Covid-19
Rise will continue to monitor the CDC COVID-19 Community Levels Data Tracker to monitor COVID levels across our service area. Rise will reimplement a mask mandate for programs in counties where the infection level rises too high.
We will also continue to consult with our contracted nursing service, Health Counseling Services as well as the CDC. Rise may also mandate masks at a specific location if the program is experiencing an increase in positive cases. For programs serving individuals with complex medical needs, a single positive case will result in a return to masking for ten days, this includes Rise provided transportation.
We continue to encourage team members and persons served to wear a mask based on personal preference, informed by personal level of risk, but it is not required for counties in low and medium levels at this time.
There continue to be exceptions to the masking rules that apply to both persons served and team members:
- For people working on SET sites, continue to follow the masking rules of the business that you are working in.
- When supporting people in independent employment you should follow the rules of the business or community setting.
- On community outings, continue to follow the rules of the setting and local municipality and wear masks (or not) accordingly.
Alternatives to masks such as clear face shields may be considered for those with health conditions or situations where wearing a mask is problematic. Rise will continue to accommodate individuals who are exempt from wearing a mask. Please inform your Rise supervisor if you need to request an exemption.
Contact Tracing
Rise’s QA and HR team will continue to track confirmed and suspected cases. Any employee or person served who has been in “close contact” with another individual who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 will be notified of their potential exposure within 24 hours. For Persons served, the following people will also be notified as applicable: their guardian, residential provider, and case manager. HR and QA will follow the CDC and MDH guidelines specific to the situation and program capabilities.
Quarantine and Isolation
Anyone with COVID-19 and close contacts should follow the recommendations outlined by clicking here. These recommendations do not change based on COVID-19 community levels.
Mitigation Strategies/Protective Actions
Community Levels - Rise will continue to review and evaluate data regarding COVID-19. At a minimum once a week Rise will assess the level of COVID-19 in the county and neighboring counties where services are provided. COVID-19 Community Levels | CDC
High Risk Conditions - Rise will work with each person served and their support to team to assess and create individual plans to best support their health and safety. Underlying Medical Conditions Associated with Higher Risk for Severe COVID-19: Information for Healthcare Professionals | CDC
Vaccinations
COVID-19 vaccinations are highly effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. Getting vaccinated is the best way to slow the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. CDC recommends that everyone who is eligible stay up to date on their COVID vaccines.
Universal Precautions
Handwashing - Handwashing is the single most important procedure for preventing the spread of common infections. Thus, proper handwashing will be expected as part of the regular routine, even in the absence of recognized disease.
Cleaning and Disinfecting - Regular housekeeping practices will continue to be implemented in our buildings which includes routine cleaning and disinfecting of work surfaces, equipment, tools and machinery, and areas in the work environment, including restrooms, break rooms, lunchrooms, and meeting rooms.
Rise remains committed to maximizing in-person services, meeting the individual support needs of our team members and the people that we provide services to and providing a safe environment for all.
We continue to ask, that when and where it is appropriate to practice social distancing, avoid touching your face, cover your cough and sneezes, wash your hands frequently, stay home and get tested when you are ill.