December 31, 2021
Dear St.Amant Families,
As you might imagine, based on what you’re seeing in our province, the past week has been intense for us at St.Amant.
Over the past week we have seen 38 confirmed positive Covid-19 cases and 15 presumptive (positive with rapid test). 45 are in staff and 8 are in people we support. 6 Health & Transition Services staff, 1 person we support in HTS, 1 Autism Programs staff, 3 Environmental Services staff, 20 CRP staff, 4 people supported in CRP, 5 School staff, 3 School students, 4 Supported Independent Living staff, 4 River Road Child Care staff and 2 Foster Service providers. In addition to the positive cases, we are also experiencing very high volumes of sick calls.
Staff contingency plans are in use and we are on the cusp of declaring a staffing emergency to our funders/unions which will enable us to redeploy staff from other areas of the organization to residential support roles. Our greatest risk is in the Community Residential Program – families are being contacted who can take a family member home, staff are being asked to consider a temporary live-in role and we are bringing in all casuals and the Covid-casual pool that was built during the third wave.
This is a very challenging time, and we are counting on everyone to help out. This may mean an extension of the St.Amant School closure and potentially may affect Autism Programs service delivery. The next week, and staffing numbers will determine how we move forward. We will update those program areas as soon as we have more information.
At this time River Road Child Care remains closed, while we wait for Public Health guidance on reopening.
All in all, this is our most challenging time yet during this pandemic and we know that everyone is tired. We are focusing our energy on essential services. In the area of gratitude, because there are always many things to be grateful for, is the continued support from our employees and yourselves and that all people who are Covid-19 positive are currently recovering at home.
Thank you for all of your continued encouragement and support,
John
John Leggat
President & CEO