On Tuesday this week, I was part of a meeting with a parent of a person with a disability who is supported at another organization. They expressed their frustration at not being able to visit with their daughter for several months and shared the toll it took on their emotional well-being. Their experience is a reminder of the tension we’re all in – to actively avoid spreading the virus with increased restrictions on the one hand or to relax some restrictions to help people in their interactions with friends and family on the other.
In both Ontario and Saskatchewan, the number of COVID-19 cases are increasing. Worldwide, we have hit the sad record of 1,000,000 deaths due to COVID-19. For now, we’re staying with the same approach to family visits, though we’re watching the statistics every day and paying close attention to provincial directives and local Public Health Units in both provinces because as infection rates remain high we may need to reconsider this. As of yesterday, we have no report of COVID-19 cases within Christian Horizons communities in both Ontario and Saskatchewan.
Christian Horizons Statistics
(Running totals since March 19, 2020)
Provincial and National Statistics
(Beyond Christian Horizons)
Christian Horizons Global
Globally, cases of COVID-19 are continuing to rise. In many of the communities where we work, death tolls are also rising, though many are not directly a result of COVID-19. Medical systems are overwhelmed, and many people are afraid to go to the hospital. Our team continues to work creatively to encourage people with proper health tips and when to seek medical attention.
In Uganda over the past months, food kits have been delivered to families with an emphasis on people with disabilities, including victims of acid attacks. People have received supplies of dried beans, corn flour, rice, sugar, vegetable oil, salt soap, and other basic needs. Our leader in Uganda has asked us to share the thanks of the people there. They want you to know how much they appreciate the support. It is literally lifesaving!
We’re in this Together
In times of uncertainty, it’s comforting for me to know that I am not in this alone. Even though there are many opinions about how we should continue to respond in the fight against COVID-19, we are still going through this together. I pray for your continued health, patience, and energy as we keep on in the fight.
Please remember, when you’re at work at Christian Horizons, you’re required to wear your mask. Please also remember to wash your hands and keep a safe distance as much as possible – these are new habits that I’m finding easier to remember as the days and weeks go by.
Our resources page is updated regularly and is available at https://covid19.chconnect.org/. I remain available at dmilley@christian-horizons.org if you wish to contact me.
Stay safe,
Dwayne Milley
Vice President of Operations