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 September 2nd – September 9th
- The Hand Sanitizer Recall List (on the U:\\ drive) was updated (Sept 9th, 2021), please confirm the removal of recalled sanitizers from all locations
- Updates to the FAQ have been made around the upcoming required changes to our vaccination policy in Ontario
- Additionally a new question related to Bill S-201 has been covered. This question is also posted below in the Rapid Antigen Testing Section.
- The daily symptom monitoring has been updated to reflect the change in recommended symptoms to screen for. Notably, runny nose, head ache and sore throat have been removed from the list of symptoms.
RAPID ANTIGEN TESTING FOR COVID-19
The Rapid Antigen Screening Training course is now available in the LMS. Employees in Ontario can now enroll themselves from the catalog and complete the course at any time.
For ease of reference, the links to the Instructions and FAQs can be found below.
- Rapid Antigen Screening Instructions
- Rapid Antigen Screening FAQs
- How to Enter Test Result in the ODB (video)
Recently there have been increased inquires about Christian Horizons response to how Bill S-201 interacts with the requirement for employees who have not shared their vaccination status to complete rapid testing for COVID-19 at a minimum every 7 days. This question is addressed in the COVID-19 vaccine FAQ but we felt it was important to highlight the answer here as well:
Bill S-201 or the Genetic Non-Discrimination Act prevents companies and employers from requiring genetic testing or the results of genetic tests. There have been inquires around how this Bill interacts with the requirement for employees to complete rapid antigen testing if they have not shared their vaccination status with Christian Horizons. Notably, genetic testing as defined in the Bill, refers to testing an individual’s genes, an example of this would be testing for the genetic markers for Huntington’s disease or breast cancer. Rapid testing for COVID-19 is not genetic testing. Rather, it looks for the presence of antigens to COVID-19 which are a by-product of the body’s immune response to a new infection not an individual’s genetic markers. Polymer chain reaction (PCR) tests do look for genetic material of COVID-19
COVID-19 VACCINE UPDATE
With the announcement of mandatory vaccine policies within the developmental services sector in Ontario, Christian Horizons has taken steps to make it easier to report vaccination status. Managers or a delegate are now able to enter proof of employees vaccination status with their permission. It is important for anyone responsible for inputting this information to remember to delete or return any copies of the proof after it has been uploaded. The link for self reporting is still available and we encourage all employees to use this option when possible.
Electronic Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination
If you have previously chosen to receive a COVID-19 vaccine but have misplaced your electronic and physical proof of vaccination you can receive a new electronic proof through the Ontario Health site here. You will require your health card number.
COVID-19 VACCINE WEBINARS
There is no webinar 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. “This Is Our Shot is a movement aimed to rally Canadians and encourage each other to replace vaccine hesitancy with confidence so that we can end the pandemic – together.” In addition to excellent resources, if you have already received both of your COVID-19 vaccines you can enter to win a variety of prizes. Grand prizes include trips to different locations within Canada.