REOPENING PLAN Southampton CAC - Day Program July 2021
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Day Program
REOPENING PLAN
Southampton CAC
July 2021
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Introduction…….……………………………………………………….….………. …….. 3
II. SARS-CoV-2
A. Signs & Symptoms …………………………………………………………………. 3
B. How the virus spreads …………………………………….…..………………… 4
III. Hazard Prevention and Control
A. Engineering Controls ……………………………………………………………… 5
B. Administrative Controls………………………………………………………….. 5
C. Safe Work Practices………….…………………………………………………….. 6
IV. Prevention
A. General………………………………………………………….……….………………. 6
B. Screening……………………………………………………….……….……………… 7
C. Infection Protocols………………………………………….………….………….. 7
D. Traveling………………………………………………………………………………… 8
E. Staff Trainings……………………………………………….……………….……….. 8
F. Daily Application of Disinfectant to Touchpoints & Tools…......... 9
G. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
a. Face Masks……………………………………………………….…………. 9
b. Gloves……………………………………………………….….…..………. 10
c. Gowns & Face shields/goggles……………..…….…...………… 10
d. Disposal…………………………………….……….……………….……… 10
V. Operational Guidelines – Transitioning Back to Program
A. General Information ………..…………………………………………………… 10
B. Lunches …….……………………….…………………………………………………. 11
C. Restrooms ..………………………………………………………………………….. 11
D. Changing Areas……………………………………………….……………………… 11
E. Vehicles ………………………………………………………………………….…….. 12
F. Arrivals ……………………………………………………………………………....... 12
G. Departures ……………………………………………………………………………. 12
H. Sick Participant …………………………………………………………………….. 12
VI. References …………………………………………………………………………………. 14
VII. Appendix
A. COVID -19………………………………………………………………….…………… 15
B. Mask Wearing……………………………………………………………….………. 16
C. Screening Tool………………….…………………………………………….……… 17
2 Rev 7/2021Coronavirus (COVID-19)
GUIDELINES
I. INTRODUCTION
The health and wellbeing of the Participants and staff members is of the upmost
importance to the OTC. This plan provides guidance and protocols based on
recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), the
Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), the Centers for Medicare &
Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Division of Developmental Disabilities as a means to
provide a safe programming environment. These protocols will serve to help protect
and mitigate any possible infection transmission within the agency. This is a living
document and will be updated as new information and guidance is received.
II. SARS-CoV-2 VIRUS, ALSO KNOWN AS CORONAVIRUS OR COVID-19
There are many types of human coronaviruses including some that commonly cause
mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses. COVID-19 is a new disease, caused by a novel
coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans.
Signs & Symptoms- People with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) can
experience mild to severe respiratory illness. Other people, referred to as
asymptomatic cases, have experienced no symptoms at all. According to the CDC,
symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with the following
symptoms may have COVID-19:
Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
New loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Look for emergency warning signs for COVID-19. If someone is showing any of
these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:
Trouble breathing
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
New confusion
Inability to wake or stay awake
Bluish lips or face
3 Rev 7/2021*This list is not all-inclusive. Consult your healthcare provider for any other symptoms
that are severe or concerning (OSHA, 2020).
How the Virus Spreads:
COVID-19 is caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. The virus that causes
COVID-19 is thought to spread from person to person, mainly through respiratory
droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets
can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into
the lungs. Spread is more likely when people are in close contact with one another,
within 6 feet. It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface
or object that has the virus on it and then touching his/her own mouth, nose or eyes.
(CDC, 2020).
Best practices to slow the spread:
Wearing facial masks in public, at work and in vehicles.
Frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
When soap and running water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand rub
with at least 60% alcohol.
Always wash hands that are visibly soiled, when returning from the outside, after
using the restroom and before and after meals.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
Practice good respiratory etiquette, including covering coughs and sneezes.
Stay home if sick.
Maintain good social distance, at least 6 feet apart. Avoid close contact with
people who are sick.
Recognize personal risk factors. According to U.S. Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC), certain people, including older adults and those with
underlying conditions such as heart or lung disease or diabetes, are at higher
risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19.
Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as needed.
Routinely clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
One of the best ways to stop the spread is to get vaccinated, unless getting
vaccinated is medically contraindicated.
Potential Sources of Workplace and Program Exposure:
High touch surfaces within facility & vehicles
Work/Program items
Coworkers or other Participants
Tools, working equipment, supplies and/or personal Items
4 Rev 7/2021Potential Risk to Exposure:
Being in close contact with someone who is not or cannot wear a facial mask and
who is not vaccinated.
o Close contact is defined as being less than 6 feet of another person for
more than 10 consecutive minutes (CDC, 2020).
Assisting an individual using hand-over-hand assistance
Assisting Participants with hygiene needs
Administering medications
Responding to a Participant crisis such as, administering first aid/CPR or
attending to other medical emergencies
See Appendix A: What you should know about COVID-19 to protect yourself and
others. (CDC 2020)
III. HAZARD PREVENTION AND CONTROL
Effective controls protect Participants by minimizing or eliminating safety and health
risks; and provide individuals with safe and healthful program conditions.
A. Engineering Controls
Engineering controls reduce exposure without relying on Participant or staff member
behavior.
The OTC has implemented the following Engineering Controls:
Installed MERV-13 filters or equivalent and has established a schedule to
replace the filters quarterly.
Installed physical barriers in between all personal changing areas.
B. Administrative Controls
Administrative controls are changes in programming policy or procedures to reduce or
minimize exposure to a hazard, i.e. Covid-19.
The OTC has implemented the following Administrative Controls:
Enforcing that sick staff members and Participants stay at home.
Screening for all staff members when they arrive at the program site daily.
Implementing screening procedures for all Participants before getting into the
OTC vehicle to come to Day Program daily.
Ensuring six (6) feet of social distancing is maintained in the Center to mitigate
the spread of COVID-19 for all non-vaccinated Participants and staff members.
Minimizing face-to-face meetings by utilizing email, phone and virtual
communication whenever possible.
Providing staff members with up-to-date education and training on the need to
use protective equipment and employ appropriate sanitation techniques.
Implementing a no visitor policy, except for essential personnel.
5 Rev 7/2021C. Safe Programming Practices
Safe programming practices are types of administrative controls that include procedures
used to reduce the duration, frequency or intensity of exposure to a hazard. The OTC
has implemented the following safe programming practices for SARS-CoV-2:
Placing hand sanitizers stations throughout the building.
Placing signage around the Center, reminding staff members and Participants to
wash hands and use hand sanitizer.
Directing Participants and staff members to wash their hands when arriving to
program, when visibly dirty, after using the restroom and before and after eating
lunch.
Requiring staff members to wear masks at all times on vehicles and in program
areas. Note: The OTC reserves the right to change this procedure in the future
based on CDC guidelines.
Encouraging Participants who are not fully vaccinated to wear face masks unless
medically contraindicated.
IV. PREVENTION
A. General Guidelines that will be followed in the Day Program
Staff members, Participants and essential visitors will be required to complete
the Daily Screening Form, including completing a daily temperature check.
All staff members will be required to wear a facemask, covering the mouth
and nose upon program reopening. Note - This procedure may change in the
future based on CDC guidelines for vaccinated individuals.
Participants who are not fully vaccinated will be required to remain socially
distant at all times. Note - The OTC recognizes that although this is a
requirement, at times, Participants may not follow this regulation.
Everyone, staff members and Participants, will be encouraged to practice
proper cough and sneeze etiquette and hygiene.
Posters and signage regarding mask wearing, social distancing and hygiene
requirements have been placed throughout facility.
Program areas have been reconfigured in order to maintain 6 feet of
separation for any group where one or more Participants are not fully
vaccinated.
Desks and program stations will not face each other within 6 feet unless the
program Participants in the group are fully vaccinated.
6 Rev 7/2021 All in person meetings are being discouraged. Conference calls or video
meetings will be conducted whenever possible.
Indoor group sizes will not exceed 15 people, including lunches.
A room at the center has been identified to isolate individuals exhibiting
symptoms and will be utilized if necessary.
