COVID – 19 Update 3.13.20
Dear Parents, Guardians, and all Rimland Stakeholders,
Yesterday, we provided you with information on how Rimland is actively addressing the COVID – 19 pandemic. In an effort to remain transparent, we are providing you with an update today. All is well at Rimland and we are continuing to monitor the situation as it unfolds. The processes we have put into place, and CDC guidelines, are helping us mitigate risk and stay safe. These include the following:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or with alcohol-based sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with tissue, then discard tissue in the trash
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
We also learned yesterday that a citizen who attended the Unitarian Church tested positive for COVID – 19. While this is an inherent threat to the community, we can confirm that no Rimland individuals or clients were at this location. Social Distancing practices will remain in effect for all non-essential outings. This is not just for the protection of everyone at Rimland, but an effort to do our part for the larger community. Video conferencing can be made available for families wanting to communicate with their loved ones, please contact us to schedule a time. As of today, in Illinois there are 46 positive cases, 316 negative cases, and 82 pending cases. Our social distancing policy will remain in effect until we see a significant downward trend in positive and pending cases.
Rimland is supplied with household necessities at all of our locations. If you would like to contribute to helping us keep our locations stocked, you can donate items such as paper towels, toilet paper, soap, and personal protective equipment (masks, gloves, etc.). If necessary, individuals will be quarantined based on a physician’s recommendation. This will be determined on a case by case basis, most likely in a hospital or medical facility. Our Health & Wellness Department will maintain communication with the parents & guardians of any affected individuals.
We will continue to provide updates as the situation progresses, and thank you for doing your part to reduce the spread of COVID – 19.
COVID – 19 Update 3.12.20
As news continues to spread regarding the COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus, please be assured that the health and well-being of your loved one and their staff is Rimland’s top priority. The situation surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a rapidly emerging and fluid challenge. We are closely monitoring the latest developments and following the guidance of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).
Rimland would like to make you aware of several precautions and preventative measures we are undertaking to ensure the health and safety of your loved ones while under Rimland’s care. We have added additional staff members to our cleaning team and have increased cleaning cycles of commonly touched surfaces (door handles, countertops, desks, etc.). Our transition zones such as waiting areas, hallways, medication pass zones, and the Health & Wellness department have been assigned a designated staff member to provide additional and rigorous disinfecting and sanitizing support. Rimland continues to use hospital- grade disinfectant. We have increased antibacterial hand sanitization stations and signage throughout the building. Rimland staff members are cleaning and disinfecting all Rimland ride vehicles to and from our facility. Visitors entering reception are screened for flu like symptoms and travel information before gaining access to our building or visiting with our clients. As an additional safeguard, Rimland has temporarily canceled all client outings, limiting your loved ones exposure to outside illnesses. We have also canceled any non-emergency dental and medical appointments until further notice. We will reschedule individual appointments as soon as it is advisable.
Our Health and Wellness department continues to monitor your loved ones health on a daily basis. On- the -spot wellness assessments are conducted each morning by our Health and Wellness team, which is headed by Barbara Cooper, RN and fully staffed by licensed RN’s, CNA’s and LPN’s. Any presentation of flu-like symptoms are immediately addressed, identified, and attended to. Family members will be notified immediately if any of your loved ones present with any flu-like symptoms. Symptomatic clients will be monitored at home under the direct care of their Direct Support Professional. To mitigate the risk of spreading any illness, clients will not return to the Developmental Training Center until cleared by our Health and Wellness team or their personal physician.
We are encouraging all staff to take common-sense health precautions recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While we appreciate the incredible dedication of our Direct Support Professionals, we are reminding them to please stay home if they are sick.
Rimland has instructed our staff to follow the below practices as to minimize the spread of any respiratory virus including COVID-19:
· Cover your cough or sneeze with tissue, then discard tissue in the trash
· Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or with alcohol-based sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Rimland will continue to closely monitor this situation in the days and weeks to come. We will continue to take guidance and follow recommended protocol from the CDC and IDPH to make sure we maintain a safe and healthy environment for your loved ones.