Check out how we’re doing with this fun video we’ve created!
Scroll down to the bottom of the page for the latest updates on the pandemic in Ontario.
Keeping you informed on the latest agency updates on COVID-19.
COVID-19 Update: January 14, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ontario Government Asked to Remove Secrecy and Release COVID-19 Critical Care Triage Protocol
Did you know your child, parent or neighbour could be denied critical care based on pre-existing conditions or assumptions healthcare professionals make regarding their quality of life versus ability to recover from COVID-19?
There remains much uncertainty about what level of healthcare Ontarians who have disabilities will receive if they contract COVID-19. Despite the Ontario Government having cancelled a controversial critical care triage protocol that disproportionately impacted individuals with disabilities, they have yet to publicly release the new triage protocol submitted by the Bioethics Table in September.
“It’s unacceptable that Ontarians still have not seen the triage protocol to be used by hospitals in the event resources are overwhelmed due to an influx of patients with COVID-19,” explains Brian Dunne, President and CEO of Participating Housing Supports and Services (PHSS). “This protocol could be used to determine who is refused the critical care they need.”
“While we know the previous triage document disproportionately impacted the 1.85 million Ontarians who have a disability, we are still waiting to see its replacement,” says Ron Coristine, Executive Director of Community Living Chatham-Kent. “This despite the fact the Ontario Human Rights Commission has called for its public release and stated it has concerns about human rights issues in the report.”
“As organizations that value and recognize the contributions of individuals who have disabilities, we are calling on the Ontario government to immediately make public the Bioethics Table’s report and recommendations,” says Roxanna Spruyt-Rocks, CEO of DeafBlind Ontario Services. “This is a human rights issue that impacts one in seven Ontarians. We cannot remain silent as life and death decisions are made that potentially discriminate against individuals who have disabilities.”
With COVID-19 cases rising rapidly, the lack of information regarding a potential new triage document continues to put individuals who have disabilities at risk as medical staff may determine who receives life-saving critical care based on stereotypes or assumptions about disabilities.
As organizations that value and recognize the contributions of individuals who have disabilities, we are calling on the Ontario government to take the following actions:
- Immediately release the new Bioethics Table report and recommendations
- Hold open, accessible and inclusive consultation on how critical care triage decisions should be made
- Develop and make public any new directives or protocols related to critical care triage
- Ensure the constitutional and human rights of all patients, including individuals who have disabilities, are respected
“We are asking residents to email or call their MPP, demanding the Ontario Government release the Bioethics Table’s critical care triage report,” says Dunne. “We all have a right to see how life and death decisions will be made that could impact our parents, friends and family members.”
COVID-19 Update: January 12, 2021
The person who receives support and had tested positive for COVID-19 has recovered.
We are very happy for this person.
Ron Coristine
COVID-19 Update: January 7, 2021
The employee who tested positive for COVID-19 has recovered.
We are extremely happy for this person.
Ron Coristine
COVID-19 Update: January 1, 2021
A person who receives support has tested positive for COVID-19.
Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit personnel has advised that the person can self-isolate at home.
The person can come out of self-isolation on January 8 /21, at days end.
CLC-K employees are providing the best support.
Thanks.
Ron Coristine
COVID-19 Update: December 28, 2020
An employee of Community Living Chatham-Kent has tested positive for COVID-19.
CLC-K personnel has been in contact with Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit personnel.
We will be following direction provided by the CKPHU.
The CLC-K family wishes this person the very best.
Ron Coristine
COVID-19 Update: A Message from our Executive Director – December 3, 2020
Hello Everyone
I am pleased to report that Community Living Chatham-Kent had no cases of COVID-19 during the month of November.
I very much appreciate that everyone is practising all of the preventative measures.
CLC-K employees are the best employees.
The Christmas Concert was watched by many on YouTube last Friday. It was awesome.
I extend a huge thank you to the participants, St. Paul’s Congregational Church, Linda Woodman, Greg Homewood, Harry Arneill, and Tammy Chouinard, Manager of Community Relations.
The Holiday Calendar has sold out. Good luck to everyone who purchased one.
Merry Christmas and all the best in 2021.
Ron Coristine
COVID-19 Update: A Message from our Executive Director – November 3, 2020
Hello Everyone,
Community Living Chatham-Kent had no cases of COVID-19 during the month of October.
