The Spectrum Office will be open Monday April 5

 

COVID-19 Updates – March 29, 2021 – Three Week Circuit Breaker

Staying Safe and Healthy

It is great that vaccines are beginning to help people stay safe and healthy, but the number of cases in BC is still very high.

Please continue to follow all the basic safeguards that are required to keep people safe and healthy:

• Stay home if you feel sick – Call 811 for further directions
• Wash your hands regularly
• Keep your distance – at least two metres or six feet from people outside your bubble 
• Wear a mask on transit, in stores, in all indoor public spaces.
• Keep your social bubble small – But stay connected with friends and family. Phone, video chat, go for a walk outside – it is so important to keep in touch. 

Three-week circuit breaker begins now to bend the curve, protect people

To address rising COVID-19 case counts, protect people and communities and help break the chain of COVID-19 transmission, the provincial health officer is amending the provincial public health orders effective midnight tonight, March 30, 2021.

New and amended orders and guidelines are in effect through April 19, 2021, and include:

• For restaurants, bars and pubs, all food and liquor-serving premises must only provide take-out or delivery service. Dine-in service is prohibited, except for outdoor patios. People dining on patios should do so with their immediate household or core bubble.
• Indoor, adult group fitness activities of any kind are also paused. Gyms and fitness centres are restricted to individual or one-on-one activities only i.e. one-on-one personal training.
• The previously announced class variance for limited indoor worship services has been suspended. Outdoor worship services under the current variance may continue.
• Travel continues to be limited to essential travel, work or medical reasons only. For those who have travelled outside their health region, if you or anyone in your family develops any signs of illness, you must stay home from work, school or daycare, and arrange to get tested immediately.
• Whistler-Blackcomb ski resort is closed through to April 19, 2021, to address and prevent community spread related to non-essential travel.
• All workers are strongly encouraged to work from home, where possible.
• Public health guidance for schools has also been amended to support and encourage students down to Grade 4 to wear masks while at school.

“Rising case levels, variants of concern, increased transmission and an increase in more severe cases are huge concerns,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “B.C. public health officials are making the tough choices now to break the chain and protect our communities.”

More information from the press release available here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021PREM0023-000578

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Vaccinations for People we Support

1. People who have staff providing support 24 hours per day (Staffed Residential) have been getting their vaccinations through Health Services for Community Living (HSCL).
2. People who live with their families, with a home-share provider, or who live in their own apartments with a little support are now able to access vaccinations through the CEV process (Clinically Extremely Vulnerable)

• The Ministry of Health will send each person a letter confirming their eligibility.  Some people have already received their letters.  These letters will arrive by April 15, 2021.
• The letter will provide a phone number to call to make an appointment for your vaccination.
• Take the letter and your health card with you to the appointment and get your vaccination.
• The BCCDC has published vaccine planning information for people with developmental disabilities. This answers questions about vaccines, how to prepare for the appointment, who you can bring with you, and what to do if you need help making a decision about the vaccine.

Vaccinations for employees and home-share providers

Vancouver Coastal Health and Fraser Health are inviting employees to register for vaccinations at clinics:

Vancouver Coastal Process:

We are happy to advise that we’re now able to expand vaccination eligibility to staff who provide direct patient or client care. Starting next week, we are inviting eligible staff from your group home to COVID-19 vaccination clinics.

 

VANCOUVER GENERAL HOSPITAL CAMPUS

Blusson Spinal Cord Centre, 818 W. 10th Ave, Vancouver

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT HERE

 

PROVIDENCE HEALTH CARE STAFF IMMUNIZATION CLINIC

1081 Burrard Street, Providence Level One, Conference Center

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT HERE

 

VCH TRAVEL CLINIC

Broadway Plaza, Lower Level, Unit L5

601 West Broadway

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT HERE

 

PHSA STAFF IMMUNIZATION CLINIC

BC Children’s and BC Women’s Health Center

Shaughnessy Auditorium

4500 Oak Street

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT HERE

 

RICHMOND HOSPITAL

5 North, 7000 Westminster Highway, Richmond

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT HERE

 

NORTH VANCOUVER TEST COLLECTION SITE

ICBC Capilano Claims Centre, 255 Lloyd Ave., North Vancouver

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT HERE

 

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• Anyone booking or arriving who is not eligible will be turned away.
• If you contracted and recovered from COVID-19 more than three months ago, you may now attend a clinic for your first dose of vaccine.
• If you contracted and recovered from COVID-19 within the past three months, you are not eligible for vaccine at this time. You will be immunized at a later date.
• Please do not attend the clinic if you are feeling unwell, experiencing COVID-like symptoms, or if you have been asked by Public Health to self-isolate.
• Come alone, to assist with COVID-19 safety protocols. Physical distancing measures will be in place throughout, including while waiting in line.
• Bring your driver’s license (or another photo ID), Care Card, and Employee ID (if available) or a pay stub.

