Good morning,
Over the weekend, we heard from our governor that Washington is now in lockdown status through December 14th. As we head into the holiday season, our instinct is to come together and celebrate with our loved ones. But the reality is that, out of public health necessity, this year’s holiday celebrations will look and feel different. It will be difficult, but we are at a crucial point in the pandemic when our actions will shape our ability to return to normal life in the months to come. Everyone who lives, works, and plays in Washington must mask up, avoid gatherings, especially all indoor social gatherings, and follow all public health guidance. It’s up to all of us to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect our communities, particularly our most vulnerable.
I wanted a little extra time to digest all the information put out by the state in order to make an informed decision on how to proceed regarding family visits and the holidays.
Regarding Home Care Services: Our work is considered an essential service. We are able to continue in-home care services as planned and scheduled.
There will be no interruption of services.
If you or your family feels concerned about having a Home Care Aide in your home, please reach out to Nicole McCarthy and find out how we are keeping you and our staff healthy and safe.
Regarding Residential services:
Home visits and the holidays - per the Office of the Governor - All indoor social gatherings are prohibited, unless:
each person attending quarantines for 14-days; OR
each person attending quarantines for 7-days; AND
each person attending takes a COVID test within 2 days of the event; AND
only those persons with negative results attends
Outdoor gatherings are permitted with less than 5 people outside your household.
Regarding Vocational Services: Our work is considered an essential service. We are able to continue with these visits for Community Inclusion/Engagement and Independent Employment.
If you or your family feels concerned about having a job coach in your home, please reach out to Natalie Pollett to find out how we are keeping you and our staff healthy and safe.
We are more than happy to meet outside. There are a number of parks with covered picnic shelters to stay out of the rain.
If meeting outdoors is not an option for you, we would love to meet with you at a window OR virtually.
The SAILS Washington Team is committed to health and safety. All our staff members continue to frequently sanitize high-touch surface areas, wash their hands and help others to wash hands multiple times daily, wear clean masks while working with clients, practice 6ft physical distancing, and stay home when sick or after traveling out of state or internationally.
SAILS Offices and staff:
Visitors to the offices are by appointment only and are screened prior to starting any meeting.
The directors worked this weekend to determine which positions are able to work remotely. Those people will be notified today to begin remote work through December 2020.
If you are already remote working, please pick up any additional supplies you need for your home office... paper, printer ink, sanitizing wipes, etc..
We recently completed our point in time prevalence testing for residential staff and clients. We are proud to say - we continue to be COVID negative for the past 200+ days .
Thanks for your partnership as we work to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our communities.