I commend everyone for this achievement.
Please continue to practise all of the preventative measures that are in place.
We were very happy to have Cynthia Lockrey from Lockrey Communications present the following three virtual workshops:
- Communicating with Families
- Crisis Communications
- Supporting Individuals who have Autism
Attendance at each workshop was excellent.
One hundred and seventy-five $25.00 Gift Certificates were purchased from Bowlerama so that people who lived independently or with families could go bowling. Also, CLC-K residential locations were able to designate $25.00 per person of their agency petty-cash so that each person who wanted to go bowling could. Bruce Cockburn, owner of Bowlerama, has been a great supporter of this agency.
CLC-K extends congratulations to all recipients of Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards.
The new Holiday Calendars are now available for $5.00, buy one soon.
Be well.
Ron Coristine
COVID-19 Update: A Message from our Executive Director – October 2, 2020
Hello Everyone,
Community Living Chatham-Kent had no cases of COVID-19 during the month of September.
Thank you for your outstanding efforts.
Programs are restarting and visits are occurring. Our hope is to not close programs and stop visits again but that cannot be guaranteed.
We will follow the guidance of the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit.
We are now in the second wave of this pandemic so please continue to practise all of the preventative measures that are in place.
Be well, and enjoy the colours and comfortable temperatures.
Ron Coristine
COVID-19 Update: A Message from our Executive Director – September 2, 2020
Hello Everyone
Community Living Chatham-Kent had no cases of COVID-19 during the month of August.
This has truly been a team effort, and CLC-K employees are the best employees.
Thank you to summer staff Savannah Emmott, Katrina Vitek, Calen Coristine, Danny DeSchinkel, and Evan Melillo. You were absolutely outstanding!
The Virtual 2020 Walkathon will be in September. Information will be available on the CLC-K website in the near future.
Enjoy the remaining days of summer.
Ron Coristine
COVID-19 Update: August 21, 2020
Community Living Chatham-Kent extends a big thank you to O Canada Masks for the donation of awesome Canada themed masks.
Also, we are grateful to Jill Pritchard for initiating the donation.
COVID-19 Update: A Letter from our Executive Director – August 4, 2020
People Who Access Services and Employees,
Community Living Chatham-Kent had no cases of COVID-19 during the month of July.
Thank you for your terrific efforts as we journey through this challenging period together.
Visits for people living in residential homes went well.
Live With Troy and Angela was a hit.
CLC-K very much appreciated the generosity of Michelle and Kyle Bunney, Rochelle VanDerwater, and LP WOOD LTD.
The Rob McLandress Make a Dream Come True Fund deadline was extended to August 20, 2020.
Please contact Tammy Chouinard, Manager of Community Relations, at tchouinard@clc-k.ca for information.
Unfortunately, the extremely popular Food Crawl had to be cancelled but we certainly hope to have it back in 2021.
Sports fans can now enjoy professional baseball, basketball, and hockey on television.
On behalf of Community Living Chatham-Kent, happy retirement to Colleen Buchanan, and Sandra Kent.
Be well.
Ron Coristine
COVID-19 Update: How to Safely Use a Non-Medical Mask or Face Covering – July 27, 2020
COVID-19 Update: A Letter from our Executive Director – July 2, 2020
Hello Everyone,
Community Living Chatham-Kent had no cases of COVID-19 during the month of June.
I commend all employees for that.
I extend a special thank you to Jennifer Ganley and Wayne Easterbrook for all of their work on behalf of OPSEU-Local 148, and Janice McFadden for maintaining the personal protective equipment (PPE) inventory.
We are getting through this challenging period together.
People living in the various residential homes began receiving visitors who followed protocols as set out by the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit. The visits have gone well.
Live With Troy and Angela’s Virtual Beach Party was a huge success. Gabriella Corso did an amazing job of leading the dances. Thanks Gabriella.
JOBWORX-Employment Services’ Summer Skills Building Program for Students commenced under the management of Steve Stokley.
CLC-K welcomes summer staff Savannah Emmott, Katrina Vitek, Calen Coristine, Danny DeSchinkel, and Evan Melillo.
Enjoy the great weather, and be well.
Ron Coristine
COVID-19 Update: June 2, 2020
Direct Support Professionals,
On behalf of the Senior Management team, thank you for your outstanding efforts as we journey through this global pandemic.
