Today, Premier Doug Ford announced a state of emergency within the province of Ontario and issued a stay-at-home order, effective at 12:01 a.m., January 14, 2021. This order requires that anyone who can work from home should do so and only go out for essential reasons. Members’ employees should be asked to work from home, whenever possible.
While there was no specific change announced to Directive #2 relating to the work of regulated health professionals, the College wishes to reemphasize the importance that members work virtually, if at all possible. The College recognizes that this may not be viable for all clients/patients but should be considered as the first alternative, on a case by case basis. By working virtually, we are all respecting the intent of the stay-at-home order recognizing that virtual work is the safest way for members to protect themselves, their clients/patients and their communities, while continuing to offer needed services.
As yet, the College has not received any information from the Ministry as to when members will be scheduled to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. We will certainly pass along any information as soon as it is available. The current information regarding Ontario’s Vaccine Distribution Implementation Plan is available here.
To review the College’s previous updates please visit our COVID-19 webpage.
Keep healthy and safe,
Rick Morris, Ph.D., C.Psych.
Registrar & Executive Director
rmorris@cpo.on.ca