The health, safety and well-being of our service users, families, staff, students, volunteers and community remains our top priority as we continue to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation. Deemed an essential service by the Ontario government, CMHA Toronto remains open and is doing everything possible to keep safe options available to support individuals in need of mental health care. As the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve globally, CMHA Toronto is actively following precautions advised by local Public Health agencies, as well as the Ontario Ministry of Health and the Government of Canada to help mitigate the spread of infection.
To protect the health and safety of our service users and staff, CMHA Toronto has made some operational changes to our programs and services effective immediately until further notice:
- CMHA Toronto main offices and 24/7 residential programs remain open. We have taken precautions at our reception areas to ensure social distancing is in effect by installing plexiglass, adding floor markings and removing and scattering chairs. Additionally, we have increased cleaning and disinfecting and have used ultraviolet machines to clean our nursing stations and doctors’ offices.
- All drop-in programs and groups such as Routes, Pathways and Women’s Groups are suspended unless you have been notified if they are taking place online or over the phone.
- Non-essential in-person appointments will be limited or rescheduled
We are taking a proactive approach to ensure we have a healthy group of staff available to support our service users and families:
- All CMHA Toronto staff who are able to, have been asked to work from home beginning Tuesday, March 17, 2020 until further notice. Staff are working remotely, but are still working regular business hours
- All CMHA Toronto staff have been advised to self-isolate for a 14-day period if they have:
- symptoms of coronavirus (cough, fever, difficult breathing), and/or
- travelled internationally within the last 14 days, and/or
- been in contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus
- Staff are following the Ontario Ministry of Health’s personal protection equipment (PPE) precautions (PPE), and have been wearing PPE when required
- Staff are screening all service users using the COVID-19 Screener when arriving at our offices and prior to community visits
- All non-essential in-person meetings are suspended. Staff are authorized to conduct meetings remotely via teleconference
- All internal events, trainings and workshops have been postponed, limiting large gatherings
- In addition to our usual infection prevention and control procedures, all CMHA Toronto staff have been advised of best hand washing and hygiene practice
If visiting our offices, you can help us limit the spread of infection by:
- Washing your hands with soap and water at one of the designated washrooms prior to entering
- Use the alcohol-based hand sanitizing stations located throughout our offices to ensure your hands are kept clean
- Practice social distancing when interacting with CMHA Toronto staff and other service users
- Cover/sneeze into your elbow
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
- Let us know if you are feeling sick or unwell
Service users should contact their case worker at their extension or call CMHA Toronto reception at 416-789-7957 if:
- You have a scheduled appointment
- You are scheduled or due for an injection
- You need help but are not in crisis
As this public health situation develops, CMHA Toronto will continue to inform service users and the community of further changes to programs and services as they occur. Please view our list of mental health supports and COVID-19 resources from trusted government officials, healthcare professionals and mental health organizations to help you navigate available information.
If you have any questions about our operations at this time, please contact us at 416-789-7957 or info@cmhato.org.
We appreciate your understanding and continued support.
Thank you,
Steve Lurie
Executive Director, CMHA Toronto