Community Living Chatham-Kent did not have a single COVID-19 positive diagnosis during the month of May.
We commend you for that.
You are role models for all Direct Support Professionals throughout Ontario.
Congratulations!
Sincerely,
Lisa, Lesa, Mickey, Brad, and Ron
COVID-19 Update: May 14, 2020
The upcoming Victoria Day holiday weekend will be like no other.
We will be practising social distancing, washing/sanitizing our hands, and many people will be wearing masks.
I encourage you to reflect on the things that you are grateful for.
The Senior Management team is grateful for the people who access services, their families, the outstanding agency employees, the people and businesses of Chatham-Kent, and the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit.
This Saturday there will be enormous goodness as the May 16th Miracle, a food drive for local food banks and organizations, will occur. We know that a pandemic does not stifle giving, in fact it fuels generosity.
We are working through this very challenging period together.
I wish you the best possible Victoria Day holiday weekend.
Sincerely,
Ron Coristine
COVID-19 Update: May 5, 2020
The third employee who tested positive for COVID-19 has been released by the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit. We are very happy for this person.
Community Living Chatham-Kent employees continue to provide the best supports to people. Thank you.
I assure you that our personal protective equipment (PPE) inventory is sufficient.
Stay tuned for a CLC-K video which will be released in the near future.
This is a challenging period but we are getting through it together.
Ron Coristine
COVID-19 Update: April 27, 2020
The third employee who tested positive for COVID-19 continues to recover.
Community Living Chatham-Kent extends best wishes to this person.
We know that this has not been an enjoyable time for the people who access services. Their resilience is admirable.
We are very appreciative of the families who have had to sacrifice so much because of the closures of Day Programs, and Respite Programs, and the restriction of visitors to residential homes.
Essential Direct Support Professionals and Managers have been outstanding. Thank you!
The personal protective equipment inventory is sufficient.
The agency continues to follow the guidance provided by the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit.
We will get through this challenging period together.
Ron Coristine
COVID-19 Thank You Chatham-Kent for Your Ongoing Support: April 21, 2020
Hams, hand sanitizers, face masks, fruit cups, paper towels and highly-coveted toilet paper are just some of the generous donations Community Living Chatham-Kent has received from local businesses and residents in recent weeks. These have been welcome gifts for an organization that has been directly impacted by COVID-19.
“As our organization and community adapts to a new reality due to COVID-19, the employees of Community Living Chatham-Kent have been touched by the generosity of the Chatham-Kent community,” explains Executive Director Ron Coristine. “These donations have brought smiles to the people accessing services and the employees impacted by this public health emergency.”
Community Living Chatham-Kent thanks the following organizations and individuals for their donations:
- Peter Tsirimbis, The Retro Suites Hoteland Chilled Cork Restaurant and Lounge – ready-made soup, fruit cups, toilet paper, paper towels, laundry soap, juice, toothpaste, hams, canned goods, and more
- Rob Myers and Don Tetrault– hams, brown beans, apple juice and laundry detergent
- Andrew Thiel for organizing a collective of 11 local businesses to make and distribute hand sanitizer
- Greenfield Global Inc. – hand sanitizer
- Scott Herbert, Dave Saunders – N95 masks
- Deb Walker, Linda Henderson, Stef Wood, Nga Phan, Nancy Blonde, Mary Blonde, Geri Ann Gillier – homemade cloth masks
- Willow Ridge Golf & Country Club, along with Cindy McFadden – 215 dinners for people supported and CLC-K employees
- North Kent Mutual Insurance – $500 to aid with COVID-19
- C-K Wind Farm collaboration – Entegrus, South Kent Wind Farm (Pattern Energy Canada), Talbot Wind Farm (Enbridge Inc.), Port Alma Wind Farm (Kruger Energy), Chatham Wind Farm (Kruger Energy), Raleigh Wind Farm (Tarraform Power), East Lake Saint Clair Wind Farm (Engie Canada), Erieau Wind Farm (Engie Canada), Gesner Wind Farm (Saturn Power), and Swanton Line Wind Farm (Boralex) will be donating 60 Mama Maria dinners on April 28th for people supported and CLC-K employees
“It’s amazing how an act of kindness can make such a difference in the lives of others,” said Coristine. “Thank you Chatham-Kent, and thank you to the essential employees of this organization who are superstars, coming to work every day and providing the best supports to people.”
