COVID-19 Pandemic Action Plan-Guidance for Group Homes & Co-Living Settings - WINDSOR-ESSEX COUNTY HEALTH UNIT - CNH3
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COVID-19 Pandemic Action Plan— Guidance for Group Homes & Co-Living Settings WINDSOR-ESSEX COUNTY HEALTH UNIT
Author: Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, IMS Leadership Committee
Suggested Citation: Windsor-Essex County Health Unit. (2020). COVID-19 Pandemic Action
Plan: Guidance for Group Homes & Co-Living Settings 2020. Windsor,
Ontario.
Windsor-Essex County Health Unit
1005 Ouellette Avenue
Windsor, Ontario N9A 4J8
www.wechu.org
519-258-2146
©Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, April 2020.
-2-TABLE OF CONTENTS
Background Page 4
Key Contacts Page 6
Staff & Volunteers Page 7
Routine Infection Control Practices Page 8
Modifying Day-to-Day Operations Page 9
Cleaning & Disinfecting Page 10
Screening Page 12
Sleeping arrangement and isolation Page 14
Transportation Protocol Page 15
Care of Residents with Suspected/ Confirmed COVID-19 Page 17
Mental health & substance use Page 18
Appendix A: Screening Tool Page 20
Appendix B: Mental Health Programs in Windsor-Essex County Page 21
References Page 24
-3-BACKGROUND
This document captures the necessary components of a pandemic action plan for staff and
volunteers in a group home or another group living setting, referred to as “co-living or
residential settings”. Group homes provide support for individuals in our community that need
a supervised living environment, such as individuals with developmental or physical disabilities,
individuals recovering from substance abuse, victim of domestic violence and many others. A
comprehensive and well-reasoned action plan is required to ensure the protection of residents
in group home, well as to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the shelters and community at
large.
COVID-19 is an acute respiratory infection caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. COVID-19
is spread primarily through close contact, person to person, via respiratory droplets when an
infected person coughs or sneezes. It is also spread through direct contact with a contaminated
surface when a person touches the surface and then transfers the virus to their mouth, nose,
and eyes when touching their face. Most people who become infected with COVID-19 will
develop mild to moderate symptoms, however people over the age of 70 and individuals who
are immune-compromised due to underlying chronic conditions such as diabetes, chronic
respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious complications due to COVID-
19. Individuals living in group homes may be highly susceptible to communicable disease due
to:
Underlying medical conditions such as: heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and respiratory
disease, as they all increase the risk of acquiring an infectious disease.
Congregate and public settings: people living in a group setting may be limited in their
ability to isolate. Due to physical limitations, some co-living settings may not be able to
provide adequate space needed for physical distancing.
Common symptoms of COVID-19 include, but are not limited to:
Fever
Dry cough
Difficulty breathing
Symptoms may appear as early as 2 days or as long as 14 days.
Protective Measures for COVID-19 include:
Washing hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
(minimum of 70% alcohol) if water and soap is unavailable
o If hands are visibly soiled, hand washing with soap and water is required
Avoid touching eyes, nose, mouth and face with unwashed hands
Maintaining physical distancing of 2-metres, and do not hug, kiss or shake hands
Avoiding crowds
-4- Coughing or sneezing with a tissue or using your elbow (sleeve). Discard used tissue into
garbage bag, and Immediately wash hands afterwards
If symptomatic, self-isolate from others and seek medical attention immediately.
Contact the WECHU at 519-258-2146 ext. 1420 or Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000 for next
steps.
Individuals that live in congregate settings such as group homes have a level of risk exposure
that is considered high. Before an individual becomes ill, there is considerable close contact
that could happen prior. It is important that these settings maintain separation (2-metres) of all
individuals as much as possible and try to keep residents from leaving and returning often. It is
best to stay home or stay put during the COVID-19 pandemic to minimize risk.
There may be a need to reduce normal occupancy during COVID-19 to accommodate the extra
space required at this time.
