COVID-19 Outbreak Contingency Plan

PROTÉGÉ SCHOOL
COVID-19 OUTBREAK CONTINGENCY PLAN

Covid-19 Outbreak Coordinators:

 

 

1. COVID-19 RISK REDUCTION AND PREPAREDNESS

  • Personal Practices

    Fundamental personal public health measures must be maintained for the duration of the pandemic these include.

    • Stay informed, be prepared and follow public health advice.
    • Practice good hygiene (hand hygiene, avoid touching face, respiratory etiquette).
    • Hand hygiene refers to washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
    • Stay at home and away from others if symptomatic/feeling ill - not going to school/work
    • Maintain physical distancing as much as possible when outside of the home (i.e. from non-household members)
    • Avoid crowded places and non-essential travel
    • Maintain a two-metre separation from others when outside of the household; also referred to as maintaining “physical distancing”.
    • Avoiding common greetings, such as handshakes.
    • Encouraging persons at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19 to stay home unless necessary. These high-risk persons are older adults and persons with serious underlying medical conditions (e.g., heart disease, high blood pressure, lung disease, diabetes, cancer) or weakened immune systems from a medical condition or treatment such as chemotherapy.
    • Government limitations on the number of people that can gather in one place.
    • Self monitoring, isolation and quarantine.
    • All individuals should self-monitor for symptoms compatible with COVID-19 and if symptoms develop, they should isolate themselves at home, seek medical attention as required and follow direction of their public health authority. If the individual is unable to self-monitor who requires care, caregivers will be responsible for monitoring the person in their care for symptoms compatible with COVID-19 and if symptoms develop, (proceed with Covid-19 Symptoms). Public health follow-up will ensure appropriate isolation of cases and quarantine (self-isolation) of contacts according to public health guidance for the management of cases and contacts. Cleaning and disinfecting personal and learning tool(s) surfaces and objects.
    • Routine cleaning and disinfection of frequently used surfaces and objects to help prevent the transmission of COVID-19
      • Pre-empt CS20 is used on all high touch surfaces.
      • A ratio of 5 millilitres (mL) of bleach per 250 mL of water for bleachable high touch surfaces.
      • 70% isopropyl Alcohol.
    • Wearing a medical mask, or if not available an NMM or cloth face covering, if experiencing symptoms (see Covid-19 exposure), and if will be in close contact with others or going out to access medical care.
    • Wearing of non-medical masks (NMMs) or cloth face coverings is recommended for periods of time when it is not possible to consistently maintain a two-metre physical distance from others, particularly in crowded public settings.
    • Reducing personal non essential travel.
  • Communications and Student/Public Education Mission