COVID-19 UPDATE: April 16, 2020
The second employee who tested positive for COVID-19 was released by the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit on April 12th.
This was wonderful for the person.
The third employee who tested positive continues to recover.
Community Living Chatham-Kent extends best wishes to this person.
COVID-19 Message to Staff: April 15, 2020
To the Employees of CLC-K,
You continue to be absolutely amazing.
During difficult times people either crumble or rise to the occasion.
You have stepped up to the plate and hit the ball out of the park.
Yes, you are essential staff but you are also superstars.
Thanks!
Ron, Lisa, Lesa, Mickey, and Brad
COVID-19 UPDATE: April 13, 2020
The first employee who tested positive for COVID-19 was released by the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit on April 12th.
Community Living Chatham-Kent is extremely happy for this person.
The other two employees who tested positive continue to recover.
We wish each of them the very best.
COVID-19 Letter from our Executive Director: April 9, 2020
Good Afternoon Everyone,
As we will enter into this Easter weekend many of us will not see loved ones, will not be able to take our kids to the parks, arenas, and theatres, and will simply be uncomfortable in the world that we live in.
The effect of the global pandemic is widespread.
Thank-you for providing the best supports to the people who place their trust in this agency.
Your compassion, commitment, and understanding are extremely appreciated.
As you know, two people who live in a residential home have recovered from the COVID-19 virus and three employees are recovering.
We have the required amount of personal protective equipment on hand and we are working hard to access more.
The Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit continues to provide us with excellent guidance.
We will get through this as a team, together.
Soon there will be plenty of sunshine and the dark cloud will be gone.
I wish you the best possible Easter weekend.
Sincerely,
Ron
COVID-19 UPDATE: April 7, 2020
A third employee of Community Living Chatham-Kent has tested positive for COVID-19.
The person has been in self-isolation since March 26th.
The other two employees who tested positive continue to recover.
The Community Living Chatham-Kent family wishes each person the very best.
COVID-19 UPDATE for CLC-K Staff: April 6, 2020
On the advise of the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit, if you (an employee of CLC-K) present at the Assessment Centre for a person who accesses services or yourself, please request an Expedited Test/STAT Test.
This ensures that the people accessing services are prioritized (they would check off ‘institutional setting’ on the test requisition) for fast-tracked results.
Employees are to state that they work in a ‘group home setting’ with vulnerable people, if you are presenting for your own test.
It would remain the Assessment Centre’s discretion whether they process a CLC-K employee for an Expedited Test/STAT Test, but nonetheless, it is vital that this information is shared.
We had been informed by the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit that if a person who resided in a residential home had a fever, the person was to immediately enter into self-isolation, and all staff were to wear full personal protective equipment.
On April 3rd, in the evening, a person residing in a residential home had a fever. The person immediately went into self-isolation, and all staff were wearing full personal protective equipment.
On April 4th, though his fever was not present, an effort was made to take him for testing, however, he was agitated and not cooperative.
Does this person have COVID-19? We do not know.
Does this person not have COVID-19? We do not know.
Therefore, we are following the guidelines as set out by the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit.
COVID-19 UPDATE: April 2, 2020
On March 26th, Community Living Chatham-Kent learned that two people living in one of our residential homes had tested positive for COVID-19. These two individuals developed a fever on March 20th, and were taken to the hospital where they were tested for the virus. They have been in self-isolation since March 20th, at an unoccupied agency home. They will remain in self-isolation until April 3rd.
On March 31st, a staff member informed us of a positive test for COVID-19 and this person remains at home in self-isolation. This individual works in the residential home where the two people who tested positive live.
On April 1st, we were informed that a second staff tested positive for COVID-19. This person works in the residential home where the two people who tested positive live and where the one staff who tested positive works.
Community Living Chatham-Kent is continuing to work closely with the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit, following their guidance on health and safety procedures and recommendations.
In our commitment to supporting our residents and staff, we have implemented a number of measures to minimize the spread of the virus. These include:
· Restricting visitors to our residential homes
· Stopping non-essential supports within the agency
· Closing the three Day Programs and two Respite Programs
· Educating staff and residents on hand washing and other infection control measures
I thank the people who access services, staff, and families for working together during this challenging time. We will get through this together.