-5-KEY CONTACTS
Windsor-Essex County Public Health Unit: Infectious Disease Department
519-258-2146 ext. 1420
Windsor-Essex County Public Health Unit: Environmental Health Department
519-258-2146 ext. 4475
COVID-19 Assessment Centre: Windsor Regional Hospital, Ouellette Campus, Goyeau Entrance,
1030 Ouellette Ave, Windsor, ON (by referral from healthcare provider/public health)
Telehealth Ontario: 1-866-797-0000
Healthcare Provider: Go to Essex County Medical Society webpage to see existing providers
For medical emergency: 911
-6-STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS
Reducing the Risk for Staff and Volunteers
It is important that all staff and volunteers be kept to a minimum number necessary to manage
the operation of the group home. All staff and volunteers must be screened for symptoms of
COVID-19 and other risk factor including, recent travel outside of Canada using the
recommended screening procedure (appendix A). Only staff and volunteers essential to
continued operation of the co-living setting should be permitted to enter if they pass screening.
Group homes and non-regulated housing should avoid using any staff or volunteers that are
high risk for contracting COVID-19. These include staff that are over the age of 70 years old and
any person with an existing chronic condition such as, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and
respiratory disease.
All staff and volunteers should actively monitor their health before each shift using the
Ministry’s self-assessment tool, and immediately report any symptoms that develop, stay
home, and contact their healthcare provider and/or the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit.
If COVID-19 is suspected/ diagnosed in staff or volunteers, return to work should be
determined in consultation with the healthcare provider and the Windsor-Essex County Health
Unit, and must notify their supervisor before returning to work.
Group homes should reduce unnecessary assembly of staff and volunteers to maintain physical
distancing. For staff or volunteer meetings, meet via conference calls instead of in-person
meetings. Consider allowing work from home for those staff or volunteers whose work can be
completed remotely.
For more information, see the “Guidance for Occupational Health and Safety for COVID-19”
document from the Ministry of Health.
Contingency Plans for Staff Absenteeism
Group homes and other co-living settings should develop contingency plans for increased
absenteeism caused by employee and volunteer illness or other circumstances related to
COVID-19 that requires employees or volunteers to stay home. Identify critical job functions
and positions and plan for alternative coverage. Plans for alternative coverage may include
extending hours of operation, cross-training current employees and volunteers, staggering
shifts, and/or recruiting temporary employees/volunteers.
Other plans may include developing a sick leave policy specific to COVID-19; how to transport
clients in non-emergency situations; how to access personal protective equipment (PPE); and
how to access specialist services (e.g., mental health services).
-7-ROUTINE INFECTION CONTROL PRACTICES
Routine practices are the system of Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) practices
recommended to be used at all times to prevent and control the spread of germs.
1. All staff, volunteers, and residents should engage in regular and frequent hand hygiene
practices.
Hands should be washed with soap and water or hand sanitizer (with a
concentration between 70% & 90%) for 15-20 seconds.
It is recommended to use disposable paper towels when drying hands.
Group homes should post hand-washing posters in visible locations around the
setting, including in washrooms, above sinks and near hand sanitizer dispensers.
If wall-mounted hand sanitizers are not feasible, consider providing portable
hand sanitizers to staff and residents.
2. All staff, volunteers, and residents should engage in good respiratory etiquette.
Everyone should cover their nose/ mouth with a tissue, or into the bend of the
arm when coughing and sneezing (do not sneeze or cough into hands). Any used
tissues should be disposed of in the garbage, and hands should be washed
immediately after.
Post Proper Cough & Sneeze Practice Poster in visible locations around the
setting and staff/volunteers should frequently remind residents about good
respiratory etiquette.
Staff/volunteers should ensure that cleaning and disinfection in the facility is
performed on a routine and consistent basis. Special attention should be paid to
high-touch surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, light switches), common areas (e.g., dining
rooms, bathrooms) and shared equipment (e.g., telephone, keyboards).
3. All staff, volunteers and residents should practice physical distancing (maintaining at
least 2-metres of distance) in order to limit the number of people that individuals come
into close contact with.
Consider rearranging furniture to assist with promoting physical distancing
Educate residents and volunteers to be mindful of their proximity to each other.
Create visual cues, such as tape on the floor to remind individuals about
maintaining their distance.
