In light of the COVID19 virus, we want to keep you informed of the precautions and steps we are taking at MV Advancements (MVA) regarding COVID19. The wellbeing of our supported individuals and our dedicated staff are our number one priority.
While information (and misinformation) has been flooding from various sources the last couple of weeks, we have been diligently monitoring federal, state and local communications regarding COVID19. We are acting on the guidance from our funder, The Office of Developmental Disability and the Governor of the State of Oregon.
Effective March 18th, we will temporarily be closing most of our Community Inclusion Services and redeploying staff to our residential programs. In addition, Serendipity will be open limited hours with take-out options only, as a result of the Governor’s order that all restaurants close with the exception of drive-thrus and take out. In addition, as our business partners and local employers make decisions regarding their staffing, we are working individually to develop a plan for those individuals impacted by these decisions.
In our residential homes and Supported Living program, per the guidance ODDS, we have informed residential staff to decline entry to individuals who appear ill, have a fever, or have been diagnosed or confirmed exposed to COVID19. Alternatively, we encourage and support phone calls and other electronic means of interaction to maintain these important relationships during this period of social distancing. Please reach out to the Residential Manager for assistance with using technology for communications.
All staff, individuals, family members, and visitors are instructed to wash hands upon entry to the program after being in the community. Staff have been reminded of infection control procedures and reminded of good hand hygiene for themselves and supported individuals. Informational sheets from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on the topics of Hand Washing, COVID19 Facts, Signs/Symptoms and what to do if symptoms are observed, have been provided to all staff.
MVA has canceled group activities and requested individual activities be planned within guidelines of the center for disease control for “Social Distancing”. We will follow guidance from the Governor’s office, the Oregon Health Authority and the Office of Developmental Disabilities and other governing organizations.
Staff is reminded to stay home if they are sick and to notify us immediately if they have been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID19. MVA is monitoring the recommendations from the CDC closely. We will keep everyone updated as information becomes available.
For your information we have provided two helpful CDC documents:
Please do not hesitate to reach out with ideas, suggestions, concerns or recommendations, all are welcome and taken seriously. I can be reached at [email protected] or 503-687-2507.