    The message is to reduce risk of transmission by empowering and reinforcing public health measures.
    • The message is to reduce risk of transmission by empowering and reinforcing public health measures:
      • Commitment to the adherence of Ministry of Health guidelines, the Toronto Public Health unit and compliance of all legislation, including the Occupational Health and Safety Act; for more information about environmental cleaning protocols, refer to Appendix A - Public Health Ontario’s Cleaning and Disinfection for Public Settings guidance document or https://www.publichealthontario.ca/-/media/documents/ncov/factsheet-covid-19-environmental-cleaning.pdf?la=en
      • Modeling desirable behaviour (e.g., physical distancing and wearing appropriate PPE) to make it the social norm.
      • Provide updated, clear and consistent information to prioritized student body and faculty through email, webinars and signage .
      • Core public health measures for all settings; as no targeted therapies or vaccine are available at this time, all community settings (includes classroom, administrative, and social) need to follow core PHMs to maximize the ability as a society to control the rapid spread of the virus. These core PHMs apply to all community settings, regardless of the specific characteristics of the setting and the individuals who frequent it, and the current level of COVID-19 activity. They consist of physical distancing measures in the community setting, promotion of personal practices and scrupulous attention to environmental cleaning. Details of these community-based measures are provided below. Workplace considerations for NMM use are also discussed below.
      • Physical distancing measures as described by the government of Canada public health services currently states maintaining a two-meter separation from others.
      • Promotion of personal practices as listed above.
      • Passive screening measures at all settings. This consists of signage at points of entry to remind people not to enter if they are ill. Similar messages are communicated on voicemails and websites and “Return to School Online Briefing”.
      • Vaccination Policy: the entire Protégé’s population, employees, staff, students, contractors and volunteers, must read and understand the College Vaccination Policy returning to in-person training and/or coming to the school facilities, starting September 7, 2021. The Vaccination Policy requires the entire Protégé population to provide proof of either:
        • proof of full vaccination1 against COVID-19; or
        • written proof of a medical reason, provided by a physician or registered nurse in the extended class that sets out:
          • a documented medical reason for not being fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and
          • the effective time period for the medical reason; i.e., permanent or time-limited).
        • proof of completing an educational session approved by the school about the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination prior to declining vaccination for any reason other than a medical reason. The approved educational session must, at a minimum address:
          • how COVID-19 vaccines work.
          • vaccine safety related to the development of the COVID-19 vaccines.
          • the benefits of vaccination against COVID-19.
          • risks of not being vaccinated against COVID-19; and
          • possible side effects of COVID-19 vaccination.
    • ** Those who do not provide proof of vaccination will be required to undertake regular antigen testing
      • Active screening and asking questions about symptoms
        • Before and on arrival at school
        • Before transportation to, upon arrival at, and before departure of remote workshops, outreach, and living quarters for international students
        • Where there will be close contact between provider (student) and client (student/public) 
        • Maintain a daily visitor log which will be available upon entry into the facility. The daily log will be kept on file for 30 days. The daily visitors log will include 
        • Full name and contact information; Phone number and address 
        • Date and reason of visit
        • Confirmation of notification of arrival to the office
        • Time of arrival
        • Signed attestation that the visitor has completed the Protégé School screening questionnaire and has answered all screening questions honestly; they have not withheld any vital health information and agree to adhere to all health and safety protocols set out by the college in accordance to the Ontario Ministry of health and Toronto Public health measures. 
    • Enhanced environmental cleaning of work/study places and public places to reduce the risk of contact transmission of COVID-19, which occurs through touching surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus and then touching one’s eyes, nose or mouth. These high touch or frequently touched surfaces include; doorknobs, handrails, elevator buttons, light switches, cabinet handles, faucet handles, tables, countertops and electronics. In classroom settings, such surfaces may also include tools, machines, equipment and furniture (i.e., massage tables, stools, trolleys)
    • In addition to routine cleaning, these high-touch surfaces and shared spaces such as kitchens and bathrooms are cleaned and disinfected every several hours, as well as when visibly dirty.
      • Pre-empt CS20 is used on all high touch surfaces
      • a ratio of 5 millilitres (mL) of bleach per 250 mL of water for bleachable high touch surfaces
      • 70% isopropyl Alcohol
    • Education and training on safe use of products used for cleaning, disinfecting and the proper use and removal of PPE’s is provided to student, staff and cleaning crew.
    • A fact sheet on procedures for cleaning and disinfecting public spaces (e.g., schools, universities, public libraries, museums, public transit, communal residences and workplaces) is available as per Government of Canada Public Health Services
    • Conduct online briefings on health and safety protocols for both the student body and department personnel. 100% attendance is mandatory without exception, these virtual seminars will provide clear and consistent information including:
      • The Corona virus, its transmission and prevention
      • Personal Measures to prevent
      • Screening process and directives for entering the facility/classroom
      • Hand sanitizing and PPE disposing stations upon arrival and dismissal of school grounds
      • Hand washing policies; before and after each practical session
      • Signage and their directives (e.g., physical distancing and PPE removal)
      • Disinfecting protocols and contact times, including approved products by Health Canada
      • All must complete the Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) modules and (IPAC) Hand Hygiene Training
      • Q & A among attendees:
        • identifying and addressing concerns
        • sharing information and obtaining feedback

 

2. PROTÉGÉ MITIGATION STRATEGIES

  • Steps taken to identify possible COVID-19 exposure risks

    and considerations of steps to mitigate risks when reopening should an outbreak occur involve evaluating the workplace/learning environment for areas where staff/students/public frequent contact with each other and share spaces, surfaces and objects. Additional measures are required when physical distancing is not possible in the workplace.

