1July, 2022 Update
Current STATUS: As of July 1 CAFCL has removed most all of it’s restrictions according to AHS recommendations.
Although CAFCL continues to monitor positive cases internally, the reporting of cases will cease.
We have kept some practices and protocols in place that we feel will continue to provide great protection for staff and individuals moving forward. Below is a summary of protocols removed and those which will be maintained.
2April, 2022 Update
Current STATUS: No further changes have been made to date and we are still continuously masking and following all the same protocols required under the current health order. Our staff have transitioned back to working in the office and we have resumed in-person meetings. We are still masking in the office when away from our work spaces and screening all staff and visitors upon arrival.
3March, 2022 Update
Current STATUS: On March 1, 2022 the government announced Step 2 of easing restrictions. As a result of this we discontinued the Vaccination Policy. With the new omicron variant it was evident that vaccination was not a factor in contracting the virus. We re-opened the office to the public, however we still require continuous masking and screening of visitors to the building. We continue to participate in Rapid testing and continuous masking both in residences and in the office building. We are developing a plan for the slow return of staff back into the office building. We are seeing a large surge in cases and experienced two outbreaks at our residences. All individuals have since recovered and there were no significant symptoms of concern among those that tested positive. We have not eased any other restrictions at this time.
4February, 2022 Update
Current STATUS: On February 9 the government announced the First Step towards easing of restrictions. We re-opened the office to the public, however we still require continuous masking and screening of visitors to the building. CAFCL is taking a slow approach to the removal of any restrictions. As omicron seems to be spreading very rapidly.
5January 5, 2022 Update
Current STATUS: One employee (working in the residential program) tested positive since the last update. There were no identified close contacts from CAFCL, as the employee had been off on vacation when they tested positive. Employee has recovered.
One positive case of an individual in residential services was confirmed over Christmas. This individual tested positive while away with family, therefore there were no close contacts at the residence in which they live. Recovery took place with family and they have since returned home.
Our vaccination policy is now fully implemented and all staff are fully vaccinated or show proof of a privately paid rapid test prior to working.
• We have extended the Rapid testing of all staff in low risk tolerance settings until further notice (possibly until March 30, 2022).
•Staff and individuals in service are encouraged to access the free rapid tests available from the government and use as needed.
•Screening has been updated for those entering the CAFCL facilities based on the most recent health order #39.
• We received approval to offer this program free through the government rapid screening initiative.
•All staff are now required to wear a medical grade mask while working or visiting any CAFCL facility or when supporting individuals (as recommended by AHS).
•We continue to maintain virtual contact where able.
• Our office doors remain locked and visiting is discouraged unless necessary. •Staff continue to work from home for a portion of their time.
For more information or complete policies, please contact Robin Good, CEO at 780-608-7187.
6November 11, 2021 Update
Current STATUS: One employee (working in our Healthy Families program) tested positive since the last update. There were no identified close contacts from CAFCL, as the employee had been working from home.
No cases in individuals in service.
A State of emergency was announced on September 15, 2021. Since then, a recommendation was made by the Community and Social Services Ministry for organizations serving vulnerable populations to implement a vaccination policy. In addition to this, the Exemption Restriction programs which the city of Camrose and many other businesses/facilities have implemented has required proof of vaccination in order to gain access. As a result of this it has become essential for CAFCL to implement a vaccination policy and rapid screening for staff to ensure continuity of services, access to community and the best possible protection for those who are vulnerable.
A State of emergency was announced on September 15, 2021. Since then, a recommendation was made by the Community and Social Services Ministry for organizations serving vulnerable populations to implement a vaccination policy. In addition to this, the Exemption Restriction programs which the city of Camrose and many other businesses/facilities have implemented has required proof of vaccination in order to gain access. As a result of this it has become essential for CAFCL to implement a vaccination policy and rapid screening for staff to ensure continuity of services, access to community and the best possible protection for those who are vulnerable.
Rapid Screening Program for COVID-19- implemented in November 2021.
• We received approval to offer this program free through the government rapid screening initiative.
• Any employee working in an environment in which is assessed as “low-risk tolerance” will be required to participate in an internally run rapid screening program.
• Employees require rapid testing prior to the start of their rotation. This will allow us to identify any cases of COVID-19 in staff who are asymptomatic prior to them supporting individuals.
