Covid-19 response
4/15/2020
For updated information from DDD including access to slideshows from weekly webinars, please click on the following link:
nj.gov/humanservices/coronavirus.html
For updated information from DDD including access to slideshows from weekly webinars, please click on the following link:
nj.gov/humanservices/coronavirus.html
Update 3/24/2020
An update to all staff,
I just want to send out an update to what protocol we are going to use if a client is experiencing signs/symptoms of COVID-19.
First of all because hospitals and urgent cares are flooded with patients right now, and because we want to limit exposure to COVID-19, I am asking that you DO NOT take them/yourself to urgent care, ER, or their doctor right away. If an individual (or yourself) is experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- runny nose
- sore throat
- cough
- fever
- Call their PCP for further directives. If you cannot get a hold of their PCP, you can either call NJPIES (New Jersey Poison Control Center) who have healthcare professionals that can give directives. Their number is 1-800-222-1222, or you can call 211, who also has people that will be able to give you directives.
*Difficulty breathing is another symptom. If a client is having difficulty breathing, we will continue to follow Danielle's Law and call 911. Danielle's Law still is and always remains effective.
Thank you all for understanding. As always, if you have any questions and/or concerns, please reach out to me. I hope you are all staying safe, and most importantly, healthy!!
Lisa Buck, RN
An update to all staff,
I just want to send out an update to what protocol we are going to use if a client is experiencing signs/symptoms of COVID-19.
First of all because hospitals and urgent cares are flooded with patients right now, and because we want to limit exposure to COVID-19, I am asking that you DO NOT take them/yourself to urgent care, ER, or their doctor right away. If an individual (or yourself) is experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- runny nose
- sore throat
- cough
- fever
- Call their PCP for further directives. If you cannot get a hold of their PCP, you can either call NJPIES (New Jersey Poison Control Center) who have healthcare professionals that can give directives. Their number is 1-800-222-1222, or you can call 211, who also has people that will be able to give you directives.
*Difficulty breathing is another symptom. If a client is having difficulty breathing, we will continue to follow Danielle's Law and call 911. Danielle's Law still is and always remains effective.
Thank you all for understanding. As always, if you have any questions and/or concerns, please reach out to me. I hope you are all staying safe, and most importantly, healthy!!
Lisa Buck, RN
Update 3/21/2020:
Please review the following updated information from DDD:
Please review the following updated information from DDD:
- Statement from Governor Phil Murphy for Direct Support Professionals: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oxHtzefHBs
- To ensure all current and future information from the Department related to COVID-19 is found in one place, DHS has created a COVID-19 website: NJ Department of Human Services COVID-19 Information. Please visit this site often for updates related to all of the services and supports available through DHS and its division: https://nj.gov/humanservices/coronavirus.html
- Please watch this Coronavirus Prevention video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJ8eeC-tVD4&feature=youtu.be
Update 3/15/2020:
DDD has directed that
Additional Information can be found by clicking the links below:
Please click on the icon below to access our Facebook page for updates.
DDD has directed that
- "No later than Tuesday, March 17, all division-funded, facility-based day services are directed to close until advised otherwise."
- "Community outings facilitated by providers that are not for the health and safety of an individual should be discontinued immediately."
Additional Information can be found by clicking the links below:
- https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/ncov.shtml
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/summary.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fsummary.html
- https://nj.gov/humanservices/coronavirus.html
Please click on the icon below to access our Facebook page for updates.
Kelsch Associates Inc. (KANJ) is closely monitoring the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (also known as COVID-19) situation for the safety of our individuals and staff. As the disease can pose an increased threat for people with underlying health issues and/or advanced age, which include our individuals, we are also ever mindful of your health and well-being. As such, we will be evaluating our upcoming events, e.g., Spring Bowling and any larger group outings as well as attending any venues will larger groups. For your own safety and the safety of others, we do recommend that anyone who is not feeling well stay home and contact your physician.