If, at any point, staff or volunteers do not feel that they are able to protect
themselves or their clients from the spread of COVID-19, discontinue the
interaction and notify an immediate supervisor.
4. Train all staff and volunteers on using appropriate use of personal protective
equipment (PPE).
IPAC Recommendations for Use of PPE for Care of Individuals with Suspect or
Confirmed COVID-19
-8-MODIFYING DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS
There are many things that group homes and other co-living settings can do to protect their
staff, volunteers and residents when it comes to daily activities.
1. Meals, Group Activities and Outings:
Allow one person/family to use the kitchen at a time and clean/ disinfect after
each use (for more information on cleaning/disinfecting, see pg.10).
Post signs in visible locations around the kitchen to educate individuals about
proper handwashing and respiratory etiquette.
Suspend communal dining unless physical distancing is possible (e.g., eating at
different times).
Remove shared food containers from dining areas (e.g., water pitchers).
Advise individuals to avoid sharing any food, drinks, or cutlery items, such as
forks, knives, spoons, napkins, or plates.
Encourage residents to remain in their room – if rooms are shared, residents
should stay far away as possible from one another.
Cancel group activities and individual outings unless essential (e.g., getting
groceries or picking up medication).
Create schedules to use common spaces in shifts to maintain physical distancing.
Residents can leave the home only for urgent appointments – arrange delivery of
medications (including methadone).
Scheduling/staggering meal times daily to limit the number of people eating at
one time. Each client is given a specific meal time.
2. Avoid Sharing of Personal/ Household Items:
Residents should not share personal items with others.
Where possible, personal items should be kept separately for each resident.
Clean all items that may be used by multiple people between uses (e.g., toys,
telephone, and computer).
3. Limit Home Visits and Visitors:
Visits to family are only permitted if resident stays with the family for the
duration of COVID-19 emergency.
Home visits to family for a short time are not permitted.
Use telephone or video interaction for residents to maintain contact with family
and friends.
-9-CLEANING AND DISINFECTING THE GROUP HOME/RESIDENTIAL
FACILITY
Routine cleaning followed by disinfection is a best practice to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Recommendations for cleaning and disinfection include the following:
Develop or review protocols and procedures for cleaning and disinfecting. This will help
to determine where improvements or additional cleaning may be needed.
Commonly used cleaners and disinfectants are effective against COVID-19. Only use
disinfectants that have a Drug Identification Number (DIN). A DIN is an 8-digit number
given by Health Canada that confirmed it is approved for use in Canada. Check the
expiry date before using cleaners and disinfectants, and always follow the
manufacturer’s directions for use to ensure safety and effectiveness. This includes
wearing gloves while cleaning or disinfecting surfaces, and allowing enough contact time
for the disinfectant to kill germs.
Use damp cleaning methods, such as damp clean cloths and/or a wet mop. Do not dust
or sweep surfaces, as this can distribute virus droplets into the air.
In addition to routine cleaning, high-touch surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected
twice per day and when visibly dirty. Examples of high-touch surfaces include
doorknobs, handrails, light switches, toilet handles, faucet handles, counters, touch
screen surfaces, and key pads. If using refillable hand-sanitizing dispensers, ensure that
they are cleaned first followed by disinfection between refills. Shared spaces, such as
kitchens and bathrooms, should also be cleaned more often
Contaminated disposable cleaning items (e.g., mop heads and cloths) should be placed
in a lined garbage bin before disposing of them with regular waste. Reusable cleaning
items can be washed using regular laundry soap and hot water (60-90 degrees Celsius).
Monitor hygienic supplies regularly to ensure that inventories are sufficient and order more as
appropriate. Ensure bathrooms and other sinks are constantly stocked with soap and single
disposable drying materials for handwashing, such as paper towels. Plan to have extra supplies
on hand during the COVID-19 pandemic. These supplies include:
Liquid hand soaps
Alcohol-based sanitizers that contain at least 60% alcohol
Paper towels
Tissues
Trash baskets
Disposable face masks
Cleaners and disinfectants
Additional resources for cleaning:
- 10 - Cleaning and disinfecting public spaces (COVID-19), PHAC
Best Practices for Environmental Cleaning for Prevention and Control of Infections, PHO
Environmental Cleaning Toolkit, PHO
Cleaning clothing, towels, linens and other items in laundry
It is recommended that staff/volunteers wear disposable gloves and gowns when
handling dirty laundry and then discard after each use. If using reusable gloves, those
gloves should be dedicated for cleaning and disinfection of surfaces for COVID-19 and
should not be used for other household purposes. Clean hands immediately after gloves
are removed.