• This screening will occur at the CAFCL office building location by internally trained testers.
For more information or complete policies, please contact Robin Good, CEO at 780-608-7187.
7September 17, 2021 Update
Current STATUS: One employee tested positive for COVID-19 on September 8, 2021. This employee was on a leave so no close contacts were identified at CAFCL.
No cases in individuals in service.
As you know a state of emergency was announced on September 15, as we find ourselves in a fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over 80% of employees are now vaccinated and individuals receiving services who chose to be vaccinated have been supported to do so. As a result the following measures have been implemented:
• Programs where feasible, have returned to virtual home visits or programming.
• The office will be closed to the public, beginning Monday September 20, 2021. Reception will remain on site during regular office hours to answer and direct phone calls. (8:30am-12pm, 1pm-4:30pm Monday to Friday)
• Staff in office are expected to mask at all times when they are not at their work station (or are not able to socially distance at their work station)
• All screening remains in place
• All in person meetings and training have been suspended.
• Office staff are working from home when it is not necessary to be at office building
• Extra cleaning has been implemented.
Leadership team continues to monitor and plan for the new restrictions and will provide updates as decisions are made.
8August 31, 2021 Update
Current STATUS: NO current cases.
We are pleased to report we have had no cases of COVID-19 either in staff or individuals over the summer months.
Over 80% of employees are now vaccinated and individuals receiving services who chose to be vaccinated have been supported to do so.
We continue to follow the AHS guidelines across all of our residences who remain under the most recent health orders for licensed facilities. Continuous masking remains in place and we are monitoring closely as we enter the 4th wave of this pandemic.
As of August 31, our Family Services programs have resumed continuous masking during home visits, due to the increased cases across central Alberta.
All training and large group meetings are held virtually.
Our office remains open to the public with recommended screening of guests and employees still in place.
9June 3, 2021 Update
Current STATUS: All employees have recovered. NO current cases.
In mid May we received notification of a positive case of COVID-19 in an employee who works at one of our residences. This employee had not gone to work during the contagious period so no close contacts were identified. They have now recovered and returned to work. This was the 6th staff positive case since the start of the pandemic.
Our office reopened on June 1, following the Phase 1 announcement of reopening Alberta. 99% of our individuals have had their first vaccine. To date the majority of our employees have chosen to be vaccinated. We are very appreciative of this.
We will continue to follow health orders and the wishes of individuals and guardians in their plan to re-engage to work and community.
We thank individuals, families and their loved ones for their incredible patience throughout this very difficult time.
We are almost there!
10May 5, 2021 Update
Current STATUS: Team 12 no longer in Outbreak (2 staff cases, no cases in individuals living there) staff have recovered and have returned to work.
One Relief employee confirmed positive.
On May 3, 2020 we received notification of a positive case of COVID-19 in an employee who works in our Centralized relief program. No close contacts were identified through work, as the employee did not work any shifts during the contagious period. This employee resides with another CAFCL employee. Both are at home in isolation.
Our office remains closed until further notice. Reception will be on site during regular office hours, and available to direct your calls. If you have a drop off it can be delivered to our drop box in the entry way of the building. At this time we are not permitting non-essential visits to our office building.
11April 23, 2021 Update
Current STATUS: 2 confirmed active positive employee cases at Team 12 (residence) in Outbreak.
On April 20, 2020 we received notification of a second positive case of COVID-19 in an employee of in Team 12 residence. This is now 2 employees with active positive cases.
The facility is under quarantine and full PPE is worn at all times. To date no individuals being served in the facility have tested positive.
Due to the increase in cases within Camrose and Camrose County our office will be closed to the public beginning April 22, 2021. Reception will be on site during regular office hours, and available to direct your calls. If you have a drop off it can be delivered to our drop box in the entry way of the building. At this time, we are not permitting non-essential visits to our office building.
12April 21, 2021 Update
Current STATUS: 1 confirmed active employee case (active case from April 8 now recovered).
On April 18, 2020 we received notification of a positive case of the COVID-19 (UK variant strain) in an employee of one of our licensed facilities. Due to this being of variant strain the facility is considered to be in “outreak” status (even though at this time we have only one employee who is confirmed positive). This is our first instance of an Outbreak.
We remain extremely diligent in following all recommendations of the CDC (Center of Disease control) and AHS (Alberta Health Services). The safety of our individuals, staff and families remains the main priority.