    • Physical Distancing and Engineering Controls - Continue telephone work/appointments, arrangements/communication whenever possible, especially for individuals at risk of severe disease (older adults, people with chronic illnesses and immunocompromised individuals).
    • Implement other arrangements to reduce physical contact, such as flexible work hours, staggered start times, use of email, teleconferencing and online meetings.
    • Using visual cues to encourage a two-metre separation (e.g., floor markings).
    • For retail settings – modifying service delivery approach to prevent or limit contact between employees and customers and between customers; restricting customer numbers in one place.
    • Maintain the option of online learning.
    • Continue teleworking for administrative staff if possible.
    • Staggering the schedule to limit the numbers of students/faculty in attendance at one time.
    • Staggering the timing of breaks during the day (e.g. lunch break, recess break) to limit numbers in the same location at the same time.
    • Dividing classes/groups into smaller numbers of students.
    • Increasing desk distance between students.
    • Restricting or managing flow of common areas in the setting including hallways.
    • Not allowing assemblies, where physical distancing is not possible.
    • For lunch break – implementing eat out options only; as kitchen and common areas are not available in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
  • Administrative controls

    • Continue telephone work/appointments, arrangements/communication whenever possible, especially for individuals at risk of severe disease (older adults, people with chronic illnesses and immunocompromised individuals).
    • Maintain a daily visitor log which will be available upon entry into the facility. The daily log will be kept on file for 30 days. The daily visitors log will include
      • Full name and contact information; Phone number and address
      • Date and reason of visit
      • Confirmation of notification of arrival to the office
      • Time of arrival
      • Signed attestation that the visitor has completed the Protégé School screening questionnaire and has answered all screening questions honestly; they have not withheld any vital health information and agree to adhere to all health and safety protocols set out by the college in accordance to the Ontario Ministry of health and Toronto Public health measures.
    • Implementing other arrangements to reduce physical contact, such as flexible work hours, staggered start times, use of email, teleconferencing and online meetings.
    • Increase the spatial separation between desks and workstations as well as between individuals (e.g., employees, customers) from each other
    • Using visual cues to encourage a two-metre separation (e.g., floor markings)
    • For retail settings – modifying service delivery approach to prevent or limit contact between employees and customers and between customers; restricting customer numbers in one place.
    • Maintaining the option of online learning.
    • Continue teleworking for administrative staff if possible.
    • Staggering the schedule to limit the numbers of students/faculty in attendance at one time.
    • Staggering the timing of breaks during the day (e.g. lunch break, recess break) to limit numbers in the same location at the same time.
    • Dividing classes/groups into smaller numbers of students.
    • Increasing desk distance between students.
    • Restricting or managing flow of common areas in the setting including hallways.
    • Not allowing assemblies, where physical distancing is not possible.
    • For lunch break – implementing eat out options only; as kitchen and common areas are not available in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
    • Ensure that strict exclusion policies are in place and implemented for staff/faculty and students/public who are ill.
    • Giving staff and students at higher risk of severe illness or with family members at higher risk the option to stay at home and delay the practical component of program in accordance to all contractual commitments (incl., Student Enrollment Contract, third party funding).
    • Teach students/staff and implement non-stigmatizing language how to identify symptoms of COVID-19 and instruct the students to speak to a COVID-19 Outbreak Coordinator if they are experiencing symptoms.
    • Classes contain the same students/faculty each day.
    • Cancel or modify programs/events that bring students from different classes/groups together (i.e., graduation ceremony).
    • Provide education on hand hygiene .
    • Moving some activities outdoors if possible (i.e., graduation ceremony).
  • PPEs and NMMs

    • Use Surgical Masks, Non-Medical Masks or cloth face coverings when physical distancing is not easy to maintain in the workplace/practical setting (e.g., both a student therapist and their client or staff and their appointments).
    • Use of gloves and other PPE’s (i.e., goggles, sleeve covers, face shields) are provided to all staff, faculty and students to wear when appropriate and suitable for the setting (practical vs theoretical).

 

3. NOTIFICATIONS IN THE EVENT OF A POSITIVE CASE(S) OF COVID-19

  • Contact must be made to the Covid-19 Response team of Cheng, Angela and Jason.
  • The Response team will:
    • Contact Public Health/MOH to inform them of the positive case and to receive direction/updates.
    • Contact the individuals via email, telephone, texting, social medias [WeChat, WhatApp] who would have come into contact with the individual who has tested positive which will include:
      • Classmates
      • Other Students at the institution
      • Staff/administration
      • Faculty
      • Cleaning Staff to conduct cleaning and disinfecting: Clean
        • Wear disposable gloves to clean and disinfect.
        • Clean surfaces using soap and water, then use Disinfectant.
        • Cleaning with soap and water reduces number of germs, dirt and impurities on the surface. Disinfecting kills germs on all surfaces.
        Disinfect
    • Contact building/property management directly at both 3390 and 4040 locations to assure contact information for other tenants is accurate and available.
    • Contact other tenants directly to provide information regarding their steps for testing and medical direction if the positive case was at or within their facility.
    • Contact Visitors of Protégé using visitor logs to verify who was at the facility during the 24-hour time frame that the individual, who tested positive, was present to provide steps for testing and medical direction.
    • Post Notice and Signage at the entrance.

