At KenektCare, the utmost priority is the health and well-being of our clients and caregivers. Despite the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we remain steadfast in delivering safe, informed, and compassionate care. To ensure uninterrupted provision of essential services, we align ourselves with the policies and guidelines established by provincial, federal, and global health authorities.

COVID-19, a viral infection primarily affecting the lungs, can lead to mild illness in some individuals, while seniors or those with pre-existing health conditions may experience severe illness. The long-term effects of COVID-19 are still being studied.

The primary modes of COVID-19 transmission are:

• Inhalation of air in close proximity to an infected person who exhales small droplets and particles containing the virus.
• Contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth, particularly through exposure to respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing.
• Touching the eyes, nose, or mouth with hands that have come into contact with the virus.

Individuals exhibiting any of the following symptoms are advised to self-isolate and follow public health guidance:

• Fever (Temperature of 37.8°C/100°F or higher) and/or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Decreased or loss of taste or smell
• Extreme fatigue
• Muscle aches or joint pain
• Gastrointestinal symptoms
• Sore throat
• Runny nose or nasal congestion
• Headache
• Abdominal pain
• Conjunctivitis (pink eye)

Prior to each shift, staff members are required to self-screen for any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 illness. If a staff member exhibits symptoms, they must immediately self-isolate, undergo a Rapid Antigen test, and if necessary, follow guidance to seek PCR testing. Staff members who are self-isolating or in quarantine due to illness are not permitted to report to work until the isolation period, as determined by Public Health, has elapsed.

Our staff has received comprehensive training on infection control practices and can access additional resources through a dedicated nurse educator. We provide alcohol-based hand rub to our staff to ensure proper hand hygiene before, during, and after every client interaction. Approved disinfectant wipes are readily available for the disinfection of high-touch areas.

Staff members will kindly request asymptomatic clients and household members or others present in the home to wear face coverings throughout the duration of the visit, if they are able to tolerate it. At each visit, clients and household members will undergo screening for COVID-19 symptoms.

In the event that a client screens positive for COVID-19 symptoms, our KenektCare staff will follow specific protocols, including the use of enhanced personal protective equipment (PPE). If a client or household member has a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19, our caregivers will wear fit-tested N-95 respirators, eye protection, gowns, and gloves.

When caring for asymptomatic clients, our staff adheres to contact precautions and the principles of universal masking.

At KenektCare, we encourage the use of virtual meeting tools and phone calls whenever possible. If in-person communication or training is necessary, we ensure the implementation of required control measures, such as physical distancing and the use of proper PPE.

Durham Region Health Department (2022). Facts about Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). Retrieved from https://www.durham.ca/en/health-and-wellness/resources/Documents/IllnessInfectionDisease/FactsAbout/Novel-Coronavirus.pdf

Public Health Ontario (2022). Interim IPAC Recommendations for Use of Personal Protective Equipment for Care of Individuals with Suspect or Confirmed COVID‑19 (9th revision). Retrieved from https://www.publichealthontario.ca/-/media/documents/ncov/updated-ipac-measures-covid-19.pdf?la=en#:~:text=The%20interim%20recommended%20PPE%20when,protection%2C%20gown%2C%20and%20gloves.

Public Health Ontario (2022). Universal mask use in health care settings and retirement homes (3rd revision). Retrieved from https://www.publichealthontario.ca/-/media/Documents/nCoV/ipac/report-covid-19-universal-mask-use-health-care-settings.pdf?sc_lang=en