916-726-0792

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COVID-19 UPDATES

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, 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 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 come 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, & increased alone time to deploy more employees

Communication:

All employees have been given the safety precautions by the CDC and this was also mailed to every home and safety precautions listed above
Conference calls for team meetings to stay abreast of changes with clients and employees
Executive Team is tracking changes daily and currently 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

https://scdd.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/2020/03/Green-Mountain-SA-Info-By-and-For-People-with-Disabilities.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.