As of July 1, the Province moved to Step 3 of its four-step restart plan, with nearly 80 percent of adults and children over 12 years old having received their first vaccine dose, and COVID-19 case counts continuing to decline.

Now we can begin to come back together and do some of the things we used to do, and can celebrate the occasions we have missed!

For greater protection against variants of COVID-19, full vaccination (14 days after one’s second dose) is recommended for children 12 years of age and older and eligible adults. To learn more about how to get vaccinated, please click here.

You can read all of the details about moving to Step 3 here and check out this graphic summary below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At posAbilities, we are easing restrictions too, so keep reading to see how we are adapting our programs and services safely, so that we can all expand our social contacts. We are planning a gradual return to full service levels by September 7, the soonest date that Step 4 of BC’s Restart Plan will begin. We appreciate your patience and support as we move forward in an abundance of caution.

We monitor public health advice and are keeping your comfort in mind as we move forward. One of the changes we are implementing is a move from COVID-19 Safety Plans to Communicable Disease Prevention Plans. Feel free to ask us for a copy of our infectious disease protocol, as we’re happy to share it with you. It has been updated to include the prevention of air-borne diseases like COVID-19.

Coming Together in Step 3: New Guidance for July 1 – September 7, 2021

Mask Wearing
Throughout this pandemic, there have been many questions about use of masks. Public Health has removed the mandatory mask order. However, officials also recommend that everyone 12 years of age and older who is not fully vaccinated, continue to wear a mask when indoors.

Most of the individuals and staff in our sector are still in the process of completing their vaccinations. Vaccination status is personal information, and we won’t necessarily know who is, and who is not fully vaccinated when we are in a group. For these reasons, we are choosing to continue to use masks in our service delivery until Labour Day, and maybe longer.

We would appreciate it if you would continue to wear a mask too, and we will provide masks, gloves and other PPE on request (no charge) to protect us both when we are working together. At this time, we have a good supply on hand.

 

Next Steps: Review All Programs and Services

Take a look at what we are currently planning:

Adults

  • Returning community inclusion day programs to full capacity
  • Updating signage and making any other physical changes required to program and other worksites
  • In-person small group activities like: Buddy Club, Community Kitchen, Let’s Get Real Dating Club, LINK!, and Connect with PEERS trainings

Children and Youth

  • Review service options: tele-health, in-person, or some of both
  • Offering LINK!, Connect with PEERS, Triple P™ Positive Parenting Program – virtually, and soon, in person again.
  • Summer camps – virtual and in-person. Please see www.laurelbc.ca for details! (Useful links page for all camps, by region).

Both

  • Returning to typical family and community engagement across all programs and services
  • Planning for large events like the Annual Picnic, theatre performances, and the Inclusion Art Show
  • Reopening Alternative Creations’ Art Gallery to the public
  • Offering up our Community Inclusion sites to external user groups

The Last Word – Managing Anxiety

Some of us are excited about things reopening, while others (about half of us) are nervous about how quickly restrictions are easing up. If you are in the latter category, you are not alone. Establishing a routine and reaching out to family, friends or your contacts at posAbilities can help alleviate this anxiety. It’s important to note that you can start socializing again at your own pace, we’ll work with you. If you need support, please connect with us, or visit our main site’s COVID-19 resource page for assistance.

For more information, please contact your program leader, or Monique Nelson, Family Resources Coordinator at [email protected] or call/text (604) 369-4073. Enjoy the summer!