Staff members will immediately leave the building if they exhibit symptoms.
Program Participants who exhibit symptoms will be required to be picked up
immediately and will remain isolated from other Participants until that time.
B. Screening:
Participants who utilize OTC transportation will be required to fill out the Daily
Screening Form at their residence and will be required to present the
completed form to the bus driver before boarding the bus. The Participant will
also have their temperature taken prior to entering the bus.
o Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 or more or who are displaying any
symptoms will not be transported.
All staff members, essential visitors and Participants who do not use OTC
transportation will be screened for COVID-19 related symptoms daily upon
entering the building, including a temperature check. Six feet of social
distancing will be maintained while waiting for the screening.
o Return to program date for anyone who has a fever or is showing
symptoms will be determined on a case by case basis by the Human
Resources Department and Program Administration.
Information obtained from these daily screenings will be treated as Protected
Health Information (PHI) and will be filed in a locked location.
C. Infection Protocols:
Staff members will use appropriate PPE when necessary.
Social distancing will be utilized when one or more Participants in an
assigned group is not fully vaccinated.
Proper handwashing protocols will be followed throughout the day.
Cleaning and disinfecting protocols have been put in place with extra cleaning
required for all touch points.
Staff members who present with symptoms will notify their supervisor and
leave the building immediately.
A designated isolation space has been identified for Participants exhibiting
symptoms.
o Participants will remain in the isolation room until he or she is picked
up. Participants are expected to be picked up immediately.
o Staff members will remain outside of the room but within line of sight of
the Participant at all times.
Staff members and Participants will be directed to contact the Day Program
Supervisor if he or she:
7 Rev 7/2021o Has symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath and/or
suspect they have Covid-19
o Has tested positive for Covid-19
o Is being tested for Covid-19
o Has come in contact in the last 14 days with someone who has
tested positive for Covid-19
o Lives with someone who has or is being tested for Covid-19
Staff members and Participants will be directed to inform the Day Program
Supervisor immediately if he or she is diagnosed with COVID-19.
If a Participant or staff member tests positive for COVID-19:
o The OTC’s Director of Human Resources will contact the Burlington
County Health Department.
o Health officials will provide guidance as to whether a program should
cease operations and if so, for how long the program will remain
closed.
o Staff members, Participants and their caregivers will be notified of the
exposure if applicable.
o All rooms and equipment used by the infected person and persons
potentially exposed to that person will be cleaned and disinfected in
accordance with CDC guidelines.
Individuals will self-quarantine for the appropriate length of time based on
CDC guidelines.
D. Traveling
Currently, there are no active travel bans for NJ. If at any point in the future that
changes, the OTC will enact the NJ travel bans and staff members and
Participants would then be required to quarantine based on those guidelines.
E. Staff Trainings:
Management will review the plan with their staff members including:
o Infection control & screening processes
o Changes to daily operations
o Social distancing requirements
o The employee’s role in maintaining the health and safety of
themselves, Participants and others
o Reporting and documentation requirements
CDC videos - Links are available on the OTC website –
www.otcbc.org/reopeningcacs
o Wearing a mask: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ML3n1c0FHDI
8 Rev 7/2021o Hand washing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IisgnbMfKvI
o Using hand sanitizer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnSjFr6J9HI
F. Daily Application of Disinfectant
The OTC uses disinfectants that are approved by the CDC and/or the EPA to
fight the coronavirus. These disinfectants will be applied to all touchpoints by the
OTC staff members at least two times per day. At a minimum, this will occur late
morning/mid-day and after Participants depart.
Additional disinfectant will be applied to touchpoints as needed. Touchpoints
include, but are not limited to; program tables and chairs, restroom fixtures,
cabinet doors, handles, knobs and Participant lockers.
Disinfectant will be applied to any supplies that are used. Supplies include,
but are not limited to, tape dispensers, staplers, scissors, glue dispensers,
pens, paint containers and pencils.
As an additional precaution, the OTC staff members will utilize a ULV fogger
device at least once per week throughout the entire center to provide a
thorough sanitation of all program areas.