The facility is under quarantine and full PPE is worn at all times. All those within the facility are awaiting test results. To date no individuals or additional employees in the facility have tested positive.
Due to the increase in cases within Camrose and Camrose County our office will be closed to the public beginning April 22, 2021. Reception will be on site during regular office hours, and available to direct your calls. If you have a drop off it can be delivered to our drop box in the entry way of the building. At this time we are not permitting non-essential visits to our office building.
Thank you for your understanding as we continue to navigate this 3rd (and hopefully) final spike in cases. Stay safe.
13April 5, 2021 Update
Current STATUS: 1 active Employee case
On April 5, 2020 we received notification of a positive case of the COVID-19 (UK variant strain) in an employee. AHS did not identify any close contacts within CAFCL , as this employee had not worked a shift during the contagious period. They are currently at home under quarantine recovering.
We remain diligent in our use of PPE, and safety practices. Our individuals with disabilities have now become eligible for vaccinations under section 2B of the immunization roll out. Those choosing to be immunized are currently being supported to do so.
14March 1, 2021 Update
Current STATUS: No active cases
We are awaiting notification on when individuals in adult services and employees will be eligible to receive vaccinations. It is anticipated individuals may be eligible within the month. Only two individuals are currently eligible for the senior’s vaccination (over 72 years of age). These are in progress.
15February 1, 2021 Update
Current STATUS: No active cases
We currently have no active cases and continue to diligently follow AHS orders to ensure the safety of the individuals, families and employees. Virtual supports are still being provided where appropriate and return to in-person supports will be evaluated as AHS requirements ease. We continue to await news on when our individuals in adult services and employees will be eligible to receive their vaccinations.
16January 6, 2021 Update
Current STATUS: No active cases
It is with a heavy heart we announce one of our individuals in Outreach services passed away on the morning of December 29, 2020. This individual was confirmed COVID-19 positive after his passing. This was very sudden, and we appreciate the respect given to his wife, family, friends, and staff, as they navigate this great loss.
CAFCL and its employees continue to take all COVID-19 precautions very seriously. Our staff is diligent in the application of all precautions as directed by Alberta Health Services. We are proud of the work they are doing and recognize how very essential they are to the health and wellbeing of the individuals and families we support.
We thank all of our staff for their commitment.
17December 22, 2020 Update
Current STATUS:
On the evening of December 19, 2020 we received notification of a positive COVID-19 case in one of the individuals we serve. We are working with AHS to identify all close contacts and following all recommended precautionary procedures. This individual is currently isolating in their own home with supports in place.
18December 4, 2020 Update
Current STATUS:
As of December 4, 2020 CAFCL has had no further positive cases of COVID-19 (one case reported on November 26, 2020) All employees considered a close contact were tested. All results came back negative.
No positive cases to report in individuals receiving services. I wish to acknowledge the great work of our employees on the diligence in the effective use of PPE, extra precautions, and the reporting of potential illnesses. You are helping to keep everyone safe!
19November 26, 2020 Update
Current STATUS: As of November 26, 2020:
CAFCL has one confirmed positive case of COVID-19.
We would like to provide notification that in the afternoon of November 25, 2020, CAFCL had an employee test positive for the COVID-19 virus. This was transmitted through the employee’s spouse. This employee worked in a residence where 3 individuals reside. All those considered potential contacts have been notified, and proper precautions were taken according to Alberta Health Services protocols:
• The residence is under quarantine and full PPE is being used by staff
• The employee who tested positive is in isolation at home
• All close contacts are identified, isolating and testing has been initiated
CAFCL has re-implemented the following measures:
• Suspension of any group dining or shared condiments in group residences or office location
• Suspension of in-person group meetings or training
• Suspension of in-person home visits in Family Services
20November 24, 2020 Update
Current STATUS: As of November 24, 2020:
CAFCL has not had any positive cases of COVID-19
At CAFCL the health and safety of our employees, volunteers, and individuals/families we support is of utmost priority. Since the start of COVID-19, we have been diligent in implementing measures across the organization to provide the best protection of our employees and the people we serve. Due to the array of services in which we provide, many programs have protocols specific to the needs of those accessing the program. All organizational protocols are based on recommendations from Alberta Health Services (AHS).