Fraser Health Process:
As part of B.C.’s COVID-19 Immunization Plan, Fraser Health is inviting CLBC contracted staff who work in group homes where we are currently immunizing the residents to receive their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.  Please share information below with the eligible contracted staff.

If you would like to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, please review

1. Read the COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines HealthLinkBC File
2. Use the online booking details below to book an appointment at an immunization clinic. Immunization clinic dates, times and locations are shown on the link below.

3. Please book as soon as possible
4. For the month of March please avoid booking in Burnaby locations.
5. Of note, the Surrey North location and the Abbotsford Ag Rec are currently offering same day appointments.
6. Also note that the category for which group you belong is “Health Care Worker”.

 

Link for booking tool: Fraser Health Booking Tool (Fraserhealth.ca/vaccinebooking).  Please use Google or Microsoft edge; it is not supported on Microsoft explorer.

After booking an appointment, you will receive a booking confirmation email. If you do not see the email in your inbox, please check your junk/spam folder. Please keep the confirmation email as it will be needed if you need to cancel the appointment. If cancelling, please cancel as far ahead of time as possible to allow others to get vaccinated.

You can learn more about B.C.’s COVID-19 Immunization Strategy on the Government of British Columbia website.

Fraser Health Invitation as PDF

There is not yet a process or invitation for home-share provider in Vancouver Coastal or Fraser Health Authority regions.

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Benefits fraud happens when a person intentionally submits false or misleading information to their insurance provider for financial gain. Not only can benefits fraud lead to increased plan costs (and therefore potentially reduced coverage), the consequences of participating in a benefits fraud can include job loss – or even criminal charges. March is Fraud Awareness Month, and so here are four simple ways you can help prevent benefits fraud: Secure Your Information It’s essential to keep your benefits plan information in a secure place by treating it how you would with other important documents such as your passport or driver’s license. Remember: do not lend your benefits card to anyone! Understand Your Plan Familiarize yourself with your benefits plan to make sure you know what is covered and what is not. Don’t be afraid to ask questions – make sure you understand the services, treatments, and products recommended to you. Keep It Accurate Billing for dental or health services that weren’t provided or ‘double dipping’ the same claim to increase your reimbursement is illegal. Always ensure receipts accurately reflect the product or service you received. Report It Notice anything suspicious? You can report fraudulent activity here. If you want to learn more about the impact of benefits fraud or would like to report fraudulent activity, visit FraudIsFraud.ca. Resources Fraud Is Fraud | What Is Benefits Fraud Government of Canada | Reporting fraud, abuse or misuse GroupHEALTH | Understanding and Preventing Employee Benefits Frau

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Join mental health advocates and experts to take action for youth mental health We know that many Canadians are struggling with their mental health during this challenging time. Family, friends and co-workers may be experiencing stress, loneliness and anxiety. Our young people in particular are feeling the impact of the pandemic, with 74% currently dealing with a mental health issue.1 It’s a crisis and they need our support. We’re thrilled to invite you, your employees, their families, and any young people in your life to our upcoming free Youth & Family Mental Health event. We are proud to host this event in partnership with the Unsinkable Foundation.

Register today

This event features leaders and young Canadians facing similar challenges, along with Sun Life mental health experts. They’ll: Discuss youth-specific mental health concerns Encourage families to proactively invest in their mental health Provide actions they can take, and resources they can access, right now.

Date: Wednesday, April 7, 2021, from 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm ET Panelists Nick Nurse, head coach of the Toronto Raptors Tyler Smith, former Humboldt Broncos player Lacy Hartselle, actress & mental health advocate Zafir Zaman, youth mental health advocate and ally Read more about each panelist here.

Spread the word – everyone is welcome! You and your employees can invite anyone – from children, to friends, to extended family – by sharing the event link sunlife.ca/youthmentalhealth. Show your commitment to employee mental health We’ve created marketing materials to help you promote these events to your employees. You can email, post on your company intranet, or print and display in your workplace.

• Email banner – to send a company email promoting this event
• Digital banner – to post on your company intranet and link to the registration page
• Event poster – English
• Event poster – French

Your employees will also receive this invitation through our bi-monthly Lumino Health Newsletter. We’ll honour all plan sponsor exclusions if you’ve opted out of direct communications.