The OTC will amend the frequency and type of cleaning and application of
disinfectant described here as necessary to ensure compliance with any new
laws, rules, regulations and executive orders.
All eating areas will be disinfected before and after each lunch.
The OTC has placed hand sanitizer in various locations throughout the
Center and staff members and Participants will be encouraged to wash their
hands frequently or use the hand sanitizer throughout the day.
All OTC vehicles will be disinfected twice daily.
G. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE):
a. Face Masks:
A cloth face covering will be worn by staff members at all times. Note - The
OTC reserves the right to amend this regulation in the future based on CDC
guidelines.
All non-vaccinated Participants will be encouraged to wear a facemask but a
mask is not required.
The OTC will provide facemasks to all staff members and Participants.
However, individuals may provide their own appropriate face covering if they
choose.
Face shields, gowns and goggles will be provided on an as needed basis.
Hand washing will be encouraged after removing and disposing of a mask.
9 Rev 7/2021b. Gloves:
Covid-19 virus particles do not enter the body through the hands, but the
hands can transport the virus to the mucus membranes. Staff members will
wear Nitrile gloves when providing client care that involves contact with bodily
fluids.
Staff members will wash their hands with soap and water as soon as possible
after removing gloves. Hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol will be
used as an alternative if necessary.
c. Gowns & Face Shields/goggles:
Gowns and face shields or goggles will be worn if splashes of bodily fluids are
expected. Examples: caring for an ill participant who is vomiting.
Reusable face shields and goggles will be labeled with the employees’ name
and will be cleaned and disinfected after use.
d. Disposal:
Used or damaged, masks, gloves and gowns will be discarded in designated
waste receptacles.
The bag containing used PPE will be properly discarded at least once per
day.
IV. OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES – Transitioning Back to Program
The OTC acknowledges that a transitional period will be necessary in order to orient
individuals to the new practices outlined in this plan. The OTC is committed to
reopening in the safest possible manner for both staff members and Participants in
accordance to the recommendations and directions received from the CDC, OHSA,
State and County.
A. General Information:
The Southampton CAC will reopen with limited capacity on August 9, 2021.
Participants will be placed in either Group A or Group B and will attend, based
on their assigned group, on an alternating schedule of every other week to
allow all Participants wanting to return, regardless of vaccination status, to do
so safely.
As safety restrictions continue to be lifted and additional staff members are
hired, the Southampton CAC will allow Participants to return to their normal
weekly schedule.
Staff members will be required to sign off on the requirements and safety
precautions before the Participants arrive back at the Center.
Staff trainings will be conducted following all safety guidelines.
At this time, the OTC has instituted a no visitor policy in order to limit
exposure to staff members and Participants. Only essential visitors will be
10 Rev 7/2021allowed to enter the buildings when Participants are present. Essential
visitors include OTC Management, Police, Emergency Personnel, Fire,
Emergency Maintenance and Inspectors.
Guardians and Providers that come to the program for drop off or dismissal
will need to call the Center when they arrive. One entrance will be designated
for all pick-ups and drop offs.
A staff member will meet the guardian or provider at the front door.
Smoking will only occur in designated smoking areas away from the
entrances so that others do not have walk by individuals who are not wearing
masks.
B. Lunches
Separate lunches for the Participants will be held in typical lunch areas or
programming rooms and will not exceed 15 Participants in each lunch group.
Before and after lunch, the eating area will be cleaned and sanitized.
Upon arrival to the program, lunches will be placed in plastic bags by staff
members wearing gloves and stored in the refrigerator or lockers as to not
come in contact with other Participant’s lunch containers.
Staff members will retrieve lunches from the lockers or refrigerator prior to
lunch.
To decrease food handling, unless on a special prescribed diet, all
Participants will be required to bring in cold lunches prepared according to
diets (chopped, pureed, etc.) so that the use of the microwave will not be
necessary.
Staff members will assist the Participants with eating lunch to the extent
appropriate while wearing appropriate PPE.
C. Restrooms
Participants will be assisted by staff members in the restrooms when
appropriate and will wear appropriate PPE as needed.