If no gloves are available when handling dirty laundry, be sure to wash hands
afterwards.
If no gowns are available, do not hug laundry and keep from personal clothing.
Wash laundry regularly with warm water and thoroughly dry afterwards. If possible, do
not shake dirty laundry.
Dirty laundry from an ill person can be washed with other people’s items.
Clean and disinfect clothes hampers according to guidance above for surfaces. If
possible, consider placing a bag liner that is either disposable (can be thrown away) or
can be laundered.
- 11 -SCREENING
Group homes/ co-living settings should post signage on the entry door and throughout the
residence to prompt anyone to self-identify to staff if they feel unwell or screen positive for
COVID-19 symptoms.
All staff, volunteers and returning residents must be actively screened upon entry for COVID-19
and/or respiratory illness using the COVID-19 Self-Assessment Screening Tool (Appendix A), and
monitored for COVID-19 symptoms daily.
Screening Procedure by Staff:
Keep a log of residents and include names and times of entry/exit.
Access to the home should be restricted to one entrance (for all).
Those that are conducting screening should do so at the entrance and maintain a
physical distance of 2-metres.
o Consider placing markings on the floor indicating how individuals are expected to
distance themselves from one another.
o If this distance is not possible, and a physical barrier is not available, the screener
should wear a mask.
Upon entry, each person should be asked to sanitize hands using soap and water (if sink
available in the area) or use provided hand sanitizer (minimum of 70% alcohol).
Continue to complete all screening questions with the individual (Appendix A).
Anyone exhibiting signs of illness (e.g., coughing, sneezing) or indicate that they are not
feeling well should be given a surgical/procedure mask and be required to put it on.
If the individual being screened answers ‘no’ to all questions, they have passed the
screening and can enter the building. They should be reminded of hygiene and
distancing requirements.
Failed Screening:
If the individual answers YES to any of the screening questions or refuses to answer,
they have failed the screening. Give the individual a surgical/procedure mask if they
have symptoms, hand sanitizer:
A. Staff and Volunteers: Let them know that they cannot enter and should go home,
self-isolate and contact their healthcare provider, the WECHU, or Telehealth. This
applies to volunteers/staff who identify only history of chronic condition and/or are
over the age of 70. They are considered high risk for exposure to COVID-19
- 12 -B. Residents: Immediately isolate the individual into a separate space that has been
predetermined and is used solely for that purpose. Call the Windsor-Essex County
Health Unit (519-258-2146 ext.1420) to or your designated health service provider to
arrange for a medical assessment.
For individuals who answer ‘no’ to all other questions, and only answer ‘yes’ to either:
I am over 70 years of age
I have a condition that affects my immune system (e.g., HIV/AIDS)
I have a chronic health condition (e.g., diabetes, heart condition)
I am getting treatment that affects my immune system (e.g., chemotherapy);
These individuals should be isolated but separate from anyone exhibiting symptoms.
Have the individual follow-up with their healthcare provider.
Ongoing screening (Daily for guests/clients)
In order to reduce exposure during COVID-19 it is best that individuals limit their time outside
and in public spaces if possible, avoiding crowds and others. For residents who have passed
initial screening at entry and remain in the home on a daily basis, regular monitoring of
symptoms should occur. Staff should create a protocol and procedure for this. Consider
creating a log or spreadsheet. Residents could be asked a few simple screening question about
their health (symptoms) at meal times daily and bedtime.
- 13 -SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS AND ISOLATION
Under public health guidance for management of COVID-19 cases, congregate settings such as
shelters, group homes, and households are considered high risk exposure settings given the
nature of communal living.
Guidance for Sleeping:
Ideally individuals would have their own room, however grouping of people may be required.
