We are revising and updating this message on an as needed basis.
The daily news about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been of utmost importance to us as an agency. We are – and have always been – concerned about the health and safety of those whom we serve and with whom we interact, as well as our staff and community.
Because this is a rapidly evolving situation, we are following the information as it becomes available from our national organization Easterseals and from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). We recommend that our staff, consumers and all those who visit our facilities do the same. We are following the guidance from our state and national authorities, as well as our medical director, Chuck Dietzen, MD. As the messaging of these authorities evolves, ours will, too.
It is important to remember that we all play an active role in trying to control this unusual situation. We wholly believe that what we can do together will allow us to overcome this unprecedented pandemic.
At this point, our facilities are open and operating as normal with the following exceptions
- We have suspended rental of our conference spaces to community partners until April 17, at which point we will reassess the situation.
- We have suspended our respite programs including Parents’ Night Out, Parents’ Day Out, CHEER and Teen Night Out until April 17.
- We have postponed our autism support group meetings and awareness series until a later date.
- We have postponed all trainings and conferences scheduled through April 17.
We are doing the following for those individuals and families whom we see in our service areas
- We are utilizing temporal thermometers to check temperatures as individuals enter the building. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 or above will be asked to return home and advised to consult with a healthcare professional.
- We are frequently cleaning and disinfecting areas and equipment including computers, toys and therapy items that are commonly used.
- We have reduced the visitors to our facilities by suspending rental of conference room space and suspending tours to new potential consumers.
- We have suspended community outings in those program areas that participate.
- We have suspended volunteer activities in all facilities.
- We are requiring our staff to be keenly aware of their own health and stay home if ill.
Here is what you can do to maintain safety and health if you come to our facilities for appointments
- Stay home if you or any family member has tested positive for COVID-19.
- Stay home if you or a family member is sick or if you are uncomfortable keeping an appointment. Call us and we will reschedule your appointment.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick or who appear sick. This virus is passed by contact or droplets in the air.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as this is how the virus spreads.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow or tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
