COVID-19

UPDATED JULY 27, 2021

Based on the CDC's July 27, 2021 interim public health recommendations surrounding the COVID-19 Delta variant (highlighted below), Heaven’s Hands Community Services, Inc. will immediately reinstate a mask mandate for all employees, visitors and people we support (to the extent they can medically tolerate one) regardless of vaccination status. This interim guidance will remain in effect indefinitely.

All other protocols within the Heaven’s Hands Post NY State of Emergency Guidance for Program Operations (linked below), effective July 19th, 2021, will coexist with this memo. Heaven’s Hands Health Screening Assessment Tool (2021-07) will still be utilized at all facilities, with the only interim change being screening question #4 “Are you vaccinated? (If non HHCS staff = Yes, provide proof / No, must wear a mask)” as everyone will be required to wear a mask within our facilities and vehicles until further notice.

CDC Update as of July 27th, 2021:

● Updated information for fully vaccinated people given new evidence on the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant currently circulating in the United States.

● Added a recommendation for fully vaccinated people to wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high transmission.

● Added information that fully vaccinated people might choose to wear a mask regardless of the level of transmission, particularly if they are immunocompromised or at increased risk for severe disease from COVID-19, or if they have someone in their household who is immunocompromised, at increased risk of severe disease or not fully vaccinated.

● Added a recommendation for fully vaccinated people who have a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 to be tested 3-5 days after exposure, and to wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days or until they receive a negative test result.

● CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to schools, regardless of vaccination status

UPDATED JUNE 25, 2021

With Governor Cuomo ending the NY State of Emergency on June 25th, 2021, Heaven’s Hands Community Services remains committed to protecting the health and safety of the people we support and our employees. We have created new guidelines now that many of the prior COVID restrictions have been lifted in NYS and for OPWDD providers. Some of the safety procedures that we will continue to implement include;

On 7/19/2021, Heaven’s Hands Community Services will return to full operational capacity, to the extent possible. In addition capacity limitations will be lifted during transportation if all people we support on the vehicle are vaccinated.
Consistent with CDC, local/regional, and OPWDD guidance, fully vaccinated people are no longer required to wear masks or social distance within HHCS programs, but can if preferred. However, all people we support (to the extent they can medically tolerate one) and staff, regardless of vaccination status, while being transported will be required to wear masks. Be prepared to provide proof of vaccination as falsely attesting that you have been vaccinated will result in termination.
Per CDC and OPWDD guidance, people we support and staff who are unvaccinated are required to continue to wear masks. If a person we support can not medically tolerate a mask, they should be encouraged to socially distance to the extent possible while indoors. If anyone chooses to not disclose vaccination status, they are to be considered unvaccinated.
Daily screening of all staff, individuals and visitors, prior to entry into the program sites (3 health questions and vaccination status check, with verification/proof);
Unvaccinated visitors to any HHCS locations must continue to wear masks and maintain social distance to the extent possible for the duration of the visit. Vaccinated visitors must show proof to enter without a mask.
All Community Services staff will follow the same mask guidelines stated above based on vaccination status. However, if working in a family's home, the respect and wishes of that family must be met for the duration of that service period. (i.e. A staff is vaccinated but the family requests a mask be worn; then a mask must be worn).

These guidelines and safety measures, among others included in Heaven's Hands Post NY State of Emergency Guidance for Program Operations Plan (linked below) serve the purpose of remaining diligent in protecting those we support and employ.

We hope to see all of the people we support return to their programs as soon as possible, which will allow us to continue to maintain the quality services that you are used to receiving.

Thank you for all of your patience and understanding over the last year and a half and we can't wait to see what the future holds!