Dear Parents:
We are writing to you to give you information on our policies and actions that we are taking to keep you and your family safe and healthy during the COVID-19 outbreak. Services in early intervention will continue as long as we are reasonably sure we are not exposing you and your family to infection.
What you can do before you let people into your home. For your peace of mind and to prevent infection please ask your therapist, teacher, or evaluator before every scheduled session, if, they, any of their other clients, or their family :
has had a fever, dry cough, or difficulty breathing within the last 24 hours,
has travelled internationally within the last 14 days,
has been exposed to anybody with COVID-19 within the last 14 days
If they answered yes to any of the above, please postpone the services until they have been cleared by their physician.
On the other hand, if any of the things mentioned above applies to you, please inform your provider and postpone the services until you are tested for COVID-19. Please isolate yourself and your family and call your doctor for help. If you do not have a doctor, please call 311 for assistance.
If you ask your therapist, teacher or evaluator the above questions and the answer is “no” then make sure that they:
wash their hands before and after the session or as often as necessary,
sanitize the toys that they bring into your home,
use the toys available at your home instead of bringing their own toys,
You and your family can also do this to prevent spreading any illness, including COVID-19:
Stay home if you are sick and do not allow people to visit you.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (in the absence of a tissue, cough or sneeze into your shirt sleeve or bent arm).
Keep your hands clean (wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds). Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, if soap and water are not available.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Get the flu shot (at this time, there is no current vaccination for coronaviruses).
You are in control. If after following the precautions above and knowing that the risk of infection is low, you are still concerned and want to refuse services that’s perfectly OK. However, EI rules about makeup will apply. Makeup sessions will be provided for missed sessions due to actual COVID-19 risks. Makeup will not be provided if the session is only due to fear of infection.
COVID-19 can affect people of all races, beliefs or cultures. It does not discriminate, and, neither should any of us. There is absolutely no excuse for using the outbreak as a way to spread racism and discrimination and to discriminate against people because of race, gender, or country of origin.
Service coordinators have been instructed to complete as many activities via phone or video conference as much as possible. This will prevent your exposure as much as possible. Please understand if service coordinators do not make as many visits as you would like.
If you or your family need medical care:
Seeing a doctor is the best way to protect your family, and our community
Hospital staff will not ask about your immigration status
Receiving health care is not a “public benefit” under the public charge test
There are strict laws in place protecting patient confidentiality
Anyone without insurance can visit NYC Health + Hospitals facilities
We encourage you to seek information provided by reputable sources. Do not listen to rumors and conspiracy theories. Please visit our website for more information www.abckidsny.com/blog or email us at otrinidad@abckidsny.com. You may also call us at 718-239-8239 and we will help you with any questions.
Sincerely,
Oliver Trinidad, OTR/L
Program Director
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