At this time, we want to thank all our stakeholders for their continued support, patience, and diligence in keeping the threats associated with the COVID 19 Pandemic at bay. With your help and collaborative approaches, we continue to strive to a healthier tomorrow with fewer restrictions and greater opportunities.
Today PH continues to carry out these commitments through the lens of how to best navigate the 3rd wave of outbreaks while mitigating the increased surges in the variants of concern and implementing protocols that align with the direction provided through the Province’s April 8th Stay-at-Home Order. At this time, we have been informed that these current orders are expected to be in place until May 21st, at a minimum. We are very pleased to share with you that The Participation House Project (Durham Region) has been able to achieve an 80% vaccination rate (which includes our staff and the people living in our residential services) through the first round of Covid-19 vaccines! Thank you to all those who have rolled up your sleeves and helped to do your part in infection control and prevention.
MCCSS and the Durham Region Public Health Unit continue to inform and drive our approaches which means our Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) practices reflect the trends and experiences of our community and the province.
What this means for our organization –
The Participation House Project (Durham Region) congregate living settings funded by MCCSS and all associated workplaces must implement the following enhanced precautions:
Visitors and Visiting:
- Visitors, Visiting and Outings
- Short-stay absences must be limited to activities that enable health and important life activities (e.g., school, necessary work, doctors’ appointments etc.). As a rule, supported people are expected to practice physical distancing, hand hygiene and to wear a surgical/procedure mask (with support where necessary) when on a short stay absence. Supported people must also adhere to any current local public health unit or municipal requirements related to local conditions.
- Essential visits to location are permitted.
“Essential visitors” are distinct from other visitor types so agencies can facilitate, on an individual resident basis, relationships that are necessary to maintain their health, wellness and safety in the context of overarching visitor restrictions. This typically includes 1 family member/guardian, an identified health worker and necessary service people. PH will strongly consider the importance of the principles of emotional well-being and flexibility for the individuals living in one of our residential settings in addition to infection risks.
- Essential visitors are required to wear a surgical/procedural mask AND eye protection at all times and as an added layer of protection, PH has also implemented the use of surgical gowns during these visits. Screening must also be completed upon arrival to the location and when leaving.
- Non-essential visitors (neighbours, social friends, family not designated as essential) and non-essential indoor and outdoor visits are suspended.
Essential Overnight Absences are also suspended for the duration of the stay-at-home order. Families are encouraged to stay connected following the essential visitor guidelines and through virtual means.Again, PH will strongly consider the importance of the principles of emotional well-being and flexibility for the individuals living in one of residential settings in addition to infection risks.
- Outdoor walks for exercise are permitted among individuals who live together in the same unit.
As in-person day programming and visitation/outings are restricted, PH will facilitate virtual access to services and family/friend remote communication.
As always, PH will continue to approach the management of the pandemic by being proactive, responsible, and responsive. We are committed to maintaining a keen awareness of the need to step back into enhanced precautions, while remaining diligent in our commitment to handle and mitigate the risks.
We cannot thank our employees enough for their continued commitment to the people they support daily and to the organization. Their due diligence when it comes to the health and safety of all is deeply valued.
We appreciate the support and patience of our families and community partners as we work through the ongoing challenges while continuing to provide much needed supports.
We will continue to keep you updated on our direction as we monitor and assess our next steps in managing the ongoing risk. We are all in this together, and together we will get through this! #inthistogetherWhen you are eligible, please do your part and roll your sleeve up and get the Covid vaccine!