Dear Staff:
 
We understand that some of you have continuing questions and reservations about our return to the office in light of COVID.   As information changes regularly and guidance from authorities is often lacking, it is difficult for us to provide definitive actions to avoid any and all risk. 
 
The protocols we have implemented, however, offer significant protection to potential contraction of the COVID-19 virus if followed.  We are sending the most important to you again. 
 
All staff, whether vaccinated or not: 
 
  • Will wear a mask in all public/common workspaces.  This means wear a mask at all times. The only exception is when you are in your personal workspace.  If you have a shared workspace, you should continue to wear a mask.  If a coworker is not wearing a mask, ask them to do so.  If they won’t, inform your supervisor.
 
  • Will maintain appropriate distance.  The CDC recommends 3 ft. We suggest 6 ft. and recommend as much distance as possible.  The virus is transmitted through the droplets we release when breathing and especially talking.  Keeping away from others allows for any concentrations of virus to dissipate.
 
  • Should maintain good hand hygiene.  Fomite transmission of the virus is virtually nonexistent.  Still, facilities is continuing to clean/disinfect high touch surfaces in common areas as appropriate, but there is no additional threat of contracting COVID from surfaces more than any other illness.  Regularly wash your hands and reduce risk to essentially zero.
 
To properly follow these guidelines, staff should not meet for extended periods in small offices or remove their masks (even to eat) while in the presence of others.
 
If there is a confirmed instance of an infected person being in the building, program directors will be informed and can take appropriate action per our protocols and any guidelines that may come from the health department regarding that individual.  
 
Having concerns about the virus is natural and expected.  There is no way to leave our homes every morning and not be potentially exposed to COVID. But we can mitigate those risks through our actions.  Getting vaccinated, not engaging in behaviors or activities that promote spread, and following our agency’s protocols while in the office will go quite a long way in keeping us all safe.
 
If you have any questions, please let us know.
 
Bart, Pam, and Vetta