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.
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
Status Update
1September 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.
2August 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.
3June 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!
4May 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.
5April 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.
6April 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.
7April 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.
8March 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.
9February 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.
10January 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.
11December 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.
12December 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!
13November 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
14November 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).
Summary of Total Covid-19 Cases
| 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 |
| May 2021 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| June 2021 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| July 2021 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| August 2021 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| September 2021 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Totals | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Date | Confirmed Cases | Deceased | Recovered |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 2020 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| December 2020 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| January 2021 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| February 2021 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| March 2021 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| April 2021 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| May 2021 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| June 2021 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| July 2021 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| August 2021 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| September 2021 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Totals | 7 | 0 | 6 |
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
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.