As this situation develops, we will provide updated information below. We are learning and revising as we go and appreciate your patience. We can all get through this together.
APRIL 8, 2020
This may or may not apply to you, but if you have children these resources for families could be helpful.
Ideas of things for children to do outside
Video on things to do outside while social distancing
A video for kids on what social distancing is
A book for kids that explains what the virus is, how it is transmitted and how to stay safe
Thriving at home workbook – a mental wellness workbook for children and their parents during quarantine
APRIL 7, 2020
Click here for information on contacting Service Canada.
APRIL 2, 2020
More information has been released on the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
Click here for the application link
MARCH 25, 2020
Government introduces Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) to help workers and businesses
- This taxable benefit would provide $2,000 a month for up to four months for workers who lose their income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- CERB would cover Canadians who have lost their job, are sick, quarantined, or taking care of someone who is sick with COVID-19, as well as working parents who must stay home without pay to care for children who are sick or at home because of school and daycare closures. The CERB would apply to wage earners, as well as contract workers and self-employed individuals who would not otherwise be eligible for Employment Insurance (EI). All Canadians who have ceased working due to COVID-19, whether they are EI-eligible or not, would be able to receive the CERB to ensure they have timely access to the income support they need.
- Workers who are still employed, but are not receiving income because of disruptions to their work situation due to COVID-19, would also qualify for the CERB. This would help businesses keep their employees as they navigate these difficult times, while ensuring they preserve the ability to quickly resume operations as soon as it becomes possible.
- Canadians would begin to receive their CERB payments within 10 days of application. The CERB would be paid every four weeks and be available from March 15, 2020 until October 3, 2020.
- The government is working to get money into the pockets of Canadians as quickly as possible.
MARCH 24, 2020
Canadian Resources for Employees
- Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: Support for Canadians and Businesses
- Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
- Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) – Benefits and services
- includes EI benefits section
- Helping Canadians with the economic impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
- includes information on Emergency Care Benefit, Emergency Support Benefit, and Temporary wage subsidy for employers
- BDC – Support for entrepreneurs impacted by the coronavirus COVID-19
Alberta
MARCH 18, 2020
Copy of letter sent from Crossroads to Foster Families can be found here.
Copy of information sent to Crossroads Staff (for staff ONLY) can be found here.
MARCH 17, 2020
FSG, Kells, and Crossroads are now operating under our pandemic plan. Details of that plan include:
Increased Cleaning
- All staff must clean their office/workstation with sanitary supplies provided each day prior to leaving.
- We have increased daily cleaning and overnight cleaning in common areas.
- Children’s toys and play areas have been closed until further notice.
- Staff are being asked to remove toys, fidgets, pens, markers, etc. from their offices as they are not sanitary at this time.
- Staff are also being asked to wipe down their office/workstation after contact with a client or outside contact.
Meetings and Visitors
- All external meetings should be done over the phone or via teleconference.
- All training programs (RESET, Break Nights, etc.) are to be cancelled or moved online for the foreseeable future.
- Sick Leave Policies during pandemic
- During this pandemic, sick days will be available as per government direction. No medical note from the doctor is required.
- Sick Time Compensation – Options include paid sick leave, vacation, banked time, EI
- Additional sick days may be available to staff. If staff are ill, they must use their existing (increased) allotted paid sick time. Following this, they can access their unused vacation time, banked/flex time, or unpaid time off. There are steps being put in place for those who continue to be sick or who are affected by the COVID-19 by caregiving responsibilities to access EI without the normal waiting period (See below.)
Staying Home
As per the direction of AB Government for the novel COVID-19 virus:
- If you are sick with a fever or a new, atypical, and persistent cough – stay home.
- If there is someone in your home is ill – stay home for 14 days.
- If you have returned from out of the country, stay home for 14 days.
- Do not come into work and self-isolate until you are cleared, or for 14 days.
- You can call 811 to get assessed and receive medical advice.
- If you are sick, but do not have a fever or a new, atypical, or persistent cough, speak with your supervisor about whether it is appropriate to come into the office.
- We are unsure, at this time, on return to work policies. Please speak to your supervisor or check back for updates as they are available.
Employment Insurance (EI)
Staff that are placed in quarantine qualify for sick benefits with EI as follows:
- First 14 days of isolation you do not need a medical certificate to qualify. Once you are placed on quarantine, obtain an ROE from your employer for the protected leave. Next sign up online for EI benefits, and then contact the number below to ensure exemption (waiving) of any wait time if applicable.
- Contact the new dedicated toll-free phone number if you are in quarantine and seeking to waive the one-week EI sickness benefits waiting period so you can be paid for the first week of your claim: 1-833-381-2725 (toll-free)
- If you get the virus, and need to be off on sick leave beyond the 14 day self-isolation time, you must have your doctors office complete and sign the Medical Certificate (obtain the form from EI website here) in order to access up to your 15 week entitlements under sick leave benefits with EI.
- Salaried/Hourly Employees: To obtain your ROE from FSG, complete your time sheet and then alert Carrie as to when exactly you are leaving to self-isolate or quarantine as it will need to be included in the ROE. Carrie will then issue a ROE as soon as possible. Please note, contractors do not qualify for EI, but instead may be eligible for Federal assistance.
Vulnerable populations in delegated care
We want to emphasize that our job is to fulfill legislative requirements regarding the safety and care of children as a priority. The province has opened up a Question & Answer process for agencies to receive answers to urgent questions. It’s an evolving resource and can be found on the ALIGN website. If you have a question you would like answered, please email Amber and she will submit the question on Crossroads’ behalf.
Unique times call for unique measures; as such we have been directed here for more information.
Special Notes
The Government of Alberta is providing emergency financial assistance for some residents. More information can be found here.
The Federal Government has also announced financial assistance. More info can be found here.
Links on COVID-19
World Health Organization – Myths
Government of Canada – includes: updates, prevention and risks, symptoms and treatment, being prepared, travel advice, and Canada’s response; Q & A; Resources (including printable fact sheets.)
Alberta.ca – Coronavirus Info – includes: current situation, public health orders, current cases, prevent and prepare, symptoms and risks, info for Albertans, Government service changes, Chief Medical Officer updates (transcripts and video), and News releases.
Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center