UPDATE: March 27, 2020
Ron Coristine, Executive Director, Community Living Chatham-Kent, has confirmed that two people who live in a residential home have tested positive for COVID-19.
The two individuals each had a fever last Friday, March 20th, and were taken to the hospital and tested.
Both persons immediately went into self-isolation on Friday, March 20th, at an agency home that was not being occupied by anyone.
The positive test results were shared with agency personnel last evening.
They will remain in self-isolation until Friday, April 3rd.
Their families have been contacted.
As of today, each person is doing well.
Community Living Chatham-Kent is grateful for the guidance that has been provided by the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit.
UPDATE: March 20, 2020
Community Living Chatham-Kent’s Administration building, and building at 101 Stewart Street are both closed to visitors.
UPDATE: March 17, 2020
Community Living Chatham-Kent Announces Closures – Community Living Chatham-Kent understands the importance of implementing measures to minimize the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Therefore, the agency’s three Day Programs (Park Avenue, Riverview Drive, and Sass Road) and two Respite Programs (Children’s, and Adult) are closing effective March 17th, until further notice.
A re-opening date for the programs will be shared at the appropriate time.
Also, daily non-essential supports ceased effective March 16th, until further notice.
Community Living Chatham-Kent highly values the health and well being of every person, provincially, nationally, and internationally.
Have questions? Check out our Q&A page here.
Any further questions can be directed to info@clc-k.ca.
More Resources:
For the latest updates in Chatham-Kent, please visit: https://ckphu.com/covid-19/
Think you might have COVID-19? Take a Self Assessment at: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/#q0
Latest News Releases:
January 15, 2021 – Ontario Extends Reopening Ontario Act Orders
December 21, 2020 – Ontario Announces Provincewide Shutdown to Stop Spread of COVID-19 and Save Lives
December 14, 2020 – Ontario Delivers First COVID-19 Vaccine in the Country
December 10, 2020 – Ontario extends COVID-19 Orders
November 21, 2020 – Province moving Chatham-Kent to Yellow-Protect tier to combat COVID spread | Chatham Daily News
November 2, 2020 – Ontario Implementing Additional Public Health and Testing Measures to Keep People Safe
October 20, 2020 – Ontario Extends COVID-19 Orders to Protect the Public
September 25, 2020 – Ontario Updates COVID-19 Testing Guidelines
September 19, 2020 – Ontario Limits the Size of Unmonitored and Private Social Gatherings across Entire Province
September 11, 2020 – Ontario Launches COVID-19 School and Licensed Child Care-specific Web Page
August 21, 2020 – Ontario Extends Orders Under the Reopening Ontario Act, 2020
August 20, 2020 – Create a Social Circle During COVID-19
August 19, 2020 – Get Support for Families – Up to $200-$250 Per Child for Back to School
August 5, 2020 – Ontario Provides More Supports for Families of Children on the Autism Spectrum
August 4, 2020 – COVID Alert Available for Download Beginning Today
July 16, 2020 – Ontario Extends Emergency Orders
July 13, 2020 – Nearly All Businesses and Public Spaces to Reopen in Stage 3
July 9, 2020 – Ontario Extends Emergency Orders
June 27, 2020 – Ontario Extends Emergency Orders to July 10
June 24, 2020 – Ontario Extends Declaration of Emergency to July 15
June 17, 2020 – Ontario Extends Emergency Orders
June 9, 2020 – Ontario Helping Parents Return to Work
June 2, 2020 – Ontario Extends Declaration of Emergency until June 30
May 27, 2020 – Ontario Extending Emergency Orders During COVID-19 Outbreak
May 19, 2020 – Health and Safety Top Priority as Schools Remain Closed
May 14, 2020 – Ontario Announces Additional Workplaces that Can Reopen
April 23, 2020 – Ontario Delivers Action Plan to Increase Protection for Vulnerable People and Those Who Care for Them
April 20, 2020 – Health Experts Say the COVID-19 Outbreak Has Likely Peaked in Ontario
April 10, 2020 – Enhanced testing strategy will help stop the spread of the virus
Downloads (PDF):
COVID-19 Information Guide By and For People with Disabilities
How to Help reduce the Spread of COVID-19
How To De-Escalate Stressful Situations
Taking Care of your Mental Health
Ensuring Our Own Wellbeing as We Care for Others
Cleaning and Disinfection for Public Settings
