As Registrar and CEO for the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College), I wanted to take this opportunity to remind members of the various factors to consider as the Ontario government implements its revised COVID-19 Response Framework.
As the pandemic continues, I want to acknowledge the general fatigue so many of you are experiencing, as you continue to manage the serious impact and continued challenges of this time.
As noted over the last few weeks, the Ontario government has transitioned some public health regions out of the stay-at-home order while extending the emergency order for others to ensure the health and safety of Ontarians.
The College continues to monitor the situation closely and to provide further communications regarding provincial updates which may impact members and other stakeholders, as they become available.
Reminder – practice considerations
While some members may be permitted to provide in-person services, either because of the region in which they practise and/or the nature of the services they provide, and in accordance with the stay-at-home order (Ontario Regulation 11/21) and the rules for areas in stage 1 (Ontario Regulation 10/21), the College strongly advises all members to continue, wherever reasonably possible, to provide services by electronic means.
Members should ensure that they are up to date with respect to information and guidance from government and public health authorities and familiar with previous College communications regarding:
- safety and infection control measures;
- considerations for members regarding in-person practice; and
- key considerations for members in private practice.
Members are also advised to consult the College’s practice resources regularly, including:
- COVID-19 Updates webpage
- Top 6 considerations for virtual services
- FAQs on cross-jurisdictional practice
- ETHICSàA: Ethical Decision-Making Tool
Staying informed
The College continues to provide practice support to members and reminds members to visit the College’s centralized webpage for all things related to COVID-19, including College resources, links to government and public health authorities, and eBulletins which have been sent to members and other stakeholders throughout the pandemic.
Information on COVID-19 measures by public health region can be found on Ontario’s COVID-19 public health measures and advice webpage.
Thank you once again for your ongoing dedication and service.
Keep well and stay safe.
Lise Betteridge, MSW, RSW
Registrar and CEO