 

4. SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS, STAFF AND FACULTY DURING ISOLATION

  • In the event that individuals are required to self-isolate due to the three following criteria:
    • Exposed to COVID-19.
    • Have Symptoms of COVID-19.
    • Have COVID-19.
  • Protégé will provide support and encouragement to students/faculty/staff:
    • to take care of their mental health and wellbeing by informing them of the support services and resources are available, such as the Wellness Together Canada: Mental Health and Substance Use Support portal which provides self-assessments, self-guided courses and apps along with online community support, coaching and one to one counselling for those struggling with the stressors being dealt with during this time.
    • by ensuring they are aware of financial and other support programs available to those with financial instability related to COVID-19. Information on Government of Canada assistance is available at Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan.
    • by their continued work with local PHA and Ministry of Health to promote reliable and accurate messages about COVID-19.
    • Through additional care and support programs to assist them with the following needs and services during their time in isolation if needed:
    • Delivery for meals, essentials and medications.
    • Services for laundry, cleaning, and garbage pick-up.
    • Accessible and flexible off-site options for academic/work.
    • Access to academic/work materials, aids and technologies.
    • Entertainment and access to other supplies.

 

5. STEPS TO GET BETTER

  • Monitor for the following symptoms for 14 days after exposure:
    • Fever Cough
    • Difficulty breathing
    • Sore throat
    • Runny nose
    • Loss of taste or smell
    • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
    • Difficulty swallowing
  • Disease symptoms may be different, depending on age. Children and older adults with COVID-19, may also have non-specific symptoms, such as:
    • Disorientation, confusion
    • Sleeping more than usual or muscle aches
    • Dizziness, weakness or falls
    • Chills, headache
  • During this time limit contact with others, wear a mask or face covering and continue to follow all Hand Hygiene Protocols. If you develop symptoms self isolate immediately.
    • Self- Isolate and contact Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000
    • Stay home
      • Do not go outside, unless on to a private balcony or private enclosed yard where you can avoid close contact with others.
      • Do not use public transportation, taxis or ride-shares.
      • Shop online or have a friend or family member pick up supplies for you.
    • Avoid contact with others
    • Do not have visitors unless essential (e.g. care providers).
    • Stay away from seniors and people with chronic medical conditions (e.g. diabetes, lung problems, immune deficiency).
    • As much as possible, stay in a separate room from other people in your home and use a separate bathroom if you have one.
    • If you have to be in contact with others, practise physical distancing and keep at least two metres/six feet between yourself and other people.
    • Make sure that shared rooms have good airflow (e.g. open windows).
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes
    • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
    • Throw used tissues in a wastebasket lined with a plastic bag, and clean your hands.
    • Clean your hands after emptying the wastebasket.
    • If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hand.
  • Clean your hands
    • Clean your hands often with soap and water and lather for at least 15 seconds.
    • Dry your hands with a paper towel, or with your own cloth towel that no one else shares.
    • Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer (70-90% alcohol concentration) if your hands are not visibly dirty.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unclean hands.
  • Wear a mask over your nose and mouth
    • Wear a mask if you must leave your house to see a health care provider.
    • Wear a mask if you are within two metres/six feet of other people, or stay in a separate room.
    • Ensure your mask completely covers your nose and mouth and make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask.
    • If a medical mask is not available, a non-medical mask or face covering (e.g. homemade cloth mask, dust mask, bandana, or scarf) can be worn.
    • If you cannot wear a mask, people should wear a mask when they are in the same room as you.
  • Clean your home
    • Clean your home with regular household cleaners.
    • Clean frequently touched items such as toilets, sink tap handles, doorknobs and bedside tables on a daily basis.
  • Avoid sharing household items
    • Do not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, bedding or other items with others.
    • After use, these items should be washed with soap or detergent in warm water. No special soap is needed.
    • Dishwasher and washing machines can be used.
    • Do not share cigarettes.
