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:
The COVID-19 Weekly Preparedness Checklist has been updated for the week of January 14th, 2021 to January 20th, 2021.
At 1201am on Thursday January 14th all of Ontario entered lockdown with a stay at home order. Proof of employment letters for direct support professionals can be obtained from program managers as supporting documentation to being an essential worker.
COVID-19 VACCINE WEBINARS
On Thursday January 14th from 2:30pm – 3:30pm our first webinar was hosted for employees to ask questions related to the COVID-19 vaccines. A working group has been established with representation from within Christian Horizons and the people who use our services to help determine future webinars. Additional webinars have been scheduled over the coming weeks that will be open to employees, people who use our services and their family members.
January 18th and 22nd – Dr. Linda Moriarty
Dr. Moriarty is a research scientist and the director of the Moriarty Research Lab at the University of Toronto. The Moriarty Lab is an infectious diseases research lab, with a focus on blood borne pathogens. Dr. Moriarty hosts daily zoom calls for the public to engage with research scientists and ask questions related to COVID-19 vaccines.
To register for the January 18th webinar, and to include a question click here
January 29th – Marwah Younis Damani PharmD
Marwah Younis Damani is a pharmacist with a focus on the developmental sector. Currently she is the medical director for Community Living Toronto. Marwah and her pharmacy student will be joining us to discuss the COVID-19 vaccines. It is possible that two weeks from now additional vaccine options will be approved in Ontario this will allow for an up to date webinar on what is available.
February 5th – Dr. Phillip Dwek
Dr. Dwek is an infectious diseases specialist primarily working in Oshawa. Dr. Dwek completed his internal medicine specialty in 2015 at Western University and went on to specialize in infectious diseases at the University of Toronto completing his training in 2019. More information about Dr. Dwek’s webinar will be available in the coming weeks.
COVID-19 VACCINE UPDATE
A media release by the Ontario Government found here was released on January 13th. Within this release our sector has be identified as a priority group in Phase 2 of vaccine rollout. Phase 2 is likely to start in late February but start times may vary depending on local situations. Phase 2 is expected to be completed by July 2021 at which time close to 10 million Ontarians will have been able to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. There are many factors that can influence this timeline however, this is exciting news.
In preparation for phase 2 and to help guide educational resources direct support professionals will have access to a survey from Dr. Yona Lunsky about the COVID-19 vaccine. It is strongly encouraged that direct support professionals complete the survey to help identify concerns and questions within our sector.
With continued information being released about COVID-19 vaccines, an additional web page focused on COVID-19 vaccine information has been released with links to relevant government resources, discussions with experts, and resources for the people who use our services. Direct support employees are strongly encouraged to review the material on this page in order to have up to date information around different vaccines safety and efficacy.
An excellent video explaining mRNA vaccines can be seen below, it has been created by Rob Swanda a PHD candidate at Cornell University. Rob has additional videos on his YouTube channel giving simple explanations to commonly asked questions.
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