*** AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM CLSC CEO- AL MORELAND, RE: NIAGARA RED ZONE RESTRICTIONS ***

December 21, 2020

To:                   CLSC Families

From:              Al Moreland

Date:               December 21, 2020

Re:                  COVID – 19 Pandemic Precautions & Program Decisions

For over 67 years, Community living St. Catharines has always worked to maintain the well being of staff, the individuals we support and their families. Over this past year, COVID-19 has presented us with an inordinate number of ongoing challenges in this regard.

The Ontario Government has implemented an early warning system with clear criteria for Regions when it comes to COVID-19 restrictions.  The COVID-19 Response Framework now uses a colour-coded system.  

It has been announced that Niagara Region is in the Red Zone effective today, Monday December 21, 2020; therefore, we will be taking Comprehensive Precautions in our residential care homes.  CLSC has put the following activities on hold until further notice.

  1. Essential visitors such as medical personnel are permitted; however, staff are to ensure they notify their Supervisor to obtain approval prior to all appointments both on site and in the community. 
  2. Virtual appointments are to take place whenever possible. 
  3. Recreational activities in the community are suspended. 
  4. All non-essential visits and visits from family and friends are suspended.   

I think it’s fair to say that no one could have envisioned the need to impose such restrictive service limits. However, in order to ensure everyone’s safety, the current surge in active cases in Niagara Region has prompted the need for us to take serious program precautions.

CLSC has extensive oversight from government and local health authorities for our congregate care/group home settings. While we pay very close attention to their guidance and direction, there will be occasions when my office must exercise judgment on additional precautions that stem from first hand observations and collective experience. With this in mind, we will continue to give special consideration to unique or urgent situations.

Note: The Premier has just announced that the entire Province of Ontario will move into the ‘Grey Zone’ meaning complete ‘Lock Down’ December 26, 2020. 

I thank you for your time and consideration on these very important matters. Please take care and stay safe.