On-site services offered at the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent will slowly start to resume next week.
Officials with the CTC announced that effective June 1, the first phase of in-person care will take place at the facility, provided appointments are considered urgent and low-risk for transmission of COVID-19. Virtual care is still encouraged in order to limit the potential spread of COVID-19.
"Safeguarding the health and safety of our clients, families and our staff is our first and most important priority," read a CTC media release. "For this reason, in-person services will be phased in over the coming weeks and months, as we move cautiously to monitor developments and increase on-site services as appropriate."
Although CTC staff have been working during the pandemic, the facility has remained closed. The move to gradually reopen comes after the provincial government announced that certain in-person health and medical services could resume at organizations, provided that COVID-19 preventative measures are taken.
"We are pleased to resume in-person delivery of vital services for the children and youth we care for and to continue to offer as many virtual services as possible to support families through this challenging time," read the release.
Once in-person services resume, only those with confirmed appointments will be allowed at the facility and only one parent or caregiver will be allowed to accompany a child during their appointment.
"Everyone will be screened prior to entry and will be asked to respect all physical distancing and associated safety guidelines," read the release. "Our staff will be wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), appropriate for the work they are doing, in accordance with public health guidelines."
Those with questions about the gradual reopening may call 519-354-0520 ext. 0.