COVID-19 Updates from Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region

Last updated: October 2022

This page is dedicated to Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region’s response to COVID-19. Please watch this space for updates.

We are closely monitoring updates from Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services and local municipalities and we will continue to keep you updated and informed of any changes.

Click on the topics below for more information.

Information for Families and Direct Support People

Information for Families and Direct Support People

EAFWR’s Response

As an agency supported by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS), as well as the Ministry of Health (MOH), EAFWR has been required throughout the pandemic to adhere to different standards for vaccination requirements, personal protective equipment use and distancing measures, in recognition of the health vulnerabilities faced by some of the people we support.

A recent directive from the Ministry of Health through our local Home and Community Care Support Services has indicated that the mask mandate should remain in place for support provided where physical distancing is not possible. Therefore, we are asking all of our team members – both in the office and in the community – to continue observing the mask requirements in the COVID-19 Health and Safety section, outlined below.

We will revisit the mask mandate later this fall, or when guidance from our supporters is updated.

The majority of our staff have returned to the office part-time. Our new office hours are 9:00am-12:00pm and 1:00-4:30pm. If you have an appointment booked during that time, please ring the doorbell and we will let you in.

If you are looking to speak with a specific team member, such as your Coordinator, please schedule your appointment in advance to ensure they are available to meet with you. Our staff team’s contact information can be found in our staff directory or by calling our Community Ambassador at (519) 741-0190 ext. 0, who can direct you to the right person.

Please continue to follow the COVID-19 Health and Safety protocols outlined below when visiting the office.

COVID-19 Health and Safety
We recognize that each direct support relationship is unique, and that each family and person will have a different comfort level with seeing other people during this time. Open and honest communication is the key to continuing connection, while seeking to minimize the risk of exposure.

It remains important to follow public health guidelines. As has been our practice throughout COVID-19, families, Direct Support People and FamilyHome Providers are asked to continue taking the COVID-19 self-assessment before each visit.

Direct Support People are required to use face coverings when physical distancing is not possible. All staff and visitors are required to wear masks while visiting our office. We recommend masks for people supported where they can be tolerated and for families while a DSP is present, and for FamilyHome Providers. Masks remain available at our office for pick-up.

Changes to Service:

Workshops:

Communications

Communications

We are committed to providing the people we serve, our families and staff with COVID-19 updates as we receive new information and direction. See below for letters that have been sent to families and staff:

Families
Direct Support People

Vaccination Information

Vaccine Registration in Waterloo Region

Anyone who is six months and older is eligible to get a vaccine.

Parents can book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment for children aged 5 to 11 years to receive their booster dose and children 6 months to 4 years to receive their first of two doses. These appointments can be scheduled at a Regional vaccination clinic or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900

As of October 17, anyone 12 years of age and older who has completed their primary series of COVID-19 vaccinations will be eligible for a bivalent booster dose at a regional vaccination clinic, or at a participating pharmacy or doctor’s office across Waterloo Region.

The Pfizer COVID-19 bivalent vaccine has been recommended for individuals 12+ as a booster dose at six months after their last dose (or at least three months with informed consent). Region of Waterloo Public Health's clinics will also continue to offer the bivalent Moderna booster.

You can book an appointment at a Regional vaccination clinic through the Provincial COVID-19 Vaccination Portal, or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY for people who are deaf, hearing-impaired or speech-impaired: 1-866-797-0007).

Please call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre to book an appointment if you are experiencing difficulties when booking it online.

Learn more about the vaccine and booking an appointment: https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/health-and-wellness/covid-19-vaccination-pre-registration.aspx

If you have any questions regarding the vaccine and its process, please contact Region of Waterloo Public Health at 519-575-4400 or by email.

Region of Waterloo Public Health and the Province of Ontario have created a number of resources and guides to help residents better understand the vaccination rollout efforts locally and across the province:

Plain Language Resources

Translated Materials

Additional Resources

Resources and Activities from EAFWR

Resources and Activities from EAFWR

As an organization, we understand and value the importance of mental health and well-being. We know there may be some concern, anxiety and stress about the pandemic. We wanted to share some resources and activities that may be helpful to you.

Have a resource or idea you’d like to share? Please email communications@eafwr.on.ca 

COVID-19 Resources from Healthcare Organizations

Municipal Updates about COVID-19

Community Resources

Community Groups, Initiatives and Services

Phone Support

Mental Health Resources

Activities