12 October 2023

Over the course of the last several years, KidsAbility, like many other organizations has prioritized the safety and wellbeing of our clients, families, staff and visitors. We have all done our part and kept ourselves and one another as healthy as possible.

We have created our practices based on the recommendations of the Chief Medial Officer of Health and our local Public Health leaders.

We are grateful for their guidance. At the heart of all of our decisions was the obligation to ensure that the most vulnerable amongst us were as protected as possible.

We are pleased that while COVID will never go away, we have all learned how to live in an endemic world.

So we are announcing that as of April 19, 2023, KidsAbility has shifted from Universal Masking to a Mask-Friendly Policy.

What this means:

  • For clients, families, volunteers and team members, masks will no longer be required in hallways, meetings, breakrooms, shared offices, and clinical areas.
  • Clients and families can request that anyone in their presence wear a mask. This choice will be honoured and respected without question.
  • Staff may be choose to wear a mask while interacting with a client.
  • Pre-Screening for appointments is no longer required before coming on-site.
  • Masks will remain available for anyone that prefers to wear one, and your choice will be respected

Please also note:

  • If you, your child or family are experiencing any symptoms of illness consistent with cold, flu, COVID, RSV, gastrointestinal or other, please do not come into the centre. We will be happy to rebook your appointment or offer a virtual option if appropriate.
  • Please consider using the provincial screening site if you feel that you or your family may be suffering from COVID Self-assessment | Ontario.ca
  • If you or your family are recovering from illness, but still have some symptoms, please consider wearing a mask on site if you are able.
  • Please use hand sanitizer when entering the building.
  • Medical masks are available for you and your children should you wish to wear a mask on site.
  • You may see an increase in staff wearing a mask on site. This is being done as a precautionary measure to help keep everyone safe.

If you are feeling unwell, please stay home. This will help us to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our staff, clients and community.

In most situations, we will be able to be flexible and can switch to a virtual environment or re-book an appointment.

KidsAbility may reintroduce universal masking based on disease activity, during respiratory season or for outbreak management.

We are deeply grateful for everyone who has kept the wellbeing of our clients and staff in mind.