We all have the opportunity and responsibility to build stronger, more resilient communities. Together we can make a difference in the lives of young Canadians.

Questions?
If you have any questions, please talk to your advisor or your Sun Life Group Benefits representative.
¹Sun Life survey, March 4, 2021

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English version *** La version française suit ***   Before you call; How to get the answers you need during the 2021 tax-filing season   Each year over tax season, the CRA receives thousands of calls a week from Canadians looking for help. Although we are doing our best to provide quality services to Canadians, the CRA has been receiving larger call volumes and are experiencing longer call wait times this year due to COVID-19.   In a tax filing season like no other, we’ve introduced a number of measures to help taxpayers get the tax and benefit information they need. For example, this year, the CRA is taking the additional step of opening its individual tax enquiries line from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Monday over the Easter weekend.   The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) knows that many Canadians have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and we’re here to support them during this difficult time.   This tax filing season we’ve explored new opportunities to enhance our services so you receive the best service possible, whether online or over the phone.   To save you time, take these steps before calling the CRA:   Check Canada.ca: We are improving the information on the Personal income tax section of Canada.ca to make it easier for taxpayers to understand the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on their taxes. The goal is to ensure as much information as possible is available online – such as information on what a taxpayer should do if they received T4A, T4E, and/or RL-1 slips for COVID-19 emergency benefits.   Check benefit payment dates online: Taxpayers can view benefit payment dates on Canada.ca. If they are registered for CRA direct deposit, they should receive their benefit payment on the scheduled payment dates listed online. If they aren’t signed up for direct deposit, they should receive their benefit payments within 5-10 business days of the scheduled payment date. Please allow this time before contacting the CRA about a payment.   Try Charlie the chatbot: If taxpayers need a quick answer to a question, Charlie is at their service. We’re trying new technology to help Canadians get the information they need, when they need it. Since Charlie is still learning about the CRA, the questions they ask will help it become more knowledgeable and interactive. Charlie will make it easier for taxpayers to get the information they need to help them file their income tax and benefit return! Charlie can be found on the CRA homepage and many other of our web pages on Canada.ca.   Take advantage of our digital services: Taxpayers are encouraged to use the CRA’s suite of secure digital services to interact with the CRA and easily manage their tax affairs anytime, anywhere. These services can quickly help Canadians track their refund, view or change their return, check benefit and credit payments, view RRSP limits, and receive email notifications. Taxpayers are encouraged to sign up for My Account and direct deposit now to make tax filing, and getting payments from the CRA, that much easier and faster.   Check CRA processing times: If taxpayers are looking for information on how long we’ll take to handle a request, they can use the check CRA processing times tool on Canada.ca to get a target completion date. The new tool uses published service standards and information selected from drop-down menus to calculate completion times for various programs. In many cases where callers are looking for information on the status of their file, this is the same information a CRA call centre agent will be able to provide.   Check telephone wait times: Estimated wait times are now provided in real time on the contact information web page, as well as on the phone. This will help callers decide when the best time to call is.   Create a personal identification number (PIN): Taxpayers can now create a PIN to authenticate themselves on the phone. A PIN is a fast and secure way for taxpayers to identify themselves when calling the CRA. They can set one up in My Account before calling the CRA, or with the help of one of our call centre agents after calling.   Despite these measures, we continue to receive a large volume of calls. Unfortunately, this means callers may experience longer than usual wait times to speak with an agent. We will continue to work hard to process calls as fast as possible. To help deliver the services that Canadians expect from the CRA over the phone, we have implemented the following measures this filing season:   More available call centre agents: Throughout COVID-19, the CRA has seen a significant increase in call volumes. To help manage the even higher call demand we’ve come to expect during tax-filing season, we’ve hired additional call centre agents to assist taxpayers with their tax and benefit questions.   If you have general questions about emergency recovery benefits, we’ve implemented a new additional telephone line at 1-833-966-2099. These agents will be available to answer general enquiries about these benefits, but will not have access to taxpayers’ personal information.   New automated callback service: When available, this new service lets callers ask for a callback instead of waiting on hold. Callers on the Individual tax enquiries, Benefits enquiries, and Business enquiries lines may be given the option of a callback at certain times of the day and when wait times reach a certain length.   Extended call centre hours: To give taxpayers more time to have their tax and benefit questions answered, our Individual tax enquiries line is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 9pm local time, and our extended Saturday hours are 9am to 5pm. Additionally, to support individuals during a tax season like no other, the CRA’s individual tax enquiries line will be open  from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Monday over the Easter weekend.   Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) virtual clinics: This year, volunteers may be able to complete and file your taxes virtually by videoconference, by phone, or through a document drop-off arrangement. Since May 2020, the CVITP has assisted more than 170,000 people with the filing of their income tax and benefit returns. If you cannot file electronically this year, we encourage you to check if you are eligible at About free tax clinics – Canada.ca and seek a CVITP clinic through our national directory. Go to canada.ca/taxes-help for information.   Stay connected   To receive updates on what is new at the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), you can:     Like the CRA on Facebook   Follow the CRA on Twitter – @CanRevAgency.   Follow the CRA on LinkedIn.   Subscribe to a CRA electronic mailing list.   Add our RSS feeds to your feed reader.   Watch our tax-related videos on YouTube.

