NOTICE TO PEOPLE RECEIVING SERVICES, FAMILIES AND AGENCY PARTNERS

Be sure to read our Visitor Expectations as well.

At York Support Services Network, our primary concern continues to be the safety of the people we support, their families, and our staff, to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19.

We have addressed risks in a number of ways:

• We have offered our services virtually since March 2020.
• We have conducted detailed Infection Control assessments of our office locations through a certified Infection Control specialist.
• We have provided online training to our staff on COVID-19 and the use of personal protective equipment.
• We have limited the number of staff permitted in our offices.
• Prior to coming in to the office, staff must complete an on-line screening assessment, with the results monitored closely.
• We have increased and enhanced the cleaning and sanitizing of all of our offices.
• We require universal use of masks in all common areas.
• We have installed plexi-glass barriers in meeting rooms
• We have instituted routine protections to prevent the spread of infections, including frequent hand-washing or sanitizing, and social distancing.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have increased our virtual service offerings and will continue to provide options in this way. As we begin to re-establish community and office visits by September28, 2020, safety for everyone remains at the top of our minds. We want to highlight that your experience in meeting with us now may look quite different than prior to the pandemic. Visits may be shorter in length, or staff may have limited times when they can meet you face to face.

Our current circumstances also mean that we will require the following:

• An understanding that virtual visits will always be suggested first, as this the safest practice for all.
• As we re-open our office sites, visits will be by confirmed appointment only to support contact tracing.
• All visitors will be screened prior to the visit, and before they enter the building.
• In the case of a community visit, all other companions will also be screened.
• Visitors and staff will wear masks during the visit (we can provide these to visitors if you do not have your own supply)
• For community visits, we ask that you consider an outdoor setting, preferably a quiet location with a minimum of interruptions.
• We ask for your assurance that you have taken appropriate safety precautions, and that you have not put yourself in a situation that puts you, our staff and other people we support at risk.
• If we become aware of unsafe activities, we will adjust our services to minimize risk.

We are committed to ensuring that we provide you the support you need, in the safest way possible for everyone involved. We can do this only if we all work together to stay safe and well. We appreciate your continued patience as we work through these unprecedented times.

If you have questions, please connect with us at info@yssn.ca or connect with the staff member you are working with.

Kimberly Thorn
Executive Director