RE-OPENING GUIDELINES - MARCH 25, 2022
Due to the significant reduction in the COVID-19 positivity levels, The Arc Baltimore has reduced restrictions for occupancy in our buildings and programs are further “reopening.”
Administrative office:
While some limits remain for staff in our offices at any one time, visitors are now allowed in the building. Remote/zoom meetings remain a great option and our staff are still working on hybrid schedules of in-office and remote, but we are happy to accommodate needed in-person time.
Day programs:
Every day more of the people supported in Day Services are returning to community activities. In addition, small numbers are in the centers, staggered and in small groups to ensure continued caution. Occupancy will not exceed 70% of the allowable limit at any one time, and should in fact be far less than that given the number of groups that are out going to parks, bowling, and movies, and enjoying other trips to stores and area attractions. Online/zoom classes are continuing as an option as well so that people are experiencing a wide array of opportunities.
Staff and individuals in centers or transporting in vehicles must continue to wear a mask. Some exceptions are allowable for individuals who cannot tolerate the mask, but who are vaccinated.
Seton:
Programs operating from the Seton Employment Center are continuing to require masking indoors and in vehicles. Visitors are allowed in the building.
Community Living:
Visitors are again welcome in homes, without restriction to space, time, or frequency. Visitors must wear a mask when inside the home, and will still have temperature checks when they arrive. Staff must continue to wear a mask when inside the home. With the worst of the Omicron variant behind us, homes are encouraged to resume activities in the community, and spring is the perfect time to get out. If outside, staff and individuals may un-mask, but should continue to wear masks for any community activities indoors.
Any staff concerned with possible exposure should immediately report to covidteam@thearcbaltimore.org.
Please monitor your email and The Arc Baltimore's website and social media for updates.
PLAIN LANGUAGE COVID INFO SHEETS
Updated January 11, 2022
The Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council (Council) and the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) released seven (7) COVID-19 fact sheets in plain language in a variety of languages. we have new fact sheets on COVID, the vaccines and boosters, and treatments. Due to the Omicron variant, it’s a good time to refresh ourselves on the fundamentals including COVID basics, the vaccines, boosters, and treatments.
In addition, you can learn more on the CDC website about where and when to get the vaccine and boosters, who can get it, and a variety of FAQs on the virus and its treatment.
CURRENT OPERATIONS UNDER HEIGHTENED COVID RATES
Updated January 11, 2022
The Arc Baltimore is experiencing a significant spike in the number of people we support and employees who have either tested positive for COVID or who have had direct exposure. This is the highest number of cases and exposures we have faced throughout the pandemic.
Staffing in our homes is spread very thin but is in place due to the incredible commitment of our Community and Family Living team. No outside visitors are currently allowed in the homes to limit further exposure, and we ask that any planned visits to family/friends’ homes be canceled.
All in-person day activities are temporarily suspended, but remote classes and virtual programs are continuing. Contracts and Employment are continuing operations as usual with strict health and safety protocols in place.
All administrative staff and program supervisors who can work from home are advised to continue to do so.
Our HR team is working around the clock performing necessary contact tracing and providing needed guidance for testing and quarantine timing – and is in constant contact with the Health Department.
At this time, we anticipate these reduced operations will be in effect through at least mid-January. Supported individuals and/or families with questions should contact their holistic support managers or supervisors, or email contactus@thearcbaltimore.org which will be checked daily. Any staff concerned with possible exposure should immediately report to covidteam@thearcbaltimore.org.
Please monitor email, The Arc Baltimore website, and our social media for updates.
