COVID-19

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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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…

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The Ontario government recently announced that it was extending the stay-at-home order for the majority of public health regions across the province to ensure the continued health and safety of Ontarians. The announcement notes that when it is safe to do so, the provincial government will transition each region from the emergency order measures to a revised and strengthened COVID-19 Response Framework: Keeping Ontario Safe and Open. Effective February 10, 2021, the following three regions will…

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The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) is providing an update in light of the province’s most recent announcement, as part of our ongoing commitment to providing College members and other stakeholders with updates related to the impact of COVID-19. The Ontario government announced that it had declared a second provincial emergency order in response to the continued rise in COVID-19 cases and the alarming risks posed to the province’s…

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The Ontario government recently announced a province-wide shutdown which will take effect on December 26, 2020, in response to the continued rise in COVID-19 cases across the province and to ensure the health and safety of all Ontarians. The province-wide lockdown takes effect as follows: Two weeks (14 days) for the entire province until Saturday, January 9, 2021Four weeks (28 days) for Southern Ontario until Saturday, January 23, 2021 As we have done on numerous…

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In light of last week’s provincial announcement, which moved Toronto and Peel into “Lockdown” effective Monday, November 23, 2020, the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) would like to take this opportunity to provide an update as to how these ongoing developments may impact members and other stakeholders. As part of its new response framework, the province made the decision to move Toronto and Peel into “Lockdown” as of Monday,…

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The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) is undertaking a review of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on members’ practice. As part of this review, the College would like to remind all members to participate in a survey. We recognize that many of you are facing challenges – both personally and professionally – and have had to adapt your practice and services as a result of the pandemic. Your…

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The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) is undertaking a review of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on members’ practice. As part of this review, we are asking all members to participate in a survey. We recognize that many of you are facing challenges – both personally and professionally – and have had to adapt your practice and services as a result of the pandemic. Your participation in this…

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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 these ongoing developments may impact members and other stakeholders. The Ontario Government recently announced the development of an updated COVID-19 Response Framework. The Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework provides a gradual approach to public health safety while avoiding province-wide closures. Practice considerations In light of these…

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As a result of the ongoing impact related to COVID-19, Canada Post has adjusted their processes. All mail (including application forms and/or documentation) that requires a signature can no longer be delivered to the College office. As such, we request that all mailed items be sent to the College as regular mail.

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Dear College members: With recent news about the steady increase in COVID-19 cases and the return to previous restrictions in some sectors and regions, the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) would like to take this opportunity to highlight various recommendations to members and other stakeholders. Key considerations Given the rapidly changing environment, it is vital that members remain up to date with respect to information and guidance from government…

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