January 22, 2021
Dear Health & Transition Services Families,
This week we celebrate the end of a long COVID-19 Outbreak, after weeks of no new active cases. For over two months we dealt with the changes and challenges involved with this outbreak status, and I cannot thank all of the staff enough for their diligence and care in ensuring the outbreak was contained while providing great care to the people we support. We will never forget the moments of sadness that COVID-19 brought to our world, but we continue to find moments of peace and beauty in our daily work.
With the lifting of the outbreak status, your loved ones now have more ability to move around their care areas and the building while still being diligent with the fundamentals of PPE, hand hygiene, and physical distancing. We are happy to see so many people visiting this past week!
We heard from the Province today that the people we support MUST wear medical masks throughout the entire visit when visiting with anyone outside of their two designated family caregivers in the outdoor shelter. Staff are working with the people they support to assist them in understanding the reasons for this and to help them get used to wearing a mask. There are no changes to PPE requirements for visitors; medical masks and eye protection will be provided to you at the front screening station.
Vaccine planning continues and many, if not all of you have heard from a member of our Vaccine Team to discuss the COVID-19 vaccine and provide consent. Although we have not received a date yet, we are happy to hear that people in H&TS are being prioritized. All of our direct care staff are now eligible for vaccine and are being encouraged to book an appointment. Below are the most recent, evidence based resources that may answer some questions you have about the vaccine.
Stay safe and thank you for all of your support!
Sarah Mankelow
Director, Health & Transition Services