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March 18, 2021 We’re adding a new category to our Reference Drug Program On May 1, 2021, we’ll add a new therapeutic category to our Reference Drug Program (RDP). This will help you manage drug costs and ensure drug plan sustainability. Introducing new mental health and paramedical specialties in Lumino Provider Search On March 28, Lumino Health is adding nine new specialties to Lumino Provider Search, under the mental health and paramedical categories. This launch will give plan members more access to providers to better serve their specific health needs and support their overall wellness. Get the latest news and information in group benefits Life’s brighter under the sun Legal | Privacy | Security © Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada. All rights reserved, 2021. Group Benefits are provided by Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, a member of the Sun Life Financial group of companies.

Changes to your Dental Benefits:

Link to Bulletin:  Sun Life Update

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It is a great time to review the contents of emergency medical and earthquake kits in your home. 

Are your water and food rations currently dated? Other items like glow sticks and batteries have expiry dates. It’s a good time to make sure everything is up to date.

Did you use some of the medical supplies during the year?  Now is a great time to order replacement items.  Please note that WCB First Aid Kits are required in all of the homes that are staffed.

Have there been changes in the number of people residing in your home?  Do you need more or less supplies?

Have any of the people you live with changed their diets over the past year? Do you need to change the dietary foods in their earthquake kits?

If you need help with restocking your emergency medical and earthquake supplies please feel free to contact Judy Smith at judy@spectrumsociety.org for assistance.

It is a good time to review all safety procedures in the home; making sure that exit routes are clear of debris, including accessing risk factors (for example, moving items on shelves that could fall and moving heavy items to bottom shelves instead of top shelves). Are all staff are familiar with where emergency care items are stored?  Please review the following information from our policy manual with the staff and individuals you support. Include staff to join on skype or zoom if you cannot meet in person so everyone is familiar with this process.

(https://sscl.sharevision.ca/public/PolicyDirectory/General%20Policies/34.0.EmergencyPreparedness.pdf)

When you have completed your Earthquake Drill please record this information on Sharevision.

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How to Register for First Aid:

We recommend obtaining and/or renewing your First Aid through St. John’s Ambulance with the Emergency First Aid Community Care course. If there is another course offered by a different provider, please contact Human Resources prior to enrolling to determine if it is equivalent and meets the basic requirements.

To obtain/renew through St John’s Ambulance, please call (604) 321-7242

• They above number is their main line, but they have a number of locations across the lower mainland if you would like to call a location directly: http://www.sja.ca/English/About-Us/Pages/Locations.aspx
• Register yourself for Emergency First Aid Community Care.

If an employee does not have a valid first aid certificate upon hire, the fee to obtain or renew certification is the responsibility of the employee. Future renewal fees for active employees are covered by Spectrum.

• If you are renewing your first aid, ask St. John Ambulance to invoice Spectrum Society
• Let them know Spectrum Society will be paying for your course fee.

*St. John Ambulance may request authorization from Spectrum. Email hr@spectrumsociety.org with the date/location you want to complete the course and we will call them to confirm your registration.

First Aid is a requirement for employment as indicated in ‘Policy 4: Requirements for Employment. Below is a link to Spectrum’s First Aid policy:

https://sscl.sharevision.ca/public/PolicyDirectory/Personnel%20Policies/P04.0.Requirements.for.Employment.pdf

For employees renewing their first aid, please ensure St. John’s Ambulance (SJA) includes the CPR pocket mask with your first aid registration. If the CPR pocket mask is not included with your registration fee, SJA requires attendees pay for this on the day of course completion; you can save your receipt and submit it to Human Resources for reimbursement.  

Please email your certificate of course completion to hr@spectrumsociety.org to have your file updated.

Please let Judy know if you have any questions or issues registering, by emailing judy@spectrumsociety.org