COVID-19 Response

/COVID-19 Response
COVID-19 Response2020-09-11T13:02:33-07:00

COVID-19 Response

P2C Moves to Phase Two

September 14, 2020

Power to Change will be moving to Phase 2 of the Pandemic Restrictions plan on Monday (September 14th). In Phase 2, we will be allowing more people to return to the Langley office and making it easier for essential travel. Here’s what is changing:
  1. HQ has no limit on the number of people in the building. Health and safety measures currently in place still need to be followed.
  2. Ministries and departments have the option of recalling their teams back into the office.
  3. Domestic travel is permitted with the approval of the staff member’s supervisor and must be booked on Egencia or with Envoy travel (details below).
  4. The requirement to self-isolate from P2C events after domestic travel is no longer required. It is recommended that you wear a mask around other staff while travelling and for 14 days following the trip. Refer to your local health authority for travel restrictions, some provinces still require self-isolation for domestic travel.
Questions or comments about phase 2? Leave a comment below or email mailto:hr@p2c.com. More information about travel is below and guidance for supervisors is also at the bottom of this post.
Domestic Travel
Domestic travel is now permitted with the approval of your supervisor. To obtain this approval, you must go through the flight booking process in Egencia. During the booking process, you will be asked about why this trip is essential. Once your supervisor approves, your flight will be booked. For clarity, your flight will NOT be booked immediately and the price is subject to change until your supervisor has approved the travel. If you are not travelling by air or booking with Envoy, you can request permission by emailing your supervisor.
Please note that if you become ill while travelling, you will likely not be allowed back on the plane. You should therefore have a plan of where you will stay and who will care for you while you recover away from home. Your ministry may be responsible for costs incurred when isolating on a ministry trip. This cost should be considered when evaluating if the trip is essential.
International Travel
International travel is not recommended but possible on an exception basis. The threshold for essential travel will be higher for international trips then it is for domestic travel. To get permission to travel outside of Canada, you will need approval from your supervisor, the P2C Crisis Management Team, the Crisis Management Team for the country you are going to and a Vice-President. Please email mailto:projects@p2c.com to start the approval process. Your trip should be approved prior to booking your flights.
Supervisors
To help you determine if domestic travel should be approved, we have put together a guide that will assist you through the decision making process. You will be assessing the risks of travel versus the benefits of the trip. You will also need to ensure a plan is in place should the staff member become ill while travelling. The cost of a hotel, food, etc while ill is a valid ministry expense and may be charged to your ministry account.
Specific travel questions can be directed to mailto:projects@p2c.com. You can also leave a comment on this post.

New Health & Safety Measures

May 29, 2020

Power to Change will follow all advice from the public health agencies of each province.  We may choose to maintain restrictions longer than is required but we will not operate against the advice of public health.  

These guidelines below are for when P2C deems it can begin returning to a new normal of operations.  They will be reviewed and revised as new information and requirements are made available. 

 

Phase One

Adapted from WorkSafeBC

Headquarters 

Office Access

  • Staff are encouraged to work from home but the office is made available for regular use.  Limit of 50 P2C staff in the building. 
  • If Lobby shows congestion in the morning or at lunch, staggered start/end times and lunch times will be implemented.
  • Distance markers installed for reception or plexiglass installed.
  • Sign in and out done by reception in person or through email.
  • One person (or one family) at a time in the elevator.  Lines on the ground added for waiting.
  • Staircases are one-way only.  The main staircase is for going up, the other two are for going down.  Signage will indicate direction. 
  • Setup one-way paths around the building to limit congestion in the halls.
  • Physical distancing of 2 meters to be observed at all times.

Communal Spaces

  • Cleaned after each use: meeting rooms, water coolers, microwaves, tables, photocopiers, and fax machines
  • Regularly cleaned: Elevator buttons, door handles, bathrooms, and other high touch surfaces
  • Coffee and tea stations closed.
  • 3rd Floor Kitchen closed (physical distance cannot be observed).
  • The staff fridge will not be available and staff are encouraged to eat at their desk. 
  • Staff should bring their own water bottles filled with water before coming to the building.
  • Tables and chairs arranged to allow for physical distancing. 
  • All dishes removed from use.
  • Meeting Rooms 2A, 3A, 3B, 3C, and prayer room are available for a max of 2 people and the Boardroom for 4 staff with the 2 tables pulled apart and staff sitting at the ends of all meeting tables to maintain social distancing requirements.  
  • The 3rd floor patio will become a bookable space for meetings.  
  • Conference room A, B, boardroom and training room will be set up for ‘larger’ meetings with capacity signs added.  All meeting rooms must be cleaned after using them. 
  • All doors are to be kept open as much as possible to minimize touch.