  • Monitor your symptoms
    • If you develop symptoms or your symptoms are worsening, and you are concerned, contact Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000 or your health care provider.
    • If you need urgent medical attention, contact 911.
  • Travel to and from the hospital or health care provider’s office
    • Do not use public transportation.
    • Drive yourself if possible.
    • If driving yourself is not possible, arrange a ride with a family member, friend, taxi, or ride share. Sit in the back seat, open the window, and wear a mask.
    • If you take a taxi/ride share, record company name and operator number
    • International students will have accommodations made in this circumstance
  • Inform your contacts if you have symptoms of COVID-19
    • Please inform anyone who lives in your household and anyone else you had close contact with to isolate for 14 days from the last day they had contact with you.
    • Inform Protégé School 416-754-9866
    • This applies to anyone you had close contact with up to 48 hours before you were sick and while you were sick.
  • When to end self-isolation
    • If you had symptoms:
    • Isolate for 14 days beginning when your symptoms started.
    • After 14 days, you can stop isolating if you no longer have a fever and your symptoms have improved, but you should continue with physical distancing measures. If you are still unwell at 14 days, contact Telehealth or your health care provider.
    • If you did not have COVID-19 symptoms but were tested:
    • Follow the advice of public health.
  • If you had contact with someone with COVID-19 or COVID-19 symptoms:
    • Isolate for 14 days after your last contact with that person.
    • Treatment - There is no specific treatment for COVID-19. People who have COVID-19 should receive supportive health care to help relieve symptoms. People with more severe illness may require hospitalization.
    • If symptoms feel worse than a standard cold, call your health care practitioner. They can relieve symptoms by prescribing a pain or fever medication.
    • You should also:
      • Drink plenty of fluids
      • Get rest and sleep as much as possible
      • Try a humidifier or a hot shower to help with a sore throat or cough
    • Get Tested
      • There is a test for COVID-19. The test tells you if you have the infection right now. The test involves taking a swab from the back of the nose or throat.
      • You should get tested for COVID-19 if:
        • You have one or more symptoms of COVID-19, even if they are mild.
      • Some asymptomatic individuals may be recommended for testing in consultation with public health. This includes if:
        • You were a close contact of someone who has COVID-19
        • You are concerned you may have been exposed to someone who might have COVID-19, even if you do not have symptoms
      • To get tested, find an assessment centre in Toronto.
        • Scarborough Health Network - Birchmount hospital; 3030 Birchmount Rd, Scarborough, ON M1W 3W3; Tel: (416) 495-2601
        • Scarborough Health Network - Centenary Hospital; 2867 Ellesmere Rd. Scarborough; Tel: 416-284-8131
        • Credit Valley Hospital; 2200 Eglinton Ave West, Mississauga, ON L5M 2N1; Tel: 905-813-2200
        • Results can take up to four days.
        • You may contact Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7600.
        • Individuals without a health card must follow up with the assessment centre or testing physician directly for lab results.
    • If you were not tested but you have symptoms of COVID-19, please inform anyone you had close contact with to self-isolate for 14 days from the last day they had contact with you. This applies to people who live in your household and to anyone else you had close contact with while you were sick and not self-isolating, and up to 48 hours before you were sick.
    • Contacted by Toronto Public Health, you may be contacted by Toronto Public Health if you may have been exposed to COVID-19.
    • Cases and suspected cases of COVID-19 are reportable to local health authorities under the Provincial Health Protection and Promotion Act. As Toronto Public Health is notified of potential cases, they are immediately following up directly with the individuals to let them know.
    • Please follow the directions given to you by Toronto Public Health or health authorities.
    • Return to School
      • There are no tests to do to be cleared to return to school.
      • In general, one can return 14 days after their symptoms began if they had COVID-19.
      • For other illnesses, or if someone tested negative for COVID-19, they should not return to work until they are symptom-free for at least 24 hours

     

    6. COVID ALERT APP

    • The Government of Canada has asked telecommunication providers to help spread the message about their new COVID Alert app.
      • Download the COVID Alert app for free, and help protect yourself and your community. The COVID Alert app lets users know if they have been exposed to COVID-19.
      • Available now in Ontario in the Apple App Store or Google Play.
友善列印版本