As we find ourselves in unprecedented times with the outbreak of the coronavirus, we want to provide a resource for all of us as we venture into unknown territory. We walk forward trusting in Christ but also using the resources He has given us in order to effectively protect ourselves and love our neighbors.
We are following the guidelines of the Wicomico County Health Department in creating our organizational plan. THE CHRISTIAN SHELTER WILL NOT BE RECEIVING ANY NEW GUESTS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE DUE TO COVID 19
Preventative Advice: • Avoid activities where you are exposed to large groups of people. • Avoid visiting hospitals and other medical facilities, unless you believe you may be infected. • If you believe you are infected, please call your medical provider before showing up at their facility as they will provide the best instructions for you. • Staff and Clients are encouraged to practice social distancing recommendations for the CDC including no handshakes, no hugging, no skin-to-skin contact, etc. • Wash hands frequently with soap and water—especially upon entering buildings • Avoid touching your face • Cough and sneeze into tissue and discard • Avoid sharing food, drinks, and utensils • An individual without an elevated temperature could still be ill, but fever is an indicator that helps our staff make a decision about client and guest care. For the good of our community, we ask that staff willingly participate. • Follow medical guidelines to boost immunity Initiate/Increase doses of Vitamin C and Zinc Drink adequate amounts of water Eat nutritiously
Staff/Office Procedures for Cleaning, Disinfecting, and Sanitizing (from CDC website):
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/school/cleaning.htm
KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CLEANING, DISINFECTING, and SANITIZING • Cleaning removes germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces or objects. Cleaning works by using soap (or detergent) and water to physically remove germs from surfaces. This process does not necessarily kill germs, but by removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection. If chemicals are not available for disinfecting and sanitizing, soap and water is effective in removing germs from hands and surfaces. Washing hands and drying with disposable towels will be effective in decreasing germs and viruses. Soapy water composition from the CDC:
https://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/pdf/chlorine-solution-liquid-soapy.pdf
• Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces or objects. Disinfecting works by using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces or objects. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection. • Sanitizing lowers the number of germs on surfaces or objects to a safe level, as judged by public health standards or requirements. This process works by either cleaning or disinfecting surfaces or objects to lower the risk of spreading infection.
• Building Sanitation Procedures Implement new disinfecting procedures, spray down high-traffic areas before and after every gathering: chapel, front office, shelter, meal ministry, conference rooms o As much as possible, we are asking clients with cold symptoms to isolate. Lounges will be designated for those with and without symptoms. Regular cleaning of those areas will be required. o Sanitize offices with chlorine or alcohol based cleaner o Sanitize program vehicles with chlorine or alcohol based cleaner
If You Become Sick: • If you feel ill, please do not come to work, and reach out to a medical professional. • If you are tested and diagnosed with COVID-19 please contact the Executive Director who will handle the information in a confidential but responsible way.
Office Access: • If you are showing clear and visible symptoms of illness, we request that you do not come into the office. • If you have symptoms of illness, we will assist you in finding a medical facility and following proper rules for treatment and diagnosis.
Guest Requirements: Keep your rooms tidy and sanitized with spray bottle of bleach and water. Keep your clothes clean. You will be allowed to go to work, medical appointments, and interviews. Any other activities which require you to leave the shelter will require permission from staff. It is our endeavor to keep all our staff and guest safe during this time of crisis.
Confirmed Exposure/Diagnosis among Christian Shelter: • If you believe you have been exposed to the coronavirus, and are experiencing clear and visible symptoms of illness, please reach out to a medical professional for the best plan of action. • If exposure/diagnosis of COVID-19 is confirmed at the Christian Shelter, communicate promptly and openly with information when you receive it. Without divulging the identity of the individual, all staff will be notified, specific departments will implement disinfecting of work areas, sleep areas for clients, etc. • If exposure/diagnosis of COVID-19 is confirmed we will follow quarantine guidelines from national, state, and local governments. • If you have confirmed exposure to COVID-19 and are experiencing clear and visible symptoms, a release from a medical provider would be needed before returning to work.
As an organization we do not want to panic but want to prepare responsibly in times of crisis.