Updated January 14, 2021 – The information below remains valid during the provincial State of Emergency announced by the Government of Ontario.

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WHITBY — Community Care Durham (CCD) will continue to keep its programs and services operating during the provincial lockdown, recently announced by the Government of Ontario that takes effect December 26th.

“Given the essential services the organization provides to a vulnerable community and the lessons learned in the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are committed to keeping our programs operating during this lockdown,” said CCD CEO James Meloche.

“We will continue to demonstrate on-going infection control practices while providing care,” he added.

Meloche said there has been a significant strain on CCD clients and their caregivers given the prolonged time-frame of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The inability to access health and wellness services places clients at risk of irreversible physical and mental health decline, putting at danger their ability to live independently at home while placing more strain on their caregivers.” said Meloche. “Ultimately this will add more pressure on our limited regional health care services such as hospitals and long-term care.”

CCD has in-house health and safety resources, extensive quality and safety oversight applied to all programs, enhanced data to track impacts on staff and services, and a stable supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

“When you consider the tremendous lessons learned and the actions taken in response to the first COVID-19 wave, CCD staff and volunteers are well-positioned to face this and future waves,” Meloche said.

As the organization moves forward, he added that it will continue to be responsive to the needs of its clients, staff, volunteers, partners, and further directives from local and provincial authorities.

For more information about CCD’s programs and services visit https://communitycaredurham.on.ca/. For ongoing updates on CCD’s response to COVID-19, please visit https://communitycaredurham.on.ca/covid19/ or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Media Contact: Ian McMillan
Phone: 905-430-1863, Email: imcmillan@communitycaredurham.on.ca