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.
The following resources have been updated to reflect the change in guidance for the use of masks in Christina Horizons locations.
Access to Anti-virals
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!
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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