As of March 27th, 2021, Newfoundland and Labrador entered Alert Level 4 as a significant decline of active cases occurred from Alert Level 5. As both new and active cases COVID-19 continued to decline, Newfoundland and Labrador entered Alert Level 2, in which Choices for Youth (CFY) made adjustments to operations to follow all Public Health safety measures while also providing safe and reliable program delivery.
Continuation of a Phased Approach at CFY
CFY progresses through different internal phases using a two-week lag in comparison to when Government of Newfoundland and Labrador reduces alert levels, and an immediate adjustment if alert levels are increased. CFY is continuing to respond with a phased approach to relaxing measures across sites and programs, with all sites and programs entering Phase D on April 10th, 2021. Our current phase, Phase D, is being monitored by our Senior Leadership Team as they are paying close attention to the province’s reopening plans and guidelines.
The following measures have been implemented as a part of CFY’s Phase D operations, in line with Public Health guidelines:
General Working Procedures
Any staff with COVID-19 symptoms are required to say home and recommended to follow Public Health guidance, including potentially contacting Public Health. Staff who come to work sick will be sent home.
Any staff who is given direction from Public Health to self-isolate should get in touch with their supervisor to discuss the appropriate leave/accommodation options.
Staff and teams should continue meet using online tools where appropriate.
Staff can resume in-person meetings where space allows. Physical distancing should be maintained, with non-surgical masks used when physical distancing is not possible.
Any staff returning from out of country or out of province for any reason should inform their supervisor right away and are required to follow all guidance from Public Health.
Any staff with a member of their household returning from out of the country or out of province should discuss the situation with their supervisor and are required to follow all guidance from Public Health.
Any staff with other employment arrangements where they may be exposed to individuals who are COVID-19 positive (e.g. long-term care facility, hospital, etc.), must inform their supervisor and are required to follow all guidance from Public Health.
Any staff who has identified a potential need for workplace accommodation should connect directly with their supervisor and Human Resources department.
Cloth masks required at all CFY sites and when working as follows:
At CFY sites in all common areas (washrooms, hallways, kitchen space, etc.) regardless of distance.
In CFY offices when physical distancing cannot be maintained.
When in public spaces for work-related reasons (e.g. supporting a young person in community, grocery shopping, etc.).
When in a company vehicle and/or transporting staff/youth in a personal vehicle.
All site visitors (youth, staff, postal workers, cleaners, etc.) screened for symptoms and travel history using site intercoms prior to permitting entry to CFY sites.
If person does not pass the screener, they are not to be permitted entry to CFY site and should be supported to connect with Public Health.
Staff may be assigned tasks outside of their regular job description based on emergent needs and availability as pandemic response protocols and plans evolve.
Volunteer and student activities may continue based on identified needs; Coordinators should discuss safety protocols with Managers to ensure all Public Health guidelines are followed.
New volunteer activities may be implemented. Programs should discuss volunteer initiatives with Coordinator prior to implementation to ensure all Public Health guidelines are followed.
Evaluation of public events such as open houses, focus groups and fundraisers with reduced capacity based on guidance and recommendations from Public Health.
In-kind donations can be accepted at all sites.
Limited supply of medical grade personal protective equipment kits secured. These are to be used only if a staff member needs to directly interact with a symptomatic young person. Coordinate with Supervisor and Human Resources for access.
Continuation of increased safety protocols at all sites, including:
Increased frequency of cleaning and disinfecting
Informational posters and reminders of diligent hygiene
Mandatory mask usage
Physical distancing measures
Screening of all site visitors
Administrative teams have resumed work duties back to on-site operations. Please consult with your Coordinator or Manager for guidance.
Teams that had modified their co-working areas have returned back to regular work spaces. Please consult with your Coordinator or Manager for guidance, including support with following Public Health guidelines.
As of April 10, face shields are no longer required and are optional when working as follows:
When physical distancing cannot be maintained
When working in CFY residential settings (inside the housing/shelter units/buildings)
When dispensing medication
When in a work vehicle and physical distancing cannot be maintained.
In the circumstances where physical distancing cannot be maintained (e.g. in a truck), all passengers are required to wear safety goggles.
Transportation
Transportation of youth in personal vehicles may resume. If transporting a young person in person vehicle:
Everyone in vehicle must wear masks
One passenger only (sitting in backseat)
Hand sanitizer must be used prior to entering vehicle
In the circumstances where physical distancing cannot be maintained (e.g. in a truck), all passengers are required to wear safety goggles.
Company vehicles and/or personal vehicles used to transport youth need to be sanitized:
At each shift change
At the end of each day
After transporting a young person
Anyone using a company vehicle and/or transporting staff/youth in personal vehicle must complete screener prior to entering vehicle.
Any person that does not pass the screener should not to be permitted entry into vehicle and should be supported to connect with Public Health.
Bus passes provided for youth as needed.
Taxi approvals for youth provided as needed and with supervisory approval.
Programming
All programs at CFY are still operational, with potential capacity restrictions and/or safety measures put into place. For specific questions or support with referrals, please connect with the program team:
Outreach and Youth Engagement, Momma Moments, Upstream – (709) 754-3047
The Choices Shelter – (709) 757-3050
RallyForward – (709) 754-0446
The Lilly – (709) 739-1019
All group programming, recreational activities, and arts and cultural activities may resume.
On-site programming activities must maintain physical distancing and/or wearing masks when unable to do so. Capacity to be determined based on space availability.
All shared spaces sanitized twice a day by staff, including all washrooms and following Public Health recommendations.
All shared spaces (including programming areas, common areas and shared office spaces) to be cleaned after use and cleaning form signed.
Pre-screening to continue prior to individuals entering into buildings.
Pre-screening with young people will continue in residential pogroms each morning and when they leave and re-enter program sites.
Programming is operating on-site with modifications as per Public Health recommendations.
Continuation of individual supports and online activities where appropriate.
Individual Visits
Individual visits will continue where social distancing can be maintained.
Contact should be done in-person whenever possible, in adherence with physical distancing policies and youth visit schedules.
In-person visits will be decided upon in consultation with the Team Lead or Coordinator based on needs of individual young people.
Pre-screening questions asked prior to staff interacting with youth in-person.
Masks must be worn when physical distancing cannot be maintained.
Daily assessment of risks conducted.
Medical Support
Daily medication distribution continued according to program guidelines while practicing physical distancing.
Medication dispensing will be completed in compliance with individual needs.
CFY medical team has returned to in-person care. Virtual (phone) appointments available for youth as needed.
Food Services
In-person meal services are reinstated.
For Outreach meal service, three seatings will be offered to allow for a maximum of 16 youth on-site per seating.
Up to three people allowed in the physical kitchen space at CFY Outreach & Youth Engagement Centre, with adherence to physical distancing, mask wearing and all food safety measures.
Social Enterprises
Social enterprises are compliant with all Public Health guidelines relating to business operations, capacity and safety protocols. This may include closures or reduced operations based on Public Health guidance.
CFY will continue to follow updates made available by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and encourage you all to stay informed and up-to-date with information by visiting the Gov NL COVID-19 site here.
Our agile response is made possible by the collective work of all staff members, and we will continue to review capacity across programs and respond as necessary to ensure that we are able to provide a consistent level of program and service delivery across the organization.