Camrose Association for Community Living

March 30, 2021

Covid-19

During this time of uncertainty, I want to acknowledge how very difficult this pandemic has been for our individuals and families/ guardians with loved ones accessing our services. We continue to recognize the significant impact this is having on everyone. Please know you have our commitment as a leadership team, to do the very best we can to keep everyone safe and address any concerns related to mental health and wellbeing promptly. We have confidence in our employees’ ability to navigate this pandemic with the utmost care and concern. Thank you for entrusting us to provide this support.

Current measures CAFCL has in place include:

Protocols CAFCL has implemented for everyone’s safety include:

• Diligent training of employees regarding proper handwashing, two-step cleaning protocols, and the proper use of all PPE equipment (including gloves, masks, gowns, goggles, face shields).
• All employees have been fit tested for N95 masks in the event of an outbreak or positive case of COVID-19.
• AHS procedures are followed when there is suspected cases, including protocols for isolation, contact tracing, and limiting staff work between sites.
• Continuous masking when providing direct support to individuals/families or in group settings.
• Two-step cleaning protocols in all environments.
• Mandatory masking in the office building, unless seated at individual workspaces alone.
• A requirement that all visitors to our office building be screened and masked.
• An optional “locked dropbox” is available at the entrance of our building for contactless dropping of bills, invoices, etc.
• Employees and individuals in all public areas of the city are masked as per Camrose City Bylaw.
• Formal screening protocols including temperature taking in all environments.
• Signing in of all people accessing workspaces for the purpose of contact tracing.
• Limiting outings for individuals, as well as providing at-home grocery and essentials delivery.
• Transition to virtual meetings/gatherings whenever possible.
• Disbursement of office staff to working from home, including limits to how many people can access certain meeting areas or common spaces within the office.
• Clear signage throughout the office building regarding traffic flow, and physical distancing, and proper hand hygiene.
• All mandatory training for staff has been made available in an online format.
• Any programs or groups within the office building are kept in isolation from one another.

The intent of this page will provide prompt and accurate information to families, guardians, and the community at large as we navigate this COVID-19 crisis. My hope is that this will help to provide peace of mind. Please don’t hesitate to call if you have questions or concerns. 780-672-0257 or by email to: rgood@cafcl.org

Most Sincerely,
Robin Good, CEO

Program Specific information

1Adult Services

Group living situations increase the likelihood of an outbreak related to COVID-19. Four of our residences (group homes) fall under the licensed supported living requirements. As per the recommendation by Alberta Health Services, CAFCL has implemented mandated practices consistently across all of our group living environments. In addition, we strongly encourage and support these within our Outreach programs and Support Home environments, whenever possible. We feel this offers the best protection for our staff and individuals during the COVID-19 crisis. All staff working in adult service programs have been fit tested for N-95 masks in preparation for a potential outbreak or COVID-19 case.

All group home living environments follow detailed and documented CAFCL mandated practices. If you would like more information or a copy of these practices, please contact Leevi Hafso at lhafso@cafcl.org

2Family Services

Healthy Families:
We have transitioned to supporting families virtually, in a format that best meets the families’ needs (phone, video conference, etc.). If deemed necessary to do an in-person home visit, detailed protocols and procedures are in place to minimize the risk to both employees and families. Home Visitation facilitators continue to work in partnership with families to enhance positive parent-child interaction/attachment, promote healthy childhood growth and development and enhance family functioning. We continue to provide delivery of essential items (prenatal vitamins, fruits, vegetables, milk, etc.) using social distancing and two-step cleaning processes.

Jobs4Youth:
We continue to support both individuals and employers in current job placements working within AHS guidelines. Meetings are virtual. For more information on detailed community protocols please contact Stacey Olstad at solstad@cafcl.org

3Rose Club

Our Rose Club program continues to provide fun and educational recreational activities in a virtual platform. View Calendar

4SingAble

SingAble with Dr. Ardelle Ries offers virtual choir practices Tuesday evenings. For more information on how to register for this program or purchase a song book Read More

5MORE (Day program)

This program is currently operating with one participant. Individuals are currently being supported with day activities through their place of residence. To inquire about returning to this program, please contact Leevi Hafso lhafso@cafcl.org

Date	Confirmed Cases	Deceased	Recovered
November 2020	0	0	0
December 2020	2	1	1
January 2021	0	0	0
February 2021	0	0	0
March 2021	0	0	0
April 2021	0	0	0
Totals	2	1	1

Date	Confirmed Cases	Recovered
November 2020	1	1
December 2020	0	0
January 2021	0	0
February 2021	0	0
March 2021	0	0
April 2021	1	0
Totals	2	1

Status Update

1April 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.

2March 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.

3February 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.

4January 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.

5December 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.

6December 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!

7November 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

8November 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).