On behalf of the Out-Wayne Continuum of Care (COC), we would like to provide information regarding our planning as our community faces Coronavirus (COVID-19).
We are closely following the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) guidelines and recommendations on steps we can take to help prevent the spread of the virus.
HUD has communicated that “Home based services in transitional and permanent housing is essential to residents and should be continued”. In addition to working to continue home-based services, agencies should develop “strategies to provide these services with modifications to adjust for public health concerns and safety”
Agencies should also develop safety plans based upon the needs of your employees and clients. Below you can find some recommendations on how you may want to proceed.
- If you (staff person) are going to a client’s home or are transporting a client, please ask the following questions before entering or seeing them for the transportation appointment. If there is a yes to any of the below questions, please do not enter the home and encourage the individual to go to a nearby hospital or to their primary care physician to be assessed.
- Are you (the client) experiencing any of the following symptoms?
o Fever
o Cough
o Shortness of Breath
- In the past 14 days have you traveled anywhere?
o If so, where?
- Have you been in contact with anyone who has recently (2 weeks) traveled internationally?
- In the past 14 days have you had close contact with anyone who tested positive for the coronavirus?
- Keep in mind that if you (staff person) have a fever, cough, and sore throat you should not be coming into work. If you have any questions, please reach out to your supervisor.
MDHHS recommends limiting large work-related gatherings. Please watch for further communication regarding next month’s membership meeting. We will move to virtual, weekly in-service meetings. Please watch for updates from our CoC Coordinator regarding in-service and membership meetings. Also take a moment to review the Interim Recommendations to Mitigate the Spread of COVID-19 (March 11, 2020) released by MDHHS.
Additionally, we understand that there are still several lingering questions around how this will affect day to day functions and services at your agency. You are highly encouraged to participate in this afternoons COVID-19 Planning & Response office hours, hosted by the United States Department of Housing & Urban Development.
Information regarding this webinar can be found here.
The Out-Wayne CoC is working closely with the Wayne County Public Health Division to address concerns with COVID-19 and how it relates to homeless services provided in our community. As new information arises, please be on the lookout for additional communication over the next few days and weeks. As we continue to hear updates related to COVID-19, further communication from our Coordinated Entry team, related to client access and housing opportunities, will be released Monday, March 16th, 2020.
