Dear Ongwanada Families;
The following provides updates on COVID-19 measures the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) has announced in the past week.
We are moving away from active screening (where you used a QR code or completed a paper screening questionnaire) to passive screening. You are expected not to enter the house if you are experiencing fever and/or chills, cough, barking cough (croup), shortness of breath, decreased or loss of smell or taste. Or if you have two or more of the following symptoms: fatigue, muscle aches/ joint pain, nausea/ vomiting and/or diarrhea, sore throat, runny or stuffy/ congested nose, and headache. Also, before entering one of our homes, you are asked to perform a rapid antigen test (RAT), entering if the test is negative and you pass screening. There is no need to conduct a RAT if you are not entering the home. Signs are posted at the entrance of each home as a reminder.
Masks are still required to be worn inside the house, except if you are visiting with your loved one in a designated visiting area or their bedroom without other occupants present and the door closed, at which time you can remove your mask.
Isolation requirements have also changed for your loved ones. If they are identified as a High-Risk Close Contact (HRCC), they are no longer required to isolate and can leave home and enjoy visits, programs, outings, etc. In addition, if the individual can wear a mask, they should do so for ten days after HRCC exposure.
On another note, flu shots will be administered to supported individuals starting today, providing added protection for your loved ones over the coming months.
We continue to see increased COVID cases and other respiratory infections throughout the region. Therefore, we ask that you not visit homes if you have any respiratory infection or influenza symptoms, even if your Rapid Antigen Test is negative.
Thank you for your ongoing patience and support.
As always, we encourage you to reach out with any questions or concerns that you may have.
Sincerely,
A. Alastair Lamb M.Sc. MPA
CEO
