InVision Human Services Update on COVID-19 | The InVisionary

The InVisionary

InVision Human Services Update on COVID-19

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At InVision Human Services our top priority is the health, safety, and well-being of the people we support, our employees, and their families. The following outlines precautions we are implementing and provides information regarding COVID-19.
 

Have there been any diagnosed cases of COVID-19 at InVision?

No. Currently, there are no known cases of COVID-19 among any InVision employees or the people we support. The steps we are taking are preventative and being implemented as a precaution.
 

What is InVision doing to mitigate the potential spread of COVID-19?

InVision has implemented a project team comprised of representatives from across the organization to coordinate a unified approach that will also allow for faster response to any changes associated with COVID-19.

Our approach will follow guidelines from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and recommendations from Governor Tom Wolf and will be tailored to the needs of our employees and the people we support. We are also receiving guidance from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Department of Human Services, and the Office of Developmental Programs. As the situation changes, we will provide communications to keep you updated on any additional steps we are taking.

InVision is also implementing the following:
 
  • Purchasing additional supplies (as available) – hand sanitizer, hand soap, disinfecting wipes, face masks, and gloves – that can be quickly deployed should the risk level increase.
  • Securing non-perishable food items for distribution to residences in the event that certain items are depleted at our residences.
  • Contingency plans in place to provide remote capabilities for employees and continuity plans for our critical business operations.
  • Additional cleaning and disinfecting of all InVision facilities.
  • Transitioning in-person meetings and trainings to online and telephone.
  • Contingency plans are developed and ready for implementation should the outbreak have a direct impact to InVision and our services.

What is COVID-19?

According to the CDC, the coronavirus disease 2019 (abbreviated COVID-19) belongs to a large family of viruses that are common in people and many different species of animal. The complete clinical picture of COVID-19 is not fully known. Reported illnesses have ranged from very mild (including some with no symptoms) to severe, including illness resulting in death. Recent information suggests that most COVID-19 illness is mild. Older adults and people with severe chronic health conditions – heart disease, diabetes, lung disease – seem to be at a higher risk of developing serious COVID-19 illness.
 

What are the symptoms?

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, and shortness of breath. These symptoms may appear between 2 and 14 days after exposure to the virus.
 

How does it spread?

The virus is thought to spread mainly between people in close contact with one another (within approximately 6 feet). Transmission occurs through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
 

What steps should I take to prevent illness?

InVision recommends following the CDC guidelines. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus.


Clean your hands often

  • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after you have been in a public place, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap is not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid large gatherings, events, or conferences of 250 people or more.
  • Avoid traveling to recreational activities like gyms, movies, theaters, and shopping malls.
  • Limit the number of visitors you have to your home.

Cover coughs and sneezes

  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
  • Throw used tissues in the trash immediately.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Wear a face mask if you are sick

  • If you are sick: You should wear a face mask when you are around other people and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. People who are caring for you should wear a face mask if they enter your room.
  • If you are not sick: You do not need to wear a face mask unless you are caring for someone who is sick. Face masks may be in short supply and they should be reserved for caregivers.

Clean and disinfect

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touch surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, counter tops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, remote controls, toilets, faucets, and sinks. For more information review the CDC’s Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations.

What should I do if I feel sick?

  • Stay home except to get medical care.
  • Avoid public areas.
  • Avoid public transportation.
  • Stay away from others as much as possible.
  • If you seek medical attention, call ahead before visiting your doctor. Notify them that you may have been exposed to COVID-19 so they can take the necessary precautions.
  • Wear a face mask.
  • Clean your hands often.
  • Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

InVision is Here to Help

InVision Behavioral Health (IBH) is available to all InVision staff who may be dealing with stress or anxiety, especially as it concerns the COVID-19 pandemic. Please email Dr. Michael Greisler at mgreisler@invisionhs.org or Darnell Davis at ddavis@invisionhs.org or call 724-933-2961 if you need these services. Someone will be in touch with you as soon as possible.
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