Work Spaces

  • Workspaces adjusted to meet physical distancing requirements. All must be 2 meters apart or physical barriers installed.
  • No sharing of offices (two desks in one office).
  • In person meetings kept to a minimum.  Virtual meetings are highly encouraged.

General Health and Safety

  • This plan is posted in HQ and p2c.com
    (as ordered by the Chief Medical Officer).
  • Staff receive training on this plan.
  • If sick (with anything) stay home, no exceptions.
  • Report to HR any confirmed positive COVID-19 test.
  • No communal food or drinks should be provided.
  • Visitors in the building should be kept to a minimum.  All visitors must be informed of our safety protocols prior to coming into the building.  

 

Other Offices

Office Access

  • Staff are encouraged to work from home but the office is made available for regular use.  
  • If congestion occurs in the office, stagger start/end times and lunch times will be implemented.
  • Review new building procedures with staff (if provided by the landlord).
  • Setup one-way paths around the office to limit congestion in the halls.
  • Physical distancing of 2 meters to be observed at all times.

Communal Spaces

  • Cleaned after each use: meeting rooms, water coolers, photocopiers, and fax machines
  • Regularly cleaned: door handles, bathrooms (that we are responsible for), and other high touch surfaces
  • Coffee and tea stations closed.
  • Encourage staff to not use the fridge and to bring their own water bottles.
  • Tables and chairs removed or closed off from any lunchroom/break areas. 
  • All dishes removed.
  • Meeting Rooms post max capacity or turned into offices.  
  • Meeting rooms cleaned after each use.
  • Encourage outdoor meetings, if possible.  
  • All doors are to be kept open as much as possible to minimize touch.

Work Spaces

  • Workspaces adjusted to meet physical distancing requirements. All must be 2 meters apart or physical barriers installed.
  • No sharing of offices (two desks in one office).
  • In person meetings kept to a minimum.  Virtual meetings are highly encouraged.

General Health and Safety

  • This plan is posted in the office.
  • Staff are to receive training on this plan prior to resuming work in the office.
  • If sick (with anything) stay home.
  • Report to HR any confirmed positive COVID-19 test.
  • Visitors in the building should be kept to a minimum.  All visitors must be informed of our safety protocols prior to coming into the building.  

 

Non-Office Environments

In-Person Ministry

  • Strict 2 meter physical distancing should be observed.
  • Virtual meetings should be done, if possible.
  • Local health authorities limits regarding gatherings should be strictly adhered to.
  • When possible, meet with others outside.
  • Face masks should be used when physical distancing is limited (e.g. walking in hallways).
  • Regular hand washing/sanitizing.   Avoid touching your face.
  • No sharing of tools, equipment, pens, etc.

General Health and Safety

  • Staff are to receive training on personal safety prior to resuming work at a non-office location.
  • If sick (with anything) stay home.
  • Report to HR any confirmed positive COVID-19 test.
  • All protocols put in place at your location of work should be strictly observed.  

 

Ministry Related Travel

Domestic

  • No domestic air, train, or long-haul bus travel unless deemed essential by the ministry leader and Crisis Management.
  • All domestic air travel must be booked through Egencia. Contact projects@p2c.com for assistance with bookings.
  • Travel by car interprovincially should be limited to what is essential travel, as defined by the supervisor.
  • Use of shared vehicles should be minimized.  The vehicle should be cleaned after each use.
  • Travel to and from your regular work location is permitted by any transportation method needed (e.g. public transit).  

International Travel

  • No international or transborder ministry travel.
  • No international ministry visitors or events will be permitted.
  • Exceptions for essential travel are approved by a Vice-President or President with guidance from Crisis Management (CMT).
    Note: international trips may also need to be approved by the local Crisis Management Team.  The Canadian CMT will coordinate all international approvals.  

