COVID-19 Updates from December 30th – January 6th, 2022

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.

No additional changes to guidance this week, below is a list of last weeks changes for those that were on vacation. 

Key Changes Last Week:

Enhanced Personal Protective Equipment During Outbreaks.

  • N95 masks are to be worn when someone supported is confirmed or suspected of having a COVID-19 infection.
    • This is based on interim guidance from Public Health Ontario as more information is gathered about the spread of the Omicron Variant
  • The Emergency Response Plan for each location will need to be updated with these changes.

Rapid Antigen Screening Test (RANT)

  • Employees regardless of having been vaccinated or not will be required to complete a RANT screening test every 3 days.
    • This guidance change is a result of the increased risk of COVID-19 due to the Omicron Variant in people who have been vaccinated.
    • The link for reporting the result of your RANT screening test can be found under quick links here
  • Visitors, Third Party Personnel and Contractors to a Christian Horizons location will need to complete a RANT screening test before entering unless they tested negative the day before. If the test is positive, they can not enter the location. This does not apply for emergency services.
    • The link for reporting the result of visitors and contractors RANT screening test can be found under quick links here
  • People using services returning from overnight visits regardless of vaccination status will have access to RANT screening tests. It is recommended if the overnight visit is 2 nights or less that tests be used on day 3 and day 7 after their return. If the person supported was gone for more than 2 nights a rapid test is recommended to be used on the day, they return and on day 4.
    • The link for reporting the result of people using services RANT screening test can be found under quick links here

With the change in employee eligibility and appreciating that many managers will be covering for other programs during vacation. Please see the resource below created by IS&T on how to forward your eligibility list to the manager covering you during vacation. 

Instructions for Forwarding Emails Automatically

Here is a video reminder on how to complete a self swab RANT screening test: 

Resource Updates

COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist

  • The COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist has been updated for the week of December 30th – January 6th 2022
  • The Hand Sanitizer Recall List (on the U:\\ drive) was updated Dec. 15th 2021), please confirm the removal of recalled sanitizers from all locations

COVID-19 Interim Vaccine Policy (Ontario) 

  • Updated to reflect changes to the use of RANT screening tests.

COVID-19 Interim Vaccine Policy (Saskatchewan) 

  • Updated to reflect changes to the use of RANT screening tests.

PPE FAQ

  • Updated guidance regarding the use of N95 masks to include when someone supported is suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19.

COVID-19 Symptom Self-Check Poster

  • Updated with a disclaimer that all visitors and contractors will need to complete a RANT screening test.

Rapid Antigen Screening Instructions 

  • Updated to reflect changes to who is required to complete rapid antigen testing
  • Reduction in the number of days someone is ineligible for rapid testing after testing positive for COVID-19 from 90 to 30 days.
    • This reduction will be reflected in our daily reports starting early January.

Rapid Antigen Screening FAQs 

  • Updated to reflect changes to who is required to complete rapid antigen testing
  • Reduction in the number of days someone is ineligible for rapid testing after testing positive for COVID-19 from 90 to 30 days.
    • This reduction will be reflected in our daily reports starting early January.

Rapid Antigen Screening Job Aid

  • This resource is to be printed off and made available at all RANT screening locations.