Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses found mostly in animals. In humans, they can cause diseases ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). The disease caused by the new coronavirus has been named COVID-19.

COVID-19 was first identified in late 2019. It was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020.

Abilities is now under a Public Health Order that requires all staff to confirm that they are fully vaccinated by January, 14th, 2022.

• December 3, 2021: Staff members must report their vaccination status
• December 10, 2021: Previously unvaccinated staff members must have received and prove that they have had their first dose or have an exemption
• January 14, 2022: Unvaccinated staff must have received and prove that they have had their second dose before this date.

Staff who cannot meet these timelines will be placed on unpaid leave for 3 months after which their employment will be terminated. Staff who indicate that they will not be vaccinated will no longer be able to work for Abilities.

Programs

If we have an outbreak:

• our day program may accept a limited number of participants on each day. The day program will operate for 3-4 hours per day
• if we have a limited number of staff the day program may be closed, and day program staff will be re-deployed to other shifts within Abilities
• specific staff will work within a specific group, this reduces the bubbles of contact. If the designated staff are ill or unable to work, their vacancy will be filled by a program coordinator or other member of the Leadership Team
• residentially, we will limit our residential occupancy to 6 people at any given time. This includes residents and staff. Occupancy limits will be posted. All staff individuals must be fully vaccinated to work at Abilities

• Staff, participants and residents temperatures are screened daily.
• The Leadership Team monitors thecompany wide illnesses of people supported or staff members for an early alert system.
• All staff members are responsible for reporting any signs and symptoms experienced to the Leadership Team, or potential signs and symptoms with the people supported.
• Anyone who has symptoms of a cold, flu and/or COVID-19 must not come to work and self-isolate at home for 5-10 days; symptoms include fever (38 degrees Celsius or 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit), chills, new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, sore throat and new muscle aches or headache.

• Staff and participants (who will wear masks) in all locations as per WorkSafe’s guidance.
• Staff and participants will practice proper hand washing/hygiene practices as per WorkSafe’s guidance.