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:
COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist
- The COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist has been updated for the week of April 14th – April 21st, 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 Interim Vaccine Policy (Ontario)
- Updated to reflect change in frequency of RANT testing from every third day to every other day
COVID-19 Interim Vaccine Policy (Saskatchewan)
- Updated to reflect change in frequency of RANT testing from every third day to every other day
Rapid Antigen Screening Instructions Ontario
- Updated to reflect change in frequency of RANT testing from every third day to every other day
- Updated to reflect change in frequency of RANT testing from every third day to every other day
Why the Change in RANT screening?
COVID-19 cases are spiking across Canada.
In Ontario there is an estimated 100,000-120,000 new cases per day. This is based on waste water levels as other metrics for following infection are no longer reliable due to rules around accessing PCR tests etc. You can view the information from the science advisory table here.
Data is more difficult to follow in Saskatchewan due to decreased reporting around COVID-19 cases and other indicators but a weekly report is published and can be found here. Within the report, hospitalizations and ICU admissions for COVID-19 are climbing. Confirmed cases of COVID in the community appear to be leveling off.
The good news in this scenario is that hospitals in both provinces continue to have capacity to assist anyone who is ill enough that they require hospital based care. The concerning news is that those with developmental disabilities are more likely to require hospitalization and ICU care due to a COVID-19 infection.
It is likely that this wave of COVID-19 will continue through to the middle/end of May based on the current modeling. In Ontario the modeling suggests similar or greater case counts then we experienced over the Christmas break which lead to significant staffing pressures. With that said, some current signaling as of April 14th is suggesting we may be at the peak of this wave. There is still significant risk for exposure to COVID-19 in our communities across Ontario and Saskatchewan.
With the increased risk of community transmission considered, and an acknowledgement that living with COVID-19, means protecting those that are most likely to suffer negative impact from an infection (the people we serve), we are increasing our rapid testing guidance to every other day.
Congregate living settings serve as homes for residents and a workplace for staff, and protective measures reflect the difference between residents not having a choice on who enters their home to provide service and their own dignity in deciding to take risks in the community.
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. If someone supported tests positive for COVID-19, teams should connect with the persons primary health care provider in order for them to be considered for Paxlovid.
COVID-19 – Additional Resources
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