In light of the COVID-19 preparations here in Ontario, we wanted to communicate to members and customers about our plans moving forward.
 
While the number of cases worldwide is changing quickly, the risk to Canadians—including Ontarians—continues to be low but the federal government has warned the situation could quickly change.
 
The Public Health Agency of Canada has a strategy focused on containment of the virus through thorough testing, identification, and isolation of individuals who have travelled to countries where there have been significant outbreaks or been in contact with someone who has tested positive.
 
Within Ontario, the government is working to ensure it is prepared to contain and respond to the attack including establishing assessment centers, launching a self-assessment tool, and ensure active screening for all staff, volunteers, family members, and new and returning residents in long-term care homes.
 
AMCTO is working diligently to engage in active prevention efforts, which includes:
Consulting with local public health units for in-person AMCTO events;
Examining alternative delivery options for AMCTO programming, as necessary;
Communicating with all contracted venues for upcoming events to ensure they are using the appropriate disinfectants (as per Public Health guidelines) to clean all rooms and gathering spaces.
As the situation develops, AMCTO staff will be closely monitoring the recommendations of the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care as well as Ontario Chief Medical Officer. Contingency plans will be developed for upcoming events should there be a change in the containment strategy.
 
Moreover, please be assured that AMCTO will continually assess the merit of holding our upcoming in-person events (Annual Conference, Workshops, Forums, Courses etc.). We ask you check our website and member based communications for ongoing updates.
 
For up-to-date information and resources pertaining to COVID-19, please regularly check the Ontario webpage below: https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus