During the Covid 19 pandemic, Deaf Reach Inc has continued to provide the same level of services to people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing with behavioral health concerns. Our residential programs have continued to operate and our community support services have also continued to support clients in access services promoting their health and welfare.
Anyone Deaf or Hard of Hearing who would like to contact Deaf Reach Inc to discuss information about Covid 19, special deaf friendly masks, vaccinations or other issues may do so using the contact information on this web site.
In addition, we have compiled the following information:
Emergency Preparedness for Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)
History of COVID-19
Human coronaviruses disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new strain of coronaviruses that had not been previously identified being the seventh coronavirus identified that has infected humans. It is believed to have been transmitted from an infected animal to a human host carrier.
What is COVID-19?
Respiratory illness caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2.
How is COVID-19 spread?
The COVID-19 virus spreads through respiratory droplets of a person’s saliva or discharges from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Similar to how colds are spreads.
Symptoms of COVID-19?
Symptoms range from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have:
** This list does not include all possible symptoms.
When to seek emergency medical attention such as 911 or your local emergency facility?
Emergency warning signs are:
**This list is not all possible symptoms.
How can I protect myself from COVID-19?
According to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC), the best way to prevent infection is to avoid exposure to this virus. Such as avoid crowds and closed vented areas.
Everyday action to stop the spread of COVID-19 includes:
Who are the high-risk people?
Should I use a face-covering / mask?
Yes! All Deaf Reach clients, staff, contractors, and visitors must wear a face-covering / mask inside any facilities. Deaf Reach will provide face covering to clients and visitors if they do not have their own.
Handling mail, package, or deliveries to Deaf Reach?
** Scientific research shows that COVID-19 can live on:
Recommend mail and other packages (e.g., boxes, envelopes, pouches, etc.)
Deaf Reach require to prevent the spreading of COVID-19?
Yes. Deaf Reach requires face-coverings / mask, daily self-screenings, and social distancing for all clients, staff, contractors, employees. Deaf Reach will provide hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies, protective barriers when needed.
All clients, staff, contractors, employees will undergo health screening before entering the facilities.
Protocol for screening symptoms:
Will ask within the last 14 days, have you:
If so, you must contact your health provider (doctor) or caseworker before leaving the facility.
You must self-quarantine until all symptoms subside and your doctor issue you a COVID clearance (free).
What if a client, employee, staff, or contractor have COVID-19 or appears ill?
Always treat the person with respect and courtesy
Kindly withdraw from the social engagement
Provide the individual with information to continue the matter on videophone or online.
Screen and monitor all clients, contractors, and employees who may have been in contact
How long should a person quarantine?
An individual must quarantine for 14 days from the day they believed they have been in contact with an infected person and the health provider gives clearance.
What if I recently traveled or plan to travel?
You must quarantine and have no symptoms for 14 days upon arrival
Should get tested for COVID-19 after 14 days quarantine
Postpone non-emergency travels
Emergency travels conduct pre self-health screenings, wear face-covering / mask, and carry hand sanitizer
Follow the CDC travel guidelines and travel guidelines of the DC Area.
Are there vaccines available?
Vaccines (shots) are underway. Please check the DC Department of Health website for information associated with scheduling your vaccine if you live in DC and your state Department of Health or Hygiene if you reside in other areas. These sites are all posting frequent updates.
Resources:
Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC):
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncovtraveeler/after-travel-precautions.html
Kaiser Permanente:
https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/maryland-virginia-washington-dc/health-wellness/coronavirus-information/testing
World Health Organization:
https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus#tab=tab_1