__________________________________________________________________________
COVID OVERVIEW
Basic Information About Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Coronavirus Disease 2019 also known as COVID-19 is a new disease which first caused illness in China and has now been detected in multiple countries around the world, including the United States. It is a viral respiratory illness. The spread of the disease has been closely documented in the media, but for the most accurate information about the virus, please focus on reliable websites such as the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC).
There appears to be a wide range of clinical reactions to COVID-19 infection – from very mild to severe. Most people who contract the virus will recover fully. People with underlying medical problems, such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes, as well as those over the age of 65 however, are more susceptible to COVID-19 (which is in line with what is seen with many other infections). The CDC estimates that people in these categories are at twice the risk of developing serious outcomes from COVID-19 as compared to those who are younger and healthier.
All of these elements can contribute to general frailty and increased risk of infection, including increased risk from COVID-19. We will continue to extrapolate from experiences of people with other chronic diseases and COVID-19
Steps to take to prevent contracting COVID-19
Frequent hand washing is the best way to stop transmission of this and most other viruses. The CDC also recommends:
What if you are quarantined?
Around the country, there have been cases of people needing to be quarantined because of an inadvertent contact with someone who has a confirmed case of COVID-19. A quarantine is a public health tool used to stop interactions between people by keeping them confined to their homes or a specific area in order to slow an infection from spreading. In anticipation of possible quarantine, people should make sure now that they have enough medication and supplies on hand to get through a 14-day quarantine, just in case.
Why we are limiting outings to smaller groups and avoiding larger public events?
There is no uniform policy on this topic because each area of the country is different in terms of the risk of such gatherings. Risk factors include the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the area, the size and scope of the event, the venue, the audience demographics, etc. We will continue to seek out and follow the guidance of local public health officials, in addition to the venue where events are being held and if needed decide case by case. This guidance is rapidly changing so people should stay tuned before each event to see if it is taking place. Regardless of the event you are considering attending, for your own safety and the safety of others, it is important for you to stay at home if you are feeling ill and contact your physician.
__________________________________________________________________________
COVID OVERVIEW
Basic Information About Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Coronavirus Disease 2019 also known as COVID-19 is a new disease which first caused illness in China and has now been detected in multiple countries around the world, including the United States. It is a viral respiratory illness. The spread of the disease has been closely documented in the media, but for the most accurate information about the virus, please focus on reliable websites such as the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC).
There appears to be a wide range of clinical reactions to COVID-19 infection – from very mild to severe. Most people who contract the virus will recover fully. People with underlying medical problems, such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes, as well as those over the age of 65 however, are more susceptible to COVID-19 (which is in line with what is seen with many other infections). The CDC estimates that people in these categories are at twice the risk of developing serious outcomes from COVID-19 as compared to those who are younger and healthier.
All of these elements can contribute to general frailty and increased risk of infection, including increased risk from COVID-19. We will continue to extrapolate from experiences of people with other chronic diseases and COVID-19
Steps to take to prevent contracting COVID-19
Frequent hand washing is the best way to stop transmission of this and most other viruses. The CDC also recommends:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes.
What if you are quarantined?
Around the country, there have been cases of people needing to be quarantined because of an inadvertent contact with someone who has a confirmed case of COVID-19. A quarantine is a public health tool used to stop interactions between people by keeping them confined to their homes or a specific area in order to slow an infection from spreading. In anticipation of possible quarantine, people should make sure now that they have enough medication and supplies on hand to get through a 14-day quarantine, just in case.
Why we are limiting outings to smaller groups and avoiding larger public events?
There is no uniform policy on this topic because each area of the country is different in terms of the risk of such gatherings. Risk factors include the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the area, the size and scope of the event, the venue, the audience demographics, etc. We will continue to seek out and follow the guidance of local public health officials, in addition to the venue where events are being held and if needed decide case by case. This guidance is rapidly changing so people should stay tuned before each event to see if it is taking place. Regardless of the event you are considering attending, for your own safety and the safety of others, it is important for you to stay at home if you are feeling ill and contact your physician.