Individuals that have passed screening and individuals that require isolation should be
separated. For those that have passed screening ensure:
Sleeping arrangements should be kept at least 2 meters apart.
Arrange beds so individuals lay head-to-toe (or toe-to-toe) and do not use bunkbeds
Beds should be assigned not shared or rotated
Isolation:
If a resident fails the screening procedure and/or tests positive for COVID-19 and will be
required to self-isolate, the room should have the following amenities:
A door that can be closed
Access to a private bathroom for the unwell resident to use. If this is not available,
develop a schedule for the shared bathroom, ensuring the unwell person uses it last,
and it is followed by thorough cleaning and disinfection.
If a private room for isolation is unavailable, and the room will need to be shared by
both well and unwell residents, ensure:
o There is good airflow in the room (open windows if the weather permits)
o Residents are kept 2-metres away from each other
o Unwell resident should wear a mask
o Residents should be provided with hand sanitizer
If a room must be shared by more than one unwell resident with confirmed COVID-19,
these residents do not need to wear a mask.
Avoid housing people with underlying conditions in the same room as people with
symptoms.
Individuals in isolation should be provided a boxed meal so they can eat in the room
they are isolated to.
Provide these individuals with a plastic lined garbage, hand sanitizer and tissues at their
bed/beside them to cover coughs, easily clean hands and dispose of materials.
Symptoms should be monitored several times per day.
For assistance with arranging your setting for COVID-19 contact our Environmental Health
department at 519-2582146 ext. 4475
- 14 -TRANSPORTATION PROTOCOL
Individuals who fail the screening questions, may need to be transported to an Assessment
Centre, or to a hospital if symptoms are more severe. A transportation protocol needs to be in
place to facilitate the process:
Transportation to Assessment Centre:
If a client needs to be transported for testing, then it is recommended that they are
transported alone in the designated vehicle. Follow the appropriate safety measures
listed below for drivers and passengers.
Ideally, the vehicle will be large enough that the driver and the client can maintain
physical distancing during the transport.
o To transport more than one resident, it is recommended to use a larger vehicle
(i.e., a van) and limit the number of passengers per trip to two people (excluding
the driver), while ensuring passengers are maintaining social distancing
If any member of a family needs to be transported for testing, then then the
individual(s) exhibiting symptoms should be transported in a separate vehicle.
If a child has to be separated from a parent as a result of active symptoms, arrange for
the child to be transported by another caregiver and/or staff member, while
maintaining physical distancing.
The following measures should be followed to minimize the risk of spreading the virus.
For Drivers:
Ask the rider(s) to maintain a minimum distance of 2-metres. It is recommended
to have riders to sit in the back of the vehicle.
Driver should wear a mask.
If possible, roll down the windows to improve ventilation.
Employ standard cleaning practices. Commonly used cleaners and disinfectants
are effective against COVID-19. Plan to clean and disinfect your car as often as
possible—especially after you drop off passengers who have screened positive
for COVID-19. Pay close attention to surfaces that are often touched by
passengers (e.g., door handle, seat belt, arm rest, window controls, etc.) and
disinfect them accordingly with appropriate disinfectant solution/ wipes.
Have tissues and hand sanitizer available for passengers.
If helping a passenger out of the car, or assisting with belongings, you should
wear gloves and throw them away immediately after. Wash your hands or use
hand sanitizer before getting back into your car.
- 15 -For Passengers:
Resident should wear a mask prior to entering the vehicle.
Resident should sanitize their hands before occupying the vehicle.
The client should ride in the back of the vehicle to maintain physical distance
away from the driver. Roll down the passenger window to allow ventilation.
Resident should be advised to avoid direct contact with other passengers,
drivers, and transport staff. If there is more than one passenger, ensure that a
distance of at least 2-metres from the driver and the other passengers is
maintained
The resident should be advised to sneeze or cough into their elbow or a tissue,
and to sanitize their hands immediately after. The issue should be safely
discarded in the trash upon exiting the vehicle.
For transporting individuals who are very sick/exhibit severe symptoms:
Arrange for transportation via emergency medical services to a health care
facility. Call 911 as appropriate.
