LOFT Community Services’ response to novel coronavirus (COVID-19)
At LOFT, the health and safety of our clients, staff, volunteers and supporters are of utmost importance.
As an agency serving some of the most vulnerable members in the community, we are following the direction and guidelines provided by local and provincial Public Health agencies, as well as the Ontario Ministry of Health and the Government of Canada.
In addition to our usual infection prevention and control practices, we have implemented additional practices in response to COVID-19 that include:
- Increased disinfecting of all commonly used surfaces
- Posting notices at all of our locations requesting visitors postpone their visit if they are feeling unwell and implementing visitor restrictions where mandated
- Self-isolation of all staff who travel outside of Canada prior to their return to work.
- Recommended protective equipment for our staff for current use and in preparation of a COVID-19 positive case.
Essential visitor restriction
At the recommendation of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, all seniors and 24/7 supportive housing locations will allow limited visitation of family members. Please contact the program prior to your visit. We apologize for any inconvenience and ask for your understanding. This is done out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of our clients who are most at-risk.
Essential services and physical distancing
We have implemented our essential services protocol and are practicing physical distancing. This is done out of care and concern for our front-line program team vital to the care of our clients, as well as the rest of our community. This includes working remotely where possible, conducting virtual meetings, increased cleaning of high-touch areas, hand washing protocol and screening staff and visitors if they are feeling unwell. Some programs have closed and are listed below. They were not easy decisions, however, it is in alignment with the guidelines provided by the Ontario Ministry of Health. Our administrative office is restricting visitors but we are available by phone at 416-979-1994 or emailing at info@loftcs.org.
416 Community Support for Women
To maintain the health and safety of you and our staff, the 416 Community Support for Women’s drop-in program is closed until further notice. Staff will be on-site to answer phone calls from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. and do phone check-ins with clients. We will ensure essential medication support is provided and the team is designing a plan for continued food provision.
Crosslinks Street Outreach
The drop-in program, in partnership with Krasman Centre, at 102 Main Street in Newmarket is closed until further notice. Our staff continues to provide one-on-one support through phone and onsite visits as required. Residential supports continued with physical distancing measures.
Transitional Aged Youth (TAY) HUB
The HUB location will be closed until further notice. Virtual group programs occur weekly and our schedules are posted on Instagram @loft_tay. Community and residential supports continue with physical distancing measures.
Integrated Psychogeriatric Outreach Program (IPOP) and Behavioural Services Programs
Both programs providing mobile in-person support have transitioned to phone support to protect our vulnerable clients. Our Behavioural Support Transition Resource Team serving acute care clients will continue to operate as usual.
Simon Apartments
Group activities are postponed and staff will provide support via phone.
South Simcoe Supported Housing
Staff are providing support via phone and in-person as required with physical distancing measures.
Toronto Community Housing Partnership locations (College View, Dunn Ave, Arleta Ave, Mount Dennis, Pelham Park Gardens)
Our staff are providing support via phone and in-person as required with physical distancing measures.
Thank you for your understanding. We continue to monitor the situation closely and recognize that the circumstances are fluid. Updates on LOFT’s programs will be provided here.