Coronavirus Update March 19, 2020

IAHD remains committed to providing you with up-to-date  information as promptly as possible. The health and safety of ALL members of our community is a priority. Our Senior Leadership team is working 24/7 reporting and acting on all issues pertaining to this crisis.

We are regularly reviewing our response plans and procedures to ensure the health and safety of the people we support, families and staff, while minimizing disruption of our operations, and continue to emphasize best practices for infection control.

IAHD is monitoring information and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the New York Department of Health (DOH), and working directly with The Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) to address safety protocols as they evolve. IAHD operated Day Programs remain closed until March 31, 2020 and we will provide updates as changes occur.

In accordance with requirements from regulatory agencies and public health experts, IAHD is currently prohibiting all visitors, including vendors  to enter our programs until further notice.

The following procedures have been put in place during these challenging times:   

1. People who live in any of our residences, will be provided with Day Services in the residence in which they reside.
2. For those who reside in the community with their families, we will share access to available resources and day supports. Additionally, IAHD will continue to explore whether or not we have the resources available to provide supports our resources within the home for families that might prefer this option if our resources allow.
3. Essential administrative functions will continue.

IAHD continues to take the necessary steps to keep our community safe. Deep sanitizing continues to take place daily using CDC/EPA approved products, sanitizing of the common areas and offices and ALL IAHD locations, including the residences.

As directed by (OPWDD), only essential IAHD staff will be permitted into our programs. Families, vendors and others will not be permitted to enter until further notice.

We are asking all staff to please be mindful of the following precautions, recommended by the New York State Department of Health, to minimize contracting the Coronavirus which are very similar to the usual steps we take to avoid the cold and flu:

1. Stay home if you are sick
2. Keep a safe distance from others (min of 6ft.)
3. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue (preferable) or sleeve when sneezing or coughing — do not use your hands
4. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
5. Do not touch your face (eyes, nose & mouth)
6. Do not shake hands with others. Instead, wave or elbow bump.
7. If you have family or friends who are elderly, have compromised immune systems or chronic respiratory or coronary issues, do not visit them if you feel sick. Stay home and keep your loved ones safe.
8. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or disinfecting wipes.

This is an opportune time for us to show our strength and unity as a community. We hope that our continued communication and transparency helps to keep us all grounded during this difficult time.

Sincerely,
Omayra Andino
CEO

For additional information, please visit the following websites:

NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (DOH)
Department of Health 24/7 Hotline: 1-888-364-3065
General Information and Updates

THE CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION (CDC)
General Information and Updates
Informational Videos
How to Protect Yourself

WESTCHESTER COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Hotline Number 211
Information about Coronavirus (COVID-19)