April 30 COVID-19 Update
This message includes

  • New Public Health Orders: updated operational and outbreak guidelines, and new visitation guidelines for licensed supportive living and long-term care. 
  • April 29 SPPC meeting update: addressing the well-being and mental health of individuals
New Public Health Orders address quality of life

The new orders make amendments intended to balance health safety, while supporting the quality of life of those in care settings.  
New Public Health Order (CMOH Order 12-2020): updated operational and outbreak guidelines

CMOH Order 12-2020  amends and replaces CMOH Order 10-2020 (the April 10 Public Health Order). The amendments relevant to PDD group homes, include: 

  • Clarity on guidelines for different congregate settings 
  • An expanded list of symptoms for residents, and revised COVID-19 Screening Questionnaires to capture a more broad range of symptoms 
  • Direction to test all residents in a site/unit in the case of a new confirmed outbreak of COVID-19 
  • Recommendations on continuous use of eye protection in the case of a continued COVID-19 transmission 
  • Additional clarity on when residents move out temporarily (e.g. move in with a child temporarily)
  • Guidelines for consideration to support quality of life, including consideration for those residents living with cognitive impairments  
New Public Health Order (CMOH Order 14-2020): updated visitation guidelines

CMOH Order 14-2020  amends and replaces CMOH Order 09-2020 (the April 9 Public Health Order). The key amendments relevant to PDD homes, include: 

  • Clarification with respect to Designated Essential Visitor: A resident may identify a temporary replacement designated essential visitor for approval if the designated essential visitor is unable to perform their role for a period of time (e.g. self-isolation, other caregiving duties, or otherwise unable). 
  • Outdoor visits: the new order allows outdoor visits with the designated essential visitor and one other person (maximum group of 3, including the resident). 
April 29 SPPC Update: Message from Andrea Hesse, CEO
I have spoken with several of you over the past week concerned with the well-being and mental health of individuals, and the stability of living situations given the extended nature of substantial closures to community access and day programs. We have raised this issue previously, but this week strongly advocated for a plan to address reengaging day programming, at least in a limited capacity as part of the phased reopening plans and based on guidance from AHS. These conversations occurred both at yesterday’s Service Provider Partnership Committee meeting, and directly with staff from the Minister’s office. 

We also reviewed the invoicing process to address COVID-19 costs and discussed potential federal funding available to provinces to address wage subsidies.   
ACDS COVID-19 contact email
Service provider input and engagement are critical to helping ACDS advocate on behalf of the sector. Service providers can report their issues, concerns and questions to our dedicated email, and a member of the ACDS Leadership team will respond:
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Alberta Council of Disability Services