Letter to Clients, Caregivers & Family Members
Since the declaration of COVID-19 as a global pandemic, CHATS has been taking various precautionary measures and adjusting our programs and services to ensure the health and safety of our clients, staff, volunteers and community.
During this difficult time, we are making every effort to ensure that as many of our programs and services continue to be provided.
However, as of Monday, March 16th until April 5th, we are suspending all community wellness programs, caregiver support groups and one-on-one meetings. For some of these programs, and where possible, staff will be using “virtual technology” to engage with clients and caregivers. This may include conference calls, webinars or group chats.
While we will assess the situation based on guidance from Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Public Health, Ontario Health and York Region Public Health, our offices and Adult Day Program sites in York Region and South Simcoe remain open. Active screening is also taking place. We ask that visitors refrain from coming to the offices over the next few weeks.
We are ensuring that all health and safety protocols are being followed in locations in which staff are working, including offices, Assisted Living and ADP sites. Drivers have been instructed on how to sanitize vehicles.
Please be assured that we have been keeping our employees informed about infection prevention and making necessary plans to keep everyone safe:
- All our employees and volunteers have been asked to exercise additional vigilance when it comes to their own health and that of others. Individuals feeling ill or experiencing symptoms of the cold or flu are expected to stay home and, if necessary, seek medical attention.
- All our employees and volunteers are regularly educated on the importance of hand hygiene, to cough/sneeze “in your sleeve” as a best practice to prevent the spread of virus/germs, and how to properly use personal protective equipment. We have asked all employees to refrain from handshaking, hugging, and kissing.
- Clients and family members should ask our employees and volunteers if they’ve washed their hands during all visits.
- We have put precautions in place for personal travel.
- Aged 65 years and over
- With compromised immune systems
- With underlying medical conditions.
- Wash your hands often: Please remember that the best defense to protect yourself against the flu/COVID-19 is washing your hands often, coughing or sneezing into your sleeve, avoid touching your face, and notifying your doctor or calling TeleHealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms.
- Screening for respiratory illness: Please be advised that at every single in-home visit and program visit, we will ask if you or someone that lives with you, is experiencing flu-like symptoms, such as new shortness of breath, fever or cough, as well as if you’ve been asked to self-isolate as a result of being in contact with someone that had flu-like symptoms.
- Please call our office at 1-877-452-4287 to speak with one of our Client Service Representatives (or the best person to contact related to the service that you are receiving). In addition, you should also contact your physician or primary care provider and Public Health.
- If you or someone that lives with you has been asked to self-isolate due to the flu or COVID-19, please call our office at 1-877-452-4287 as soon as possible.
