When dealing with stakeholders and persons served, all individuals should be presumed to be contagious. Until such a time as we have the all-clear from our governing bodies, this assumption is paramount.
Drivers will position passengers as far away from themselves as is reasonably possible. This may include such measures as folding down or removing completely the second row of seats in some vehicles. Drivers are reminded that occasionally an individual sitting directly behind the driver may sneeze or cough directly in the direction of the driver.
Absolutely no passengers will be permitted to ride in the front seat. This is not at the discretion of the driver. During this time, the front seat should be considered a safe space, where the driver can safely store their own belongings, as well as sanitizing and protective equipment.
Whenever possible, drivers will encourage foster parents, parents, caregivers to handle the children and their belongings. Avoid unnecessary physical contact with passengers and their items as often as is reasonably possible. Minimizing transmission through contact is a large part of the overall strategy.
Passengers will be offered alcohol-based hand sanitizer upon entering and exiting the vehicle. Passengers may be provided with a clean, unused mask at the request of the driver. Masks will be provided by the driver. If the passenger declines, service may be declined. Drivers wishing to end a drive for this reason will reach out to their supervisor immediately. Drivers will not terminate a drive without approval first. Comfort levels of returning workers will likely vary to a large degree. Morrison Youth Care inc. cares for the emotional well being of our staff, as well as the physical. We want to support our staff during this stressful time.
Drivers will ask a series of screening questions prior to entering the vehicle.
How are you feeling today?
Do you have any cold or flu-like symptoms?
Is anyone in your household sick or exhibiting symptoms?
They do this as a second measure, as the caseworker is also asked to probe the passengers for the same information the night before. If the answers lead the driver to believe that there is any risk of infection, the drive may be terminated. If any passenger presents cold or flu-like symptoms at any time during the drive, the drive may be terminated.
Note: The driver will contact their supervisor IMMEDIATELY if they feel that a drive should be terminated. Their supervisor will reach out to the caseworker, who will ultimately make the decision on whether to proceed or terminate. Drivers will not end a visit for Covid transmission reasons without this approval in place.
Vehicles will be sanitized after every passenger. This will mean using alcohol- based spray on all surfaces. Drivers will wipe down all touch points, including steering wheel, door handles, knobs, seat belt buckles, etc.
Drivers will adequately ventilate the passenger space. For example: Crack a rear window a little and turn the fresh air intake fan to a higher setting. This will move fresh air through the cabin and out the rear. The direction of airflow will then be moving away from the driver. Divers must avoid using the recirculate setting on their air control unit. This causes everyone in the vehicle to rebreathe each other’s air.
Drivers will make use of the Government of Alberta website regarding areas and municipalities with higher rates of infection. Drivers will plan their routes in such a way that they will not need to stop their vehicle for fuel, food, etc. in these areas. This may be unavoidable at times, but a diligent effort must be made.