- 16 -CARE OF RESIDENTS WITH SUSPECTED OR CONFIRMED COVID-19
Residents with who have symptoms of respiratory illness (Fever, coughing, shortness or
difficulty breathing) should be separated from others and their movement limited as much as
possible. If the individual has been ordered to self-isolate as a result of positive screen, it is
important to follow these steps for care of individuals. These are similar instructions that would
be given to individuals who are caring for a household member.
As identified previously, individuals experiencing mild to moderate respiratory
symptoms should be separated from others and maintain a minimum distance of 2-
metres at all times.
Limit the number of staff providing care to the unwell resident.
Ensure that residents have plenty of liquid (Water) to maintain hydration.
All caregivers should practice regular hand hygiene and wear appropriate personal
protective equipment (PPE) as required.
o If close contact is required with the unwell resident (e.g., assisting with bathing),
use Droplet and Contact Precautions for recommended infection control
practices.
o Tasks that do not involve close contact and direct care with a resident
suspected/ confirmed with COVID-19 do not require additional PPE than what is
normally used.
o Tasks that require close contact and direct care with residents who are
otherwise healthy, do not require additional PPE than what is normally used.
Staff should check in (maintaining 2-metres) on residents several times daily and
log/monitor symptoms. If symptoms appear to worsen and become severe, call 911 for
an emergency.
If calling 911, inform them of the residents condition
Additional Resources on PPE:
IPAC Recommendations for Use of PPE for Care of Individuals with Suspect or Confirmed
COVID-19
Recommended Steps: Taking Off Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – COVID-19
- 17 -MENTAL HEALTH & SUBSTANCE USE
In some situations, an individual may not be able to comply with isolation recommendations
due to a severely untreated mental health condition or substance use issue. Recommended
practices are as follows:
Share resources with residents about coping with stress during the COVID-19 crisis.
These resources can be distributed to residents and/or posted around the non-isolation
areas of the building(s).
People with pre-existing mental health conditions should continue with their treatment
plan and be aware of new or worsening symptoms. Advise residents to contact their
primary care or treatment providers for guidance on how to continue treatment during
the COVID-19 pandemic.
Consider specialist services that may need to be available at the isolation areas, such as
mental health services, drug and addictions support/programming, and social workers.
Develop a list of all relevant agencies and stakeholders in Windsor-Essex that may be
able to offer mental health and substance use support during the COVID-19 pandemic. A
lead representative at the shelter should be responsible for contacting lead
representatives from these agencies to inquire about available supports. Coordinate
partnerships with local mental health and substance use organizations to coordinate
and facilitate isolation supports.
Individuals in isolation may need to refill prescriptions or need access to daily
medications, such as methadone. Consider what assistance clients and guardians may
need for obtaining and taking regular or over-the-counter medications. Advise residents
to contact their medical provider to make a plan for preventing disruptions to their
medical doses and accessing prescriptions. This may include emergency planning for
obtaining refills over the phone and coordinating prescription deliveries to the isolation
areas.
Mental Health and Substance Use Support
If it is not possible to have mental health and substance use specialists in the isolation areas
either in-person or by telephone, refer clients experiencing mental health or substance use
issues to the appropriate services and programs in the community (Appendix C). Given the
current closures and restrictions on operating hours for several organizations across Windsor-
Essex County, call ahead of time to each organization prior to referring to any in-person services
or refer to the online/telephone-based services listed (Appendix C).
If at any time a resident is experiencing a psychosocial crisis, contact the local crisis line
at 519-973-4435, 911, or bring them to a local emergency department. If at any time a
- 18 -resident is experiencing an overdose, call 911 immediately and administer naloxone.
Always follow the 5 steps to respond to an opioid overdose.
If a resident has a treatment provider (e.g., substance use counsellor) or a mental health
provider (e.g., social worker, counsellor), advise them to contact this professional for
guidance on continuing their treatment plan and to coordinate ongoing access to
psychosocial support. Referral to one or more of the services and programs in Appendix
C may also be appropriate depending on the resident’s current needs.
If a resident is not in isolation and does not have a treatment provider or mental health
provider, refer them to one or more of the appropriate in-person or online/telephone-
based services in Appendix B.
If a resident is in isolation and does not have a treatment provider or mental health
provider, refer them to one or more of the appropriate telephone-based or online
services in Appendix B to coordinate support while in isolation.
- 19 -APPENDIX A- SCREENING CHECKLIST (ADAPTED FROM MINISTRY OF
HEALTH)
Staff/Volunteer Screening
1. Do you have any of the following symptoms: new fever, new or existing cough and difficulty
breathing (worse than usual)?
Yes
No
2. Have you traveled internationally within the past 14-days (outside Canada)?
Yes
No
3. Have you had close contact with a confirmed or probable COVID-19 case?
Yes
No
4. Have you had close contact with a person with acute respiratory illness who has been outside
Canada in the last 14-days?
Yes
No
5. Are you 70 years of age or older?
Yes
No
6. Do you have a chronic condition like diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, lung
disease (COPD, Asthma) or condition affecting your immune system (HIV/ AIDS, Leukemia)?
Yes, please specify: _______________________
No
***If residents answer yes only to question 5 and 6, but no to all others, they should be
isolated from others, but kept from individuals exhibiting symptoms. These individuals are at
higher risk of developing symptoms related to COVID-19.***
- 20 -APPENDIX B: Mental Health Programs in Windsor-Essex County
Community Crisis Centre: Hotel Dieu Grace Healthcare (HDGH)
HDGH’s Community Crisis Centre offers mental health services for individuals ages 16+ who are
experiencing an acute mental illness and/or psychosocial crisis. The Community Crisis Centre
offers intervention services 24/7 to individuals who require immediate assessment,
psychosocial intervention, medical intervention or support. Services are provided at no cost
upon presentation of a valid OHIP card. Available services include:
24-Hour Crisis Telephone Line: 519-973-4435
Walk-In Crisis Services: Community Crisis Centre within the Transitional Stability Centre
744 Ouellette Avenue
8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. 7 days/week
Windsor Regional Hospital: Ouellette Campus, Emergency Department
1030 Ouellette Avenue
7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. 7 days/week
Canadian Mental Health Association – Windsor-Essex County Branch (CMHA-WECB)
CMHA-WECB offers a variety of mental health programs and services, including those for
individuals with serious to moderate mental illnesses, substance use issues, bereavement
issues, and many others. For more information about the programs and services available,
please visit https://windsoressex.cmha.ca/services/
Individuals seeking information or resources for mental illness and mental health can contact
the Information and Referral Services department at 519-973-4435.
Bounce Back Ontario
Bounce Back Ontario is a free skill-building program managed by the Canadian Mental Health
Association (CMHA). It is designed to help adults and youth 15+ manage low mood, mild to
moderate depression, and anxiety, stress, or worry. Delivered over the phone with a coach and
through online videos, you will get access to tools that will support individuals on their path to
mental wellness.
For more information, please call 1-866-345-0224, email bounceback@ontario.cmha.ca, or visit
https://bouncebackontario.ca/
- 21 -Family Services Windsor-Essex (FSWE):
Counselling Appointments and Walk-In Counselling Clinics
Counselling appointments and walk-in counselling clinics are available through Family Services
Windsor-Essex. Affordable counselling fees are determined through a sliding scale based on
household income, family size, and ability to pay, which may be covered through a workplace
Employee Assistance Program, a healthcare benefit/package, or a financial subsidy.
At this time, counselling appointments and walk-in counselling clinics are being coordinated
and offered over the phone by calling 1-888-933-1831 or 519-966-5010. In-person counselling
appointments, wellness groups, and walk-in clinic services are unavailable at this time. Please
contact FSWE directly by telephone to set up a telephone session with a qualified counsellor.
