covid disability

BC’s Provincial Health Officer Bonnie Henry announced new restrictions on social gatherings and group physical activities. These restrictions apply to the Fraser Health Authority and the Vancouver Health Authority.

The restrictions DO NOT apply to disability support services, as these are considered essential services. Services and supports for children with special needs funded by the Ministry of Children and Family Development and the Ministry of Health are not included in these restrictions. Services funded by Community Living BC are also allowed to continue.

Visit the Ministry website for more information.

The following message was released by Community Living BC:

CLBC funded services in Lower Mainland unaffected by new provincial health orders.

On Saturday, November 7, the Provincial Health Officer announced new restrictions for the Lower Mainland on certain activities including social gatherings and travel until November 23. You can find that announcement here. This is to help combat the increase in new cases in these areas of the province.

CLBC has received numerous questions about whether, for example, the restrictions on social gatherings or inviting anyone into your household impacts support workers going into people’s homes, or community inclusion or residential services.

We have received confirmation from Dr. Daniele Behn Smith, Deputy Provincial Health Officer, that the new orders do not apply to essential services. All CLBC funded services are considered essential and should continue as per your plans and safety guidelines for this phase of the pandemic.

The orders are focused on social gatherings, and individuals and families in Lower Mainland communities covered by this order must not host or attend social gatherings.

During this time, service provider staff must also do their part to follow their COVID-19 safety plans and ensure services are being delivered with as reduced a risk as possible.

We hope this clarification is helpful. If you are an individual or family and have any questions or concerns, please discuss these with your service provider.

Thank you to everyone in the affected areas for following the new orders around social activities and to service providers for continuing to support individuals and families.

Sincerely,

Ross Chilton
CEO, Community Living BC

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