The health and safety of our employees is of utmost importance, and keeping the people we serve healthy and safe is paramount to the work we do each and every day.
As people can be unaware that they are infected with COVID-19, we need to limit the opportunities for vulnerable people to be exposed to the virus. One way the virus can be spread is if a staff member unknowingly carries the virus to more than one worksite, potentially causing an outbreak.
On April 17, 2020, Dr. Saqib Shahab, Chief Medical Health Officer, issued a Public Health Order to restrict the movement of staff members among facilities (long term care and private care homes) by ensuring that each staff member works in only one facility, otherwise referred to as "cohorting." This approach has been implemented for other outbreaks, including influenza, but has never previously been implemented province-wide.
If you currently work at only one worksite, you do not need to do anything differently at this time. You will continue to work at your normal worksite.
If you work at more than one worksite, and one of those sites is a long-term care home, an integrated facility or a personal care home, you may be cohorted to work at only one worksite. When you notify your manager(s), you will be provided with a form to complete to identify your preferred worksite. Consideration will be given to your preferences, wherever practicable. It is important that you submit this form to all managers in the long-term or personal care home facilities where you work before 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 21, 2020.
Cohorting will be fully implemented by April 28, 2020. You will receive notice of the facility you have been cohorted to by end of day, April 27, 2020. Please continue to work your scheduled shifts at your scheduled worksites until you are informed otherwise.