COVID-19 News

FACING ADVERSITY TOGETHER

A Message From The CEO

Know that we will get through this uncertain time of COVID-19, and that we are getting through this time together.

Watch this video message from Shawn Kros, CEO of The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region.

Also, contact the CEO directly by clicking the link below. We want to hear from you as we continue to respond to COVID-19.

Ask the CEO

How You Can Help

The Arc NCR has been extremely touched by the outpouring of support from the community. Many of you have reached out to offer help and see how you can support us as we continue to provide essential services to the people we support during these uncertain times. Please click the link below to see our most recent “Call to Action” newsletter. Some ideas in the call to action include:

  • Donating to Support our Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)
  • Supplies for Community Living Homes
  • Resource Sharing
  • Adopt-a-Home Care Packages
  • Sending Encouragement to DSPs and People We Support
Our Call to Action

If you are able to support us in one of the areas outlined in our newsletter, it would be greatly appreciated. We thank YOU, from the bottom of our hearts, for continuing to think about us during this challenging time. We hope you and your family are staying safe and healthy. We are in this together!

CDC Guidelines

We encourage you to continually review updates and follow guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Arc NCR is following their guidance, along with guidance provided by state and local health departments.

Please visit CDC online at https://www.cdc.gov/.

Per CDC guidelines, please continue to help us prevent the spread of coronavirus by:

  • Staying home when you are sick, even if you have mild symptoms.
  • Wash your hands frequently with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Maintain a social distance of at least 6 feet.
  • Cover your mouth with tissues whenever you sneeze or cough, or into your elbow, and discard used tissues in the trash.
  • Avoid people who are sick.
  • Clean frequently touched surfaces and keep your workstation or work site clean and sanitized.

To continue safeguarding the health and well-being of The Arc NCR’s employees and supported individuals, as of now, we will follow the CDC guidelines above, as well as take the following steps:

  • Ask all team members to self monitor their temperature. If it is 100.4 degrees or higher than they will be asked to stay home and contact their Supervisor.
  • Team members working in the Community Living program will be asked to monitor their temperatures before beginning their shift. If a person’s temperature is 100.4 degrees or higher than they will be asked to go home and not work.
  • All team members reporting to work in Community Living and Personal Supports must wear a mask during their shift, as long as masks are available. Team members will also be asked to place their cell phones in a secure zip lock bag. This is to decrease the risk of exposure to people we support and other team members.
  • All drivers and people we support being transported in an Arc NCR van will be asked to wear a mask, as long as masks are available. This same procedure will also be implemented for cars being utilized in our Community Living and Employment Services programs.
  • If a person we support who lives in an Arc NCR Community Living home is continuing to work in the community at an essential business, they will be asked to wear a mask when they are outside of their own bedroom at home. This is to decrease the risk of infection to other people living and working in the home.
  • If a concern arises around a positive COVID-19 test at a job site in the community where a person we support is employed, a team member at The Arc NCR will complete a full assessment to determine when the supported individual will return to work. This is to decrease the risk of exposure to people we support still working at essential businesses.
  • Instruct all employees and supported individuals with potential exposure to stay home and self-quarantine for 14 days, in accordance with CDC guidelines. They will not be permitted to return to work until their medical provider and The Arc NCR has approved their return.
  • Perform a thorough cleaning and sterilization any affected work sites. The Arc NCR is also increasing our daily cleaning efforts by wiping all counters with antibacterial wipes, as well as disinfecting any and all handles, floor and bathrooms.
  • Any affected team members will telework, if possible, and maintain business continuity until such time as it is safe to return to work.

COVID-19 Resources

We hope the resources linked in the categories below are able to provide helpful and positive support as we continue to get through the pandemic together. These resource links do not belong to The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region and have come together from a multitude of sources. The content of these links should be reviewed before sharing with others, especially if they are to be shared with children.

Ask the CEO

Send a Message to Shawn Kros, CEO of The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region.

As an organization dedicated to helping people with differing abilities build better lives one person at a time, The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region knows the value of bringing community together and starting important conversations. As we continue to respond to COVID-19, we would like to hear directly from you. What questions or comments do you have as we move forward in our response to COVID-19?

Please note that this form is not intended for personal medical advice. If you have a medical issue please contact your primary care provider. If this is an emergency call 911. You can also utilize the Maryland Department of Health’s website and 211 number.