March 13, 2020

There has been a tremendous amount of news coverage regarding the COVID-19 (novel Coronavirus-SARS-CoV-2). We assure you that we are aware of the concerns in the community, the individuals we serve, their family members, as well as the professional staff providing support. Living Resources continually is taking universal precautions aimed at prevention or spreading of any infectious disease.

We are monitoring this extremely fluid situation and following guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), and the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).

If we become aware that a supported individual, family or staff member is diagnosed with COVID-19, we will respond appropriately. If an individual or staff member shows respiratory symptoms, we will follow our current practices for handling respiratory illnesses, subject to any additional guidance forthcoming. We are currently asking all visitors to not visit if they are experiencing any symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, cough, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea. Additionally, a visitor screening tool advised by NYSDOH, is being utilized at our sites to ascertain any health risks posed to our participants and staff.

Living Resources provides training and follows infectious disease protocols to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. These protocols include good hygiene, cleaning and disinfecting, as well as use of infectious disease control barriers. There are some steps that we can all take to minimize the spread of all respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, according to the Department of Health:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Heavily soiled hands should be washed.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick, this includes attendance at our programs.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

If you or a family member begin showing symptoms of a respiratory disease and suspect it may be COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider. Before going to your healthcare provider’s office, inform them that a case of COVID-19 is suspected, and follow their advice. We remind you again that you should stay home if you are experiencing symptoms of respiratory disease or flu.

We will continue to share information as it becomes available. Please know that, as always, the health and safety of our individuals, families, and staff is our highest priority, and we will remain vigilant in our efforts to help prevent the spread of this and any illness. We gratefully appreciate your support in helping to prevent the spread of any illness.

Sincerely,

Fredrick W. Erlich
Chief Executive Officer

 

 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

If you have questions or concerns about travel and/or Coronavirus symptoms, New York has established a Novel Coronavirus Hotline 1-888-364-3065, which can provide additional information.

If you or a family member begin showing symptoms of a respiratory disease and suspect it may be COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider. Before going to your healthcare provider’s office, inform them that a case of COVID-19 is suspected, and follow their advice.

 

Families are also encouraged to follow the CDC’s information for travel, available at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html.

 

For more information, consider consulting these additional resources: 

Again, there are some steps that we can all take to minimize the spread of all respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, according to the Department of Health:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Heavily soiled hands should be washed.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.