For more information, please visit https://fswe.ca/
Connex Ontario
For more information about mental health or substance use services in Windsor-Essex County,
please contact Connex Ontario at 1-866-531-2600. Connex-Ontario offers free and confidential
health services information for individuals experiencing mental health, substance use, or
gambling issues. It also maintains a centralized and up-to-date database of treatment service
information. By calling the above phone number, timely and accurate information about the
services available in Windsor-Essex County will be provided, including:
A detailed description of the service
Where the service is located
How to access the service
How long the wait to access the service may be
For more information, please visit https://www.connexontario.ca/
Kids Help Phone
Kids Help Phone offers supportive counselling, referrals, and text-based services to youth aged
29 and under who are in crisis or distress. Kids Help Phone can be contacted for support 24/7
by phone (1-800-668-6868), text (686868), or live chat.
For more information, please visit https://kidshelpphone.ca/
Big White Wall
The Big White Wall is an online community that allows individuals to interact with a supportive
network of community members when dealing with anxiety, depression, or other mental health
issues. Services are clinically managed and designed to support those with mild to moderate
need, while having the infrastructure to case manage individuals at risk. The Big White Wall also
- 22 -offers a vibrant peer-to-peer community where individuals with shared experiences can receive
and offer support to one another. Services can be accessed by online members 24/7. These
services are also moderated 24/7 by trained practitioners who keep online members safe and
facilitate the process of helping people in an online environment.
Substance Use Treatment Options
House of Sophrosyne (HoS)- Addiction Programs and Services
The House of Sophrosyne (HoS0 offers a continuum of programs and services at no cost for
individuals with substance use disorder. For more information please visit our website at
www.sophroyne.ca.
12 Hour Crisis Telephone Line (Monday to Sunday): 519-252-2711 X100
Virtual Treatment and Support Groups available are:
3 consecutive Virtual Addiction Treatment Groups for Women
2 consecutive Virtual Addiction Treatment Groups for Men
2 virtual aftercare groups
Weekly recovery enhancement webinars
Virtual intensive day treatment program
Virtual and telephone crisis counselling for Justice involved men and women
Virtual relapse prevention program and support groups
Virtual life skills training (priority for victims of human trafficking)
Virtual relapse prevention program for concurrent disorder
**For more information or to register for programs call 519-252-2711 ext. 115. Programs are
available to females and males in Ontario.
Breaking Free
o Breaking Free Online is an online treatment and recovery program available to all clients
who are currently enrolled with the House of Sophrosyne. It employs a wide range of
innovative multimedia formats, making it powerful, engaging and very easy to use. It
contains 20 evidence-based intervention strategies, giving it the depth and flexibility to
help anyone who is struggling to control their drinking or use of drugs. It offers people
a toolkit of 46 downloadable resources that will continue to support their recovery far
beyond the 12-month treatment period, safeguarding all the positive changes they make.
It includes comprehensive guidance for supporters and practitioners, allowing them to
enhance the treatment process by participating actively in it.
For more information on getting help with substance use, please see the following resources:
Substance Use Treatment Options Brochure.
Windsor-Essex Community Opioid and Substance Strategy
- 23 -References
Australian Government Department of Health. (2020). Coronavirus disease. Retrieved from
https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2020/03/coronavirus-covid-19-
information-for-drivers-and-passengers-using-public-transport_1.pdf
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) – Interim
recommendations for US households with suspected/confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 –
Clean and disinfect. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-
ncov/prepare/cleaning-disinfection.html
Government of Canada. (2020). Cleaning and disinfecting public spaces (COVID-19). Retrieved from
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/cleaning-
disinfecting-public-spaces.html
Higher Ground Harm Reduction, Reynolds Health Strategies, Harm Reduction Coalition & Vital
Strategies. (2020). COVID-19 guidance for people who use drugs and harm reduction programs.
Retrieved from https://harmreduction.org/miscellaneous/covid-19-guidance-for-people-who-
use-drugs-and-harm-reduction-programs/
Middlesex London Health Unit. (2020). COVID-19 (2019 novel coronavirus). Retrieved from
https://www.healthunit.com/novel-coronavirus
Ministry of Health. (2020). COVID-19 Guidance: Group Homes and Co-Living Settings. Retrieved from
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/publichealth/coronavirus/docs/2019_group_h
omes_guidance.pdf
24WINDSOR-ESSEX COUNTY
HEALTH UNIT
1005 Ouellette Avenue
Windsor, Ontario N9A 4J8
www.wechu.org
519-258-2146
© Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, April 2020
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