Self-Quarantine 

  • Anyone who travels to another province or country by air, train, or long-haul bus will be required to self-quarantine from any in-person P2C activities for 14 days. 
  • All federal and provincial health orders regarding travel will be respected.

Phase Two 

Start: September 2020
*This plan start date and protocols will be adjusted based on the advice of WorkSafeBC and other provincial governing bodies.  It will be reviewed at the beginning of August.

Adapted from WorkSafeBC

Headquarters 

Office Access

  • Staff given the option to work from home but the office is made available for regular use.  
  • If Lobby shows congestion in the morning or at lunch, staggered start/end times and fixed lunch times will be implemented.
  • Distance markers installed for reception or plexiglass installed.
  • Sign in and out done by reception
  • One person or one family at a time in the elevator.  Lines on the ground added for waiting.
  • Staircases are one-way only.  The main staircase is for going up, the other two are for going down.  Signage will indicate direction. 
  • Physical distancing of 2 meters to be observed at all times 

Communal Spaces

  • Regularly cleaned: meeting rooms, water coolers, photocopiers, and fax machines
  • Regularly cleaned: Elevator buttons, door handles, bathrooms, and other high touch surfaces
  • Coffee and tea stations, cleaned after use.
  • 3rd Floor Kitchen closed.
  • Staff are encouraged to bring their own water bottles.
  • Tables and chairs separated in the lunchroom to ensure physical distancing. 
  • Meeting Rooms 2A, 3A, 3B, 3C, and prayer room are available for a max of 2 people or individual work.  
  • The 3rd floor patio will become a bookable space for meetings.  
  • Conference room A, B, boardroom and training room will be set up for ‘larger’ meetings with capacity signs added.  All meeting rooms must be cleaned after using them. 
  • All doors are to be kept open as much as possible to minimize touch.
  • Chapel may resume in person – if physical distancing can be maintained AND the gathering limit is over 50. 

Work Spaces

  • Workspaces adjusted to meet physical distancing requirements. All must be 2 meters apart or physical barriers installed.
  • No sharing of offices (two desks in one office).
  • Virtual meetings are highly encouraged but not required. 

General Health and Safety

  • This plan is posted in HQ.
  • Staff receive training on this plan prior to resuming work in HQ.
  • If sick (with anything) stay home.
  • Report to HR any confirmed positive COVID-19 test.
  • Visitors in the building should be kept to a minimum.  All visitors must be informed of our safety protocols prior to coming into the building.   

Other Offices

Office Access

  • If congestion occurs in the office, stagger start/end times and fixed lunch times will be implemented.
  • Review new building procedures with staff (if provided by the landlord).
  • Setup one-way paths around the building to limit congestion in the halls.
  • Physical distancing of 2 meters to be observed at all times.

Communal Spaces

  • Regularly cleaned: meeting rooms, water coolers, photocopiers, and fax machines
  • Regularly cleaned: door handles, bathrooms (that we are responsible for), and other high touch surfaces
  • Coffee and tea stations cleaned after use.
  • Encourage staff to bring their own water bottles.
  • Tables and chairs separated to allow for physical distancing in the lunchroom/break areas. 
  • Meeting Rooms post max capacity or turned into offices.  
  • Meeting rooms cleaned after each use.
  • Encourage outdoor meetings, if possible.  
  • All doors are to be kept open as much as possible to minimize touch. 

Work Spaces

  • Workspaces adjusted to meet physical distancing requirements. All must be 2 meters apart or physical barriers installed.
  • No sharing of offices (two desks in one office).
  • In person meetings kept to a minimum.  Virtual meetings are highly encouraged.

General Health and Safety

This plan is posted in the office.

  • Staff are to receive training on this plan prior to resuming work in the office.
  • If sick (with anything) stay home.
  • Report to HR any confirmed positive COVID-19 test.
  • Visitors in the building should be kept to a minimum.  All visitors must be informed of our safety protocols prior to coming into the building.  

