Covid-19 Update

ARC Programs is open and we continue to provide services. We feel at this time with the heightened concern and anxiety we are all feeling, it is more important than ever to ensure we continue to offer our services. I want to assure everyone that we have taken precautions and implemented measures to reduce the risk associated with COVID-19 at all our offices, care homes, and our mobile worksites {company and staff vehicles}, and we continue to follow the direction of the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Province of BC Centre for Disease Control, and our various stakeholders {MCFD, CLBC, IH, etc}.

As part of this direction, some of the steps we have taken to keep both you and our staff safe include:

  • Office access is by appointment only at this time. We ask that you call, or contact your counsellor to schedule an appointment. If you are in need of assistance, please call our main number 250-763-2977 and you will be directed where to call for assistance.
  • Messages on our general delivery mailbox are being promptly returned, and our teams are of course always monitoring their emails.
  • The number of staff on-site has been reduced to ensure we can follow the guidelines around physical distancing, but staff working out of the office have been provided laptops so they can continue to provide service as needed.
  • We are continuing to offer all our services to our clients through phone, secure videoconferencing, and where necessary, in person with physical distancing and safety protocols in place.
  • We continue to maintain strict disinfection and sanitation protocols at all our programs.
  • Staff who are ill, showing symptoms of illness, are self-isolating consistent with BC Public Health requirements and must stay home until they are cleared to work.
  • We are restricting visitors to our residential programs in order to minimize exposure to our clients and staff.
  • We have posted numerous signs to remind everyone of proper hygiene methods, and you will notice arrows and markings to ensure physical distancing is followed.
  • We are installing physical barriers in our agency vehicles, to allow safe transportation when needed, while keeping both our staff, and you safe.
  • Additionally, we are asking if you feel sick, or someone in your home is sick, that you call in advance and if needed, reschedule any meetings.
  • In addition to this, all our staff are following hygiene protocol such as proper hand-washing technique, proper coughing and sneezing technique, and we have hand cleaning stations located throughout our offices. We have stocked up on cleaning supplies and we are ensuring all our offices and homes are being cleaned, as well as wiping down commonly touched surfaces.

As with everyone else, we are evaluating the future, both short-term and long-term, and we will continue to look at new and creative ways to support our clients, deliver services, use office space, and communicate with each other and with our clients and stakeholders. As new information comes available, we will continue to introduce new safety measures to help contain the spread of COVID-19.

Be safe!