COVID-19 UPDATES
Vaccination Policy
Employees, staff, contractors, volunteers and students, must provide:
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Proof of full vaccination against COVID-19; or
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Written proof of a medical reason provided by a physician or registered nurse in the extended class that sets out:
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A documented medical reason for not being fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and
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The effective time period for the medical reason; or
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Proof of completing an educational session approved by Choices about the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination prior to declining vaccination for any reason other than a medical reason.
Proof of Vaccination
After vaccination, individuals with an Ontario photo health card can log in to the provincial portal to download or print an electronic COVID-19 vaccine receipt (PDF) for each dose received.
Individuals who have a red and white health card can call the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line at 1-833-943-3900. The call centre agent can email a copy of their receipt.
Proof of a Medical Reason for not being vaccinated
Written proof of a documented medical reason for not being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 must be provided by either a physician or a registered nurse.
Rapid Antigen Testing
Choices will require any employees, staff, contractors, volunteers and students who are not fully vaccinated, are partly vaccinated (have received one dose of a two-dose vaccine series, or a final dose of a two-dose vaccine series within the last 14 days), or do not provide proof of vaccination undertake regular antigen point of care testing and verify the negative test results. Choices has been approved to offer onsite rapid antigen testing by MCCSS through the Provincial Antigen Screening Program (PASP). The protocol outlining PASP clinic details and dates and times for access will be communicated next week.
Public health measures in place protect residents, those individuals receiving services and supports and staff from COVID-19 transmission, while supporting individuals’ dignity, mental health and well-being by enabling them to engage in the community and maintain key relationships.
Family Visits – Online Screening for Family Members
As we continue to welcome family members and friends back to Choices for visits with people supported, we have made some changes to the Visitor’s Active Entry Screening Form to allow for their responses.
Entry screening remains mandatory for all guests to Choices, and must be done prior to any visit or a family member coming onsite.
We encourage all families to use the online tool to record their Entry Screening data – it’s quick and saves paper! They can access the online tool three (3) ways:
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By scanning the Visitor’s QR code on all doors
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By accessing the link through email ahead of their visit.
https://forms.office.com/r/x1SQ2ALKsD
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By using app/icon on the Choices house cellphone (with staff assistance if needed)
Family members and non-essential visitors will now have the option to declare their vaccination status. This is not mandatory for any visit, however vaccination status will dictate the PPE and precautions that will need to be taken.
Fully Vaccinated Visitors
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Visitors/family members may now choose not to mask and/or physical distance if all parties are fully vaccinated
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Visitors MUST declare on the Visitor’s Active Entry Screening Form that they have been fully vaccinated.
MOH has defined a person fully immunized (i.e., fully vaccinated) against COVID-19 if they:
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Have received the total required number of doses of a COVID-19 vaccine approved by Health Canada (e.g., both doses of a two-dose vaccine series);and
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At least 14 days have passed since they have received their final dose of theCOVID-19 vaccine
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If the visitor comes within 2m/6 feet of a staff member or any other resident, they must put their mask on.
Partially Vaccinated, Unvaccinated or those who choose not to disclose vaccination status
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Visitors may choose not to mask ONLY while maintaining physical distance of 2 metres/6 feet
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Should they move within 2m/6 feet at any time, they must mask.