 

Non-Office Environments

In-Person Ministry

  • Strict 2 meter physical distancing should be observed.
  • Virtual meetings should be done, if possible.
  • Local health authorities limits regarding gatherings should be strictly adhered to.
  • When possible, meet with others outside.
  • Face masks should be used when physical distancing is limited (e.g. walking in hallways).
  • Regular hand washing/sanitizing.   Avoid touching your face.
  • No sharing of tools, equipment, pens, etc. 

General Health and Safety

  • Staff are to receive training on personal safety prior to resuming work at a non-office location.
  • If sick (with anything) stay home.
  • Report to HR any confirmed positive COVID-19 test.
  • All protocols put in place at your location of work should be strictly observed.  

 

Ministry Related Travel

Domestic

  • Limited domestic travel unless deemed essential by the supervisor.
  • Domestic air travel must be booked through Egencia.
  • Travel by car interprovincially is permitted with supervisor approval.
  • Use of shared vehicles should be minimized.  The vehicle should be cleaned after each use.
  • Travel to and from your regular work location is permitted by any transportation method needed (e.g. public transit).  

International Travel

  • International or transborder ministry travel for essentials reasons only with approval from the ministry leader and Crisis Management.
    Note: international trips may also need to be approved by the local Crisis Management Team.  The Canadian CMT will coordinate all international approvals.  
  • Approval from the ministry leader and Crisis Management for international visitors and events.

Self-Quarantine 

  • Anyone who travels out of Canada will be required to self-quarantine from any in-person P2C activities for 14 days. 
  • All federal and provincial health orders regarding travel will be respected.

Phase Three

Start: When a vaccine or effective treatment is widely available.

All Locations

  • All pandemic related restrictions are removed.
  • Staff can resume normal operations in all office and non-office locations. 

Ministry Travel

  • No restrictions on staff travel.  Staff should continue to report their international travel to the Crisis Management Team.

 

Message from the President

March 25, 2020

The current coronavirus crisis is changing the world in ways we have never previously experienced. The Wall Street Fear Index (the VIX) recently hit levels higher than during the 2008 financial crisis. But while those around us may be filled with anxiety and fear, we have the gift of peace — Jesus Christ.

The gospels tell of the disciples being caught in a storm on the Sea of Galilee. In their panic, Jesus simply told them, “Don’t be afraid, take courage. I am here!” After the resurrection, they were changed. Fear was replaced with boldness.

This is a time for us as believers to be bold with our faith in Jesus as we continue to love people and share His message of profound peace in the midst of this storm. God’s Word encourages us to be ready: don’t be deceived or surprised, don’t panic, be patient, and use these difficulties as an opportunity to witness.

Donna Mitchell, our VP of Ministries, shared a story with me from her recent flight home, on her way to self-isolate. She began to chat with the woman beside her. Donna asked, “Are you a praying person?” The woman’s instant reply was, “No, but do you want to pray right now?!

The fear and uncertainty created by Covid-19 have opened the hearts and minds of many to hear the gospel! Circumstances may require us to isolate, but we are committed more than ever to replacing fear with boldness and reach people in creative ways to help them experience the love of Jesus

Our ministries are taking action and actively creating innovative strategies to reach the lost during this unprecedented global opportunity. Many people were already suffering from loneliness and isolation before this crisis, so developing different ways to connect digitally will be a primary focus. In the coming days and weeks, you will hear from some of our ministries regarding new podcasts, live streams, and other creative digital ministry experiences.

As many of our annual fundraising events have been cancelled, we trust that you will stand together with our ministries and staff, and continue to support us prayerfully and financially as we innovatively share the good news of Jesus Christ with our nation.

Here are some ways you can pray with us during this critical time:

  • Pray for wisdom and creative direction in how we can best serve during this crisis.
  • Pray for the good news of Jesus to shine brightly in the world.
  • Pray for God’s continued care, provision, and protection, especially for those who are at a higher risk.
  • Join the weekly prayer call with Global Aid Network

Please know we are grateful for your ongoing support and prayer at this time.

Historically, it has often been during moments of crisis that God’s people have united together to clearly demonstrate His love and peace. Join us in praying that in the midst of this storm, the Church will rise up with boldness and love so the world will know Jesus and experience His power to change our communities, cities, and nations.

Do you need prayer? We have staff and volunteers who are ready to pray with you. Contact them anytime through our free online resources.

 

Resources & Relevant Links