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COVID-19 UPDATES
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NORTH BAY ZOOM MEETING:
Above: Supported Living Services client Rusty Ramos getting his COVID vaccine to stay safe during the pandemic.
January 2021
Dear OMO employees:
Thank you for taking such care of our clients during this trying time. We appreciate you! Please know your clients appreciate you too!
As you all know, COVID-19 cases are spiking in our region. But, we have great news to report.... we have vaccinations on the way!!
In partnership with Safeway Pharmacy and Alta Regional Center, OMO will have an on site Covid-19 vaccination clinic!!
We are still working out the details, and I will have more information in coming days. Please be flexible as we will likely have the clinic days scheduled before the end of January. We will be contacting you to schedule your appointment.
If you already have a vaccination appointment scheduled through IHSS, your county Heath Dept., or your Physician, please keep those appointments as this may allow more open appointment spots for our other team members.
Thank you!
Together we prevail.
Michelle Ramirez
CEO
June 2020
To ensure continuity of operations of essential services and functions, On My Own has implemented the following CDC guidelines which allows critical workers to continue to work following potential exposure to COVID-19 provided employees remain asymptomatic and additional precautions are implemented to protect them and the community. (A potential exposure means being a household contact or having close contact within 6 feet of an individual with confirmed or suspected COVID-19.)
Essential workers who have had an exposure but remain asymptomatic should adhere to the following practices prior to and during their work shift:
- Pre-Screen: Measure the employee’s temperature and assess symptoms prior to starting work. Ideally, temperature checks should happen before the individual enters the workplace.
- Regular Monitoring: As long as the employee doesn’t have a temperature or symptoms, they should self-monitor under supervision.
- Wear a Mask: The employee should wear a face mask while in the workplace for 14 days after last exposure.
- Social Distance: The employee should maintain 6 feet and practice social distancing as work duties permit in the workplace.
- Disinfect and Clean work spaces: Clean and disinfect all work areas.
If the employee becomes symptomatic during the workday:
- They should be sent home immediately.
- Surfaces in their workspace should be cleaned and disinfected.
- Information on persons who had contact with the ill employee during the time the employee had symptoms and 2 days prior to symptoms should be compiled.
- Others at the facility with close contact within 6 feet of the employee during this time would be considered exposed and should be notified. An infested employee is protected under ADA and HIPAA, so do not share identifying information.
When the employee return to work following confirmed or suspected COVID-19:
- Persons with COVID-19 who have symptoms and were directed to care for themselves at home may discontinue isolation under the following conditions:
- At least 3 days (72 hours) have passed since recovery defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath); and,
- At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
OR
- Persons with COVID-19 who have symptoms and were directed to care for themselves at home may discontinue isolation under the following conditions:
- Resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and
- Improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath), and
- Negative results of an FDA Emergency Use Authorized COVID-19 molecular assay for detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA from at least two consecutive respiratory specimens collected ≥24 hours apart (total of two negative specimens)
The following CDC guidelines also remain in place at all On My Own work sites:
- physical distancing of 6 feet or more
- frequent handwashing
- regular disinfecting of the workplace
- wearing a mask according to current state and local orders
- no sharing of telephones or other objects that are near the mouth or nose
March 2020
Dear Community Partners, Employees, and Clients:
COVID-19 (Corona Virus) is a very clear and present danger for our industry. Day programs have closed, key employees have lost their childcare, schools have closed and transportation have been cancelled. Amidst the crisis please know that On My Own is taking every precaution to ensure client and employee safety. Our team is preparing drills and already implementing safety measures, which include but are not limited to the following:
- Teaching health and safety precautions as suggested by CDC
- Implementing social distancing requirements
- Decreasing the number of people in gatherings while cancelling larger gatherings
- Ensuring we have emergency contact information for all clients and staff
- Implementing back up staffing options for clients in our SLS program
- Providing personal protective equipment and seeking more assistance from the Regional Centers
- Organizing remote work options for key positions
- Organizing geographic mapping for staffing coverage
In closing, please know we are doing everything within our power to protect our clients and employees. We are also implementing measures to have the least impact on our clients and employees. We are staying abreast of State/National bulletins; and will continue to post this information through our company intranet for employees.
Here are some key links for the latest news regarding COVID-19.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
Be safe everyone.
Michelle Ramirez,
CEO
On My Own Independent Living Services
(916) 726-0792 ext. 108
On My Own
COVID-19 Health and Safety Planning
Safety Precautions
The following is a summary of the safety precautions we have shared with employees and clients. This is derived from multiple sources from CDC, Dept. of Public Health and Regional Center guidance.
