Media Release: Confirmed Case of COVID-19 at Community Living Hamilton

HAMILTON, July 16, 2020 – One (1) employee at Community Living Hamilton’s (CLH) Mountain residence has tested positive for COVID-19. This is the only confirmed case of COVID-19 within the agency at this time. CLH’s leadership team continues to work with Hamilton Public Health to minimize the effects of this situation on others.

“We wish this employee all the best and a speedy recovery,” says Sylvia D’Intino, CLH’s Executive Director.

Hamilton Public Health has deemed this an outbreak; however a result of the Universal Precautions previously in place, it has been categorized as a “casual contact” situation where the risk of exposure to other employees and clients living at the site is extremely low. All staff and the four clients who were in contact with this individual are being tested and the agency is awaiting results.

Although, this is the only case of COVID-19 associated with CLH at this time, additional preventative measures have been implemented to further reduce risk and safeguard the health and safety of its employees and supported individuals. Hamilton Public Health has indicated that exposure risk is low and only minor additional precautions are needed, however CLH has opted to err on the side of caution and has enacted protocols that exceed those recommended.

“Community Living Hamilton’s leadership team are grateful for the incredible job that our employees have done and continue to do during this challenging time, notably our essential staff have been working on the front lines to ensure the safety of those living in our group home settings,” added D’Intino. “We thank them for their dedication to Helping Build Great Lives.”

Impact to Other Agencies

CLH does not anticipate any impact to other local or regional agencies. All CLH employees were previously required to select a single employer that they would exclusively work for until the end of the pandemic. This measure went into enforcement on April 6, 2020 and, as of that date, no active staff have worked for any other agency.

Updates to this situation will be posted on the CLH website at: https://communitylivinghamilton.com/covid-19-coronavirus-updates/.

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ABOUT COMMUNITY LIVING HAMILTON – Community Living Hamilton (CLH) is dedicated to helping people with special needs build great lives. It provides opportunities and support to 1,600 adults and children with diverse abilities across the Hamilton region. With 320 employees and 120 volunteers, CLH is the region’s largest service provider for individuals with developmental disabilities such as Down Syndrome and Autism. We assist our clients every day by empowering them to reach their full potential. Whether it’s living independently or in a group setting, working in competitive employment, or sharing in community activities, we are here to help our clients achieve their goals and dreams.

Community Living Hamilton is very grateful for the funding support it receives from United Way Halton & Hamilton.