COVID-19

As noted in its recent announcement, effective March 21, 2022, the Ontario government is making changes to masking mandates - masks will no longer be required, except for public transit, health care settings, long-term care homes and congregate care settings. In light of this recent announcement, the College advises social workers and social service workers to review the following: Practice Considerations In making decisions about their practice, members should first determine how the changes to…

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As noted in its recent announcement, effective January 5, 2022, the Ontario government is moving to a modified step two of the Roadmap to Reopen in response to the rapid increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations. These measures will be in place until at least January 26, 2022, pending the review of trends in public health and health system indicators.As Registrar and CEO, I recognize that this latest return to restrictions is discouraging. Many of you may…

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The Ontario government recently announced its gradual approach to lifting remaining public health and workplace safety measures over the next six months. As noted in the document A Plan to Safely Reopen Ontario and Manage COVID-19 for the Long-Term, the government will monitor trends in COVID-19 provincial and local public health and health system indicators including COVID-19 cases and increases in hospitalizations to ensure that public health and workplace safety measures can be lifted safely. In light of…

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The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) would like to share the following information and resources to support members’ practice. Practice considerations around vaccination Over the last few months, the College’s Professional Practice Team has seen an increase in practice-related inquiries around proof of vaccination requirements. Members are advised to continue to follow previously communicated practice recommendations about in-person practice, regardless of the vaccination status of their clients. All previous…

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The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) anticipates that the Ontario Government’s announcement to move the province into Step Three of its “Roadmap to Reopen” plan on July 16, 2021 may prompt questions from members regarding their return to practice. As noted in a previous eBulletin, though we are hopeful by improvements in the vaccination rate and public health and healthcare indicators, the College continues to urge social workers and…

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On Friday, June 11th, 2021, the Ontario government moved the province into Step One of its “Roadmap to Reopen” plan. The provincial government noted that its decision to reopen was based on the province-wide vaccination rate and continuing improvements in key public health and health system indicators. The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) continues to take its cues from government and public health authorities and to monitor closely how…

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The College is pleased to share the following information and resources to support members’ practice. Increasing accessibility and ensuring equitable services for clients As noted in the most recent issue of Perspective, the College shared key insights from its COVID-19 Impact Survey. With approximately 20% of the membership participating, the survey provided insights into the ongoing impact of the pandemic on members’ practice and identified areas where the College might enhance its practice support to…

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The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) continues to support members in their practice throughout the pandemic. We are deeply concerned about the devastating impact of the third wave of the pandemic on the Ontario public and on College members. Social workers and social service workers practising in hospitals and on health care teams are faced with distinct challenges, both personally and professionally. We remain committed to communicating regularly with…

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Yesterday, the Ontario government announced that it had declared a third provincial emergency in response to the rapid rise in COVID-19 cases, the threat on the province’s hospital system capacity and the alarming risk posed to the public by the COVID-19 variants. The stay-at-home order takes effect April 8, 2021. As Registrar and CEO, I recognize that the most recent stay-at-home order adds to our collective anxiety around the COVID-19 pandemic, and to the personal…

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The Ontario government recently announced a province-wide emergency brake which took effect on Saturday, April 3, 2021 in response to the surge in COVID-19 case numbers and hospitalizations across the province. The province-wide emergency brake impacts all 34 public health units and puts in place public health and workplace safety measures for a period of four weeks. As the pandemic moves into another year, I want to acknowledge what an extremely challenging time it is…

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In the last few weeks, the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) has received requests from a small number of public health units asking to share information with members on their behalf about the COVID-19 vaccine distribution. The Ontario government’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan is a three-phase plan that prioritizes vaccines for those at greatest risk of illness and those who care for them. Each public health unit is developing…

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