- Avoid making unnecessary trips into the community
- Try to maintain a 6 ft. distance between you and others
- Reschedule any unnecessary appointments
- Wash hands frequently
- Disinfect surfaces often
- Refrain from touching eyes, mouth, and face
- Cover mouth with arm when sneezing or coughing
- Refrain from using public transportation as much as possible
- Use protective equipment when providing personal care (gloves, masks)
- Do not be around others if you have the following symptoms: fever, cough, breathing issues
Other safety precautions our company has taken:
- Canceled all large training events
- Limited employee orientations, CPR, and medication management trainings to less than 10
- Providing personal protective equipment for key employees who provide personal care (as we can locate the items)
- Allowing for some remote working options to reduce the number of office staff
- Allowing for some increased video conferencing for client visits
- Disinfecting office surfaces regularly
- Providing disinfectant and cleaning supplies and toilet paper to all SLS client houses
- Tracking client and employee health conditions
- Ordering food and supplies for clients (as supplies become available)
- Working with the Regional Centers, State Agencies, and local vendors to share resources
- Staff provided with a digital badge for those who report to clients’ homes
- Video checks on medications via SLS Facilitators or Quality Assurance Trainer
- For SLS, adjusted schedules, shared staff, and increased alone time to deploy more employees
Communication:
All employees have been given the safety precautions by the CDC. These were also mailed to every home and safety precautions are listed above
Conference calls for team meetings to stay abreast of changes with clients and employees
Executive Team is currently tracking changes on a daily basis through company email and intranet
CEO is sitting on many calls and statewide groups to stay abreast of changes and recommendations
Resources:
https://scdd.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/2020/03/2020-3-13-Eng-COVID-19.pdf
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) Regarding COVID-19
Last updated: 3/24/2020
HEALTH & SAFETY QUESTIONS
1. What precautions is OMO taking to keep clients and employees safe?
We have taken many precautions from providing personal protective equipment to canceling group trainings. For a full list of the precautions we are taking please see the company website and see the COVID 19 link at the top of the page.
2. Has any clients at OMO tested positive for COVID 19?
As of the date of this letter no clients have tested positive with COVID 19.
3. Will I get quarantined if my client tests positive?
At this time, we do not believe so, but you may be asked to self-isolate. The information changes daily, so we will be sure to keep you abreast of changes.
4. What do I do if I have symptoms?
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), if you develop a fever, cough or shortness of breath, you are to stay home, stay in touch with your doctor, and isolate yourself from others until you have had no fever for 72 hours, other symptoms have improved, and at least 7 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared.
WORK, PAY & EMPLOYMENT RELATED QUESTIONS
5. Do I have to report to work?
The services we provide are considered Essential Services because they assist with the health, safety, and security of a vulnerable population. Therefore, we are permitted to work, even if there is a shelter in place order.
However, no employee would be expected to work if a client tests positive with COVID 19.
Also, if you do not feel comfortable reporting to work, due to the potential for exposure in general, please connect with your Supervisor so we can make accommodations.
6. Will I lose my job if my client becomes ill?
No, we have plenty of clients to work with. We may not be able to guarantee same location, times, or those types of things, but we will do our best to help you stay working.
7. Can I use sick leave for taking time off?
Yes, you can use your sick time for yourself or anything related to COVID 19.
8. Will I get higher pay for working with more than one client at a time?
Unfortunately, no. Legally we cannot pay double pay if an employee meets with two clients at a time.
9. Can I take time off to be with my family?
Yes, you must contact your Supervisor to coordinate this.
10. Will the office remain open?
Yes, at this time we plan to keep the office open during normal business hours:
- M-Thurs. 8-5
- 8-4
Many employees are working remotely, therefore we ask if you want to come to the office, please do so by appointment only.
11. If I lose my job, will I be able to collect unemployment?
If you are an employee, you are able to apply for Unemployment Benefits. We do not however, have the authority to grant approval.
12. Will I be able to apply for FMLA if I do not want to work during this time?
Right now we are unsure what the rules will be regarding extended FMLA. We are tracking legislative changes. For more information, please see: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-employee-paid-leave
13. What if I get pulled over as I am driving to my job?
We have a letter which certifies that you are an employee performing an Essential Service.
Sacramento Regional Office
6939 Sunrise Blvd., Suite 215
Citrus Heights, CA 95610
Main: (916) 726-0792
Fax: (916) 728-1005
North Bay Regional Office
1545 N. Texas Street, Suite 201
Fairfield, CA 94533
Main: (707) 862-2902
Fax: (707) 759-4876
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