No images? Click here COVID-19 Update #24
COVID-19 has impacted all aspects of our lives and sadly has touched some people in our community with tragic results. During these challenging times, there have been positive stories as people have risen to the occasion to help others in the community in many different ways. #NiagaraTogether Niagara Region is launching an initiative this week to celebrate some of those good news stories and ask the community to contribute with theirs. Using the hashtag #NiagaraTogether, we are putting the call out to residents to share photos/videos of artwork in their windows or on their sidewalks/driveways which promote positivity during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are also looking to celebrate people who are doing good deeds for others. We are going to start #NiagaraTogether by continuing to recognize the great work being done by you and others in delivering essential services to Niagara residents. Deservedly so, much recognition has been given to our frontline workers in healthcare and our first responders. However there are many more people who are quietly doing their part and making sacrifices to provide other essential services to the community. Over the last few weeks many staff throughout our organization have embraced the changes needed to continue delivering our services. When you think back to just a few weeks ago and what our world looked like before the restrictions were implemented to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the difference is eye-opening. It has given me and others tremendous pride to watch so many people in our organization meet this challenge. Some have come up with creative ways to continue to do their work while taking steps to reduce the risk of illness. For example, there are staff in public works who have constructed dividers in their vehicles to provide a barrier for employees travelling together. One group of frontline staff we want to recognize is our team in waste management, and our partners at Niagara Recycling and contract collection staff. Staff at our landfill sites continue to provide a high standard of customer service during these times. The sites continue to be open providing essential services to commercial and contract haulers, as well as members of the community. At the curbside, our staff are working with the contract collection staff from Emterra and Canadian Waste Management to ensure the collection of garbage, recycling and organics is a priority. Niagara Recycling staff continue to sort and process Blue Box and Grey Box materials ensuring the continuation of these important services. Our staff have made adjustments in service levels to prioritize regular collection as we recognize this is a service which must carry on to keep our streets and neighborhoods clean. Changes in employee screening procedures As employees have been flexible during this pandemic, so too have our screening procedures. Beginning on Wednesday, May 6, the list of symptoms included in our screening tool will expand to include:
Please note the presence of the word “unusual,” as the intent is to detect those who have symptoms that they do not typically have and cannot readily explain. If you have unique circumstances and are unsure of how to answer any of the questions on the screening tool, we encourage you to contact the COVID-19 hotline for confidential advice; you can find the information on the COVID-19 webpage. Employees entering care-based facilities such as long-term care homes, child care centres or Niagara EMS locations are only required to complete the enhanced active screening specific to that site. Those entering all other Niagara Region facilities (not care-based) must complete the employee screening tool (online or as directed by supervisor) once per day. Once completed, the employee can enter multiple Niagara Region facilities that day, provided they do not begin to experience symptoms. The Employee Screen Manual Tracking Forms for leaders will be updated on the COVID-19 Staff Resources page under the “People Leaders” section by Wednesday, May 6. I thank you for your diligence and honesty in considering all items on the screening tool. Together, Niagara Region employees are taking the reasonable measures that we are able to take to protect the health of our colleagues and visitors. Partnership with Brock University for accommodation We are also pleased that Brock University, a community partner, is making student residences available to frontline Regional health care employees who may have direct contact with COVID-19. Right now, the focus is on EMS responders in an effort to prevent their families from being exposed to illness. Residence units in the University’s Village complex are available at no cost, for use by Regional health care staff who have difficulty isolating themselves from their families in their own homes. To begin with, the program will use 27 of the two-bedroom units, a number that could grow. Ask your manager for more details. Over the coming weeks as we start planning Niagara’s recovery from COVID-19, we must all continue to look for ways to be innovative and nimble to continue to provide the services on which our community depends. Ron Tripp, Acting CAO |