As you may already know, the Coronavirus COVID-19 is in Illinois and cases have been diagnosed in towns around the Chicago area. However, it must be stressed that no evidence of Covid 19 have been disclosed or diagnosed among any participants, families, staff and others associated with Avenues to Independence.

Coronavirus is especially dangerous for older individuals, individuals with respiratory problems, and people with compromised immune systems. Many Avenues clients fall into one or more of those categories.

Avenues to Independence, as a state-funded provider of disability support services, will follow all recommended guidelines coming from the State Departments of Public Health and Human Services.

Fortunately, there are steps we can take to prevent the spread of Coronavirus (as well as the flu and other illnesses). Please follow the guidelines listed below:

• The single most important thing you can do - Wash your hands often! And encourage everyone else to do the same. Also avoid touching your face while at work or in public.
   
• Everyone who enters an Avenues home or work site should use hand sanitizer when they enter. Van Drivers should keep sanitizer in the vans as well.
   
• If you feel sick, Call off and stay home. If you have any of the following symptoms: fever, cough, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, see a Doctor the day it begins. Anyone showing these symptoms should see a Doctor right away too.
   
• If you sneeze, sneeze into a tissue. If you can't get a tissue, sneeze into your elbow/sleeve then wash or remove the soiled clothing.
   
• Sanitize and disinfect areas of the homes/work sites that are exposed to lots of germs often, at least once per shift. These areas include doorknobs, counters, tables, bathrooms, remotes, lightswitches, etc. If it's a spot you touch with your hands, sanitize it!
   
• If anyone has symptoms, they should be asked to wear a mask and remain isolated as much as possible to avoid transmitting germs to others. For Avenues residents, symptoms must be reported to Nurses and Manager ASAP and the individual seen by a Doctor that day. Avenues staff should review the Guidance for in home caregivers information to protect themselves and limit the spread of any possible infection.

All Avenues residential and day programs should be stocked with sufficient protective materials and disinfectants that must be used as recommended in our infection control policy.

Avenues is asking families to contact us if an Avenues participant has traveled to, or had contact with anyone who has traveled to any of the countries identified by the U.S. State Department as "Do Not Travel". Same with employees, volunteers and other visitors to any Avenues location.

Any participant, staff, volunteers and potential visitors who may have come into contact with a Corona virus carrier, subject to recommendations of physician/medical review, may be restricted from taking part in Avenues programs, employment/volunteer responsibilities, etc., up to the 14 day quarantine requirement.

By definition, Avenues is not a medical or health facility. Any Avenues residents with a confirmed diagnosis of Corona 19 will be transferred to an appropriate medical treatment center until authorized for release by public health officials.

Restrictions on family home visits, visits with Avenues residents, tours of any Avenues locations may be implemented at any time.

Remember, the Coronavirus varies greatly based on the person infected. You may have it and not feel that bad, but if you expose someone with health issues to the virus it could be life threatening. Please err on the side of caution if you aren't feeling well.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at Avenues to Independence.

We appreciate everyone's effort and cooperation to help keep everyone safe and healthy.

Center for Disease Control-Corona Virus 19 Information

Illinois Departments of Human Services/Public Health Guidelines

 

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