Translated materials are now available on the Vermont Health Website: www.healthvermont.gov/covid19
*Scroll down to the Translated Materials part of the page*
*For the most recent information about the pandemic in Vermont, visit the Department of Health webpage
March 19, 2020: HOMELESS SERVICE PROVIDER GUIDANCE
Social Distancing in Congregate Facilities to Limit further Spread of COVID-19 Disease
Limiting the number of people who congregate and interact with one another within a facility and allowing more physical space between people can help to curb spread of this infection. Depending on specific facility needs and severity of exposure to persons with COVID-19, social distancing can range from decreasing the number of people who can congregate at a time for different activities to suspending all non-essential activities. Explain to clients and staff why people are isolated from others to avoid stigmatizing those who are affected.
The following are examples of social distancing that can be considered in congregate settings to limit the spread of an infectious respiratory illness:
Sleeping Arrangements
• Increase spacing so beds are at least 3-6 feet apart
• If space allows, put less residents within a dorm/unit
• Arrange beds so that individuals lay head-to-toe (or toe-to-toe), or use neutral barriers (foot lockers, curtains) to create barriers between beds
• Move residents with symptoms into separate rooms with closed doors, and provide separate bathroom if possible
• If only shared rooms are available, consider housing the ill person in a room with the fewest possible number of other residents
• Avoid housing people with underlying conditions in same room as people with symptoms
Mealtimes
• Stagger mealtimes to reduce crowding in shared eating facilities
• Stagger the schedule for use of common/shared kitchens
Bathrooms & Bathing
• Create a staggered bathing schedule to reduce the amount of people using the facilities at the same time
Recreation/Common Areas
• Create a schedule for using common spaces
• Reduce activities that congregate many residents at once such as “house meetings” and opt for smaller group activities
• Limit the number of people in a room to 10
Transport
• Opt for transporting less people per trip and ensure that passengers have more space between one another
Communication
• Reduce the amount of face-to-face interactions with residents for simple informational purposes
• Consider using the following methods of communication: Bulletin boards, signs, posters, brochures, emails, phone, sliding information under someone’s door or mailbox
Staff Activities
• Reduce unnecessary assembly of staff (e.g., large meetings where information can be communicated otherwise)
• Where appropriate, opt for conference calls instead of in-person meetings
News from Our Partners – Vermont Affordable Housing Coalition
Dear Coalition members and friends,
As the global pandemic continues and the situation changes rapidly, the VAHC is following COVID-19 news with a special emphasis on housing, homelessness, and our low-income and vulnerable Vermonters. Please read the following news updates. *For the most recent information about the pandemic in Vermont, visit the Department of Health webpage.* Here is the last daily update from the Department of Health. Written comments on the FY21 budget are due to the Senate Appropriations committee by March 31. Though the Legislature is on break due to the pandemic, once things settle down a bit they will still need to pass an FY 21 budget. It will be more important than ever to weigh in on VHCB and all the other funding issues in the VAHC & VCEH State Legislative Priorities. Read the press release. There will be a legislative update call hosted by the Coalition next Tuesday the 24th at 10:30 A.M. The Public Utilities Commission ordered a temporary moratorium on involuntary natural gas, electric, and telecommunications service disconnections effective immediately through April 30th. More info from VT Digger. Trump orders HUD to suspend foreclosures. The moratorium only applies to single-family properties with FHA insurance. Press release from HUD. Many national and local leaders are still calling for a moratorium on evictions. The U.S. Senate passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which will provide immediate paid sick leave and paid family leave to millions of people, expanded unemployment insurance, vital nutrition aid, more Medicaid funds for states, and free COVID-19 testing. Read a summary of the bill from NPR here. More information and the full bill on Congress.gov. VHFA has compiled a list of resources for homebuyers, current homeowners, and property owners that have questions and concerns about buying a home or paying their mortgage during the COVID-19 outbreak. Click here for the resources Updates from the NLIHC:
The Vermont Support Line is available for anyone who wants to talk for any reason at: (833) VT-TALKS. Staffed by peer support workers at Pathways Vermont from 3pm – 6am every day, this is an excellent source of support for anyone who is experiencing challenges, especially during this time of increased isolation. More info.
Other updates:
Good news not related to COVID-19:
Wishing you health in these uncertain times, Jackson Dean |