At Growth Horizons, the health and safety of the individuals we provide services to, our staff, and the community are paramount. As such, we want to proactively address some concerns about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and our plans related to the illness.
The situation with this virus is rapidly evolving. Like other human service providers, we are closely monitoring communications from the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for any updates pertinent to our service areas.
As of March 13, we are not aware of any staff or persons-supported that have been diagnosed with COVID-19. However, we are implementing the following precautions to ensure we protect both our employees and the individuals that we serve.
Visitor restrictions implemented at our residential locations including Personal Care homes, Group Homes, and vocational Centers:
- Restrict visitation from families, guardians, and outside parties
- Restricted home visits
- Restricted non-essential medical or dental appointments
- Limit outside community activities
- Growth Horizon’s CPS program will be closed effective March 16 through March 30 — CPS staff will assist residential staff in the homes during their regularly scheduled hours
We are also reminding all staff about the CDC recommendations for preventing the spread of COVID-19 and would ask that you also adopt these in your home as appropriate. They include:
- Cover any coughs or sneezes with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash; if tissues aren’t available, cough or sneeze into the inside of your elbow. Do not use your hands.
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Clean surfaces frequently, such as countertops, light switches, cell phones and other frequently touched areas.
- Contain the potential spread. If you are sick, stay home until you are feeling better. Avoid people who are already sick.
At this time, we want to assure you that we are taking measures aimed at the safety and well-being of all and provide some insight on our current activities. These measures include:
- Equipping you with the necessary protective equipment and cleaning supplies to minimize the spread of illness.
- Continuing to provide updates to keep you informed on the developments of COVID-19 and the impact on our operations and services.
- Continuing to educate those receiving services on the importance of proper hygiene, cough/sneeze etiquette and practicing effective handwashing.
- Monitoring those receiving residential services for symptoms of illness and taking immediate action to involve medical professionals.
- Employees with symptoms of acute respiratory illness, fever greater than 100.4 or symptoms of the flu must stay home and contact your health care provider for further direction.
- Employees are not permitted to return to work until you are symptom free for 24 hours.
- Employees should stay home if you have had contact (within 6 feet) with anyone infected by COVID-19 for 14 days from date of contact.
COVID-19 SYMPTOMS
The known symptoms for influenza and COVID-19 are very similar.
The COVID-19 symptoms include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- In most cases (about 80%), COVID-19 illnesses are mild, and people recover without complications. However, in some cases, the virus can be severe and cause pneumonia, an infection of the lungs that can be life-threatening.
IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING COVID-19 SYMPTOMS
Please DO NOT come to work
- Contact your health care provider.
- Contact your supervisor for next steps.
- You will be able to submit a PTO request, if you have a balance. Returning to Work After Symptoms Subside
If an employee has flu-like symptoms, the employee cannot return to work until the employee is symptom-free for 24 hours.
COVID-19 INFORMATION
Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for the latest updates on COVID-19.
CDC Videos
- What You Need to Know About Handwashing (02:00)
- COVID-19: What Is My Risk? (00.34)
- COVID-19: 5 Things to Know About COVID-19 (2:31)
- Different Coronaviruses (00:32)
Hopefully, following these measures will help us lessen the impact of this illness in our areas; however, we will continue to keep up to date with guidelines and recommendations from the DOH and CDC regarding the operation of our programs.
We thank you in advance for your help and cooperation as we all work together to help lessen the impact of the Coronavirus in our area.