Participants will be encouraged to use the restroom one at a time when
possible.
Restrooms will be disinfected and fully sanitized at the end of program day.
D. Changing Areas
Changing areas are separated by washable curtains. Changing tables and
curtains will be cleaned and sanitized after each use.
Staff members who are assisting Participants with changing will wear
appropriate PPE.
Soiled items will be placed in a plastic bag and each Participant’s items will
be kept separate.
11 Rev 7/2021E. Vehicles
Vehicles transporting one or more Participants who are not fully vaccinated,
will limit seating to one Participant per row. Staff members will be required to
wear masks during transport. Participants will be encouraged to wear masks
but masks will not be required.
Note: Social distancing of 6 feet apart will not be maintained on the
vehicle, which can increase the risk of infection. Due to this, any
Participant who does not want to use OTC transportation can
provide their own transportation to and from the Day Program.
Regular vehicle capacity will be utilized for all vehicles transporting fully
vaccinated staff members and Participants. Masks will not be required for
Participants.
All vehicles will be properly sanitized and cleaned prior to use and at the end
of each business day.
F. Arrival
One vehicle at a time will be unloaded and Participants will be required to
wash their hands before going to their assigned program rooms.
Participants who do not use OTC transportation will be screened upon arrival.
All coats will be hung in the assigned program rooms, separated from other
Participant’s coats.
Lunch boxes will be put in plastic bags and placed in individual lockers or in
the refrigerator.
G. Departure
Participant will retrieve their lunch box and coat one at a time. Staff
members will assist as necessary.
Vehicles will be loaded one at a time from the assigned program rooms.
If a Participant is being picked up at the end of the day or for early dismissal,
the guardian or provider will be required to contact the Center upon arrival
and the Participant will be escorted to the appropriate exit door for dismissal.
H. Sick Participant
If a Participant becomes sick and displays any symptoms, he or she will be
escorted to the isolation area and will be required to leave the Center as soon
as possible.
Once the guardian or provider arrives, he or she will be required to call the
Center and the Participant will be escorted out of the building
12 Rev 7/2021Questions:
If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please contact the Day
Program Supervisor, Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm.
13 Rev 7/2021References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 2019. How Coronavirus Spreads.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-covid-
spreads.html
Harvard health Publishing, Harvard Medical School, Covid-19 Basics,
https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-
basics#:~:text=A%20study%20done%20by%20National,up%20to%20three%20hours.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 Information 2020,
https://covid19.nj.gov/search.html?query=face+masks
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 Information 2020
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-
guidance.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Coronavirus (COVID-19) frequently
asked questions. May 2020
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html#Coronavirus-Disease-2019-Basics
Occupational Health & Safety Administration. Control and Prevention 2020,
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/controlprevention.html
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). (2020, June 10).
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/covid-19-faq.html#cloth-face-coverings
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), May 2020.Symptoms of
Coronavirus
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA). (2020). UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR. May 23, 2020,
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/medicalinformation.html
Occupational Health and Safety Administration. (2020). UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR. May 25, 2020,
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/hazardrecognition.html
14 Rev 7/2021Appendix A 15 Rev 7/2021
Appendix B
To help stop the spread of COVID-19, you need to put on your mask the
right way and avoid making these simple yet consequential
mistakes:
Wear your Mask Correctly
Wash your hands before putting on your mask
Put it over your nose and mouth and secure it
under your chin
Try to fit it snugly against the sides of your
face
Make sure you can breathe easily
Take Off Your Mask Carefully, When You’re Home
Untie the strings behind your head or stretch the ear
loops
Handle only by the ear loops or ties
Fold outside corners together
Be careful not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth
when removing and wash hands immediately after
removing.
5 Mistakes people make when wear a face mask for Coronavirus
MISTAKE 1: Your face mask only covers your mouth.
MISTAKE 2: Your mask comes in contact with your body or your stuff.
MISTAKE 3: Your mask hangs too loosely on your face.
MISTAKE 4: Your face mask covers only the tip of your nose.
MISTAKE 5: You don’t properly clean your mask if you reuse it.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention 2019
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