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 May 13th to May 20th.
- The Hand Sanitizer Recall List (on the U:\\ drive) was updated (May. 12th, 2021), please confirm the removal of recalled sanitizers from all locations.
- The IPAC Practices section has been added to the checklist
- This section will replace the supervisor audit tool
- Supervisor Audit Tool During COVID-19
- The checklist will no longer be required to be completed each week, the addition of the IPAC Practices on the weekly checklist will replace this tool
- The supervisor audit tool will be available as a resource if a more focused approach towards IPAC practices is required.
- Flowcharts for guidance on COVID-19 exposure for people supported.
- Updated to include guidance when a person supported develops COVID-19 like symptoms with no known exposure
- COVID-19 Screening Protocol
- Updated to clarify when the additional questions are to be completed at direct support locations
RAPID TESTING FOR COVID-19
Christian Horizons is working to introduce rapid antigen testing for COVID-19 at our direct support locations throughout Ontario and Saskatchewan as another precaution to ensure a safe work environment. A rapid antigen test for COVID-19 is a self administered nares swab (not a deep nasal swab), with observation from a trained user, that produces results within 15 minutes. If someone were to test positive for COVID-19 with a rapid antigen test a confirmation test from a COVID-19 testing location would need to be completed afterwards.
Rapid antigen tests are only completed on individuals who are asymptomatic. If someone were to present and during screening state they have symptoms of COVID-19 a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test from a testing location would need to be completed to confirm if a COVID-19 infection is present or not.
The completion of a rapid antigen test does not replace the need for current infection prevention and control practices but adds another layer of protection for employees and the people who use our services.
This week MCCSS approved our expression of interest bringing us one step closer to be able to make rapid testing available in Ontario. Similarly, we are quickly progressing through the steps to receive access to the rapid tests in Saskatchewan.
COVID-19 VACCINE WEBINARS
There will be a webinar this week on Friday May 14th from 2pm – 3pm the following will be discussed:
- Rapid Antigen Testing
- Changes in Long Term Care guidance and what that could mean for Christian Horizons
- AstraZenecca update including information on the potential for a second dose with one of the mRNA vaccines
- 2nd dose of a COVID-19 vaccine timeline
COVID-19 VACCINE UPDATE
On May 6th in Ontario anyone with an intellectual or developmental disability and their caregivers will be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine by registering under “High Risk Health Conditions”. ConnectAbility has produced a number of plain language resources and videos to help answer questions which can be found here
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