COA INFECTION CONTROL POLICY 2023

COUNCIL OF AGING (COA) GUIDELINES FOR INFECTION CONTROL PREVENTION OF RESPIRATORY ILLNESSES DURING TIMES OF HIGH PREVALENCE

Policy Implementation Date: 01/25/2023

I. Purpose To prevent and control transmissions of Covid-19 and other respiratory illnesses at the Rehoboth Senior Center located at Francis Hall during times of high transmission as indicated by the state and local reporting agencies.

II. Policy The Rehoboth Senior Center aims to implement appropriate safety and mitigation measures to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses while still allowing for Senior Center activities and meals to continue in an inclusive and safe manner. During times of high transmission, as indicated by the state and local reporting agencies, the Rehoboth Senior Center staff and facilities management will adhere to the procedures and mitigation measures as outlined below.

III. Procedure

1. General Guidelines and Mitigation Measures:

a. The Facility

i. Update and maintain the recommended ventilation filters and system as indicated by the Board of Human Services and Community Health

ii. Follow increased cleaning practices of high touch services as indicated by facilities management services

iii. Provide easy access to hand sanitizer stations at the entrance of the facility, designated areas, and outside of the bathrooms

iv. Make masks available at the entrance of the Senior Center for member usage

v. Place signage outside of the Senior Center building indicating that individuals experiencing symptoms of Covid-19 or other respiratory illness should not enter the building

vi. Place signage outside of the Senior Center building indicating the current risk level and recommended masking requirements

b. Rehoboth Senior Center Activities

i. Masks strongly encouraged but not required

ii. Spread out tables to be six feet apart as able

iii. Limit number of seats at each table to four persons

iv. Offer a “Mask On” sitting area, where individuals who have preference and intend to wear their mask for the entirety of the activity can be seated by individuals with the same preference. In this seated area, masks are required to be worn.

v. High Volume: If there is a high volume of members looking to participate in a given activity and this does not allow for safe social distancing, the director, may limit the number of participants per activity or offer repeat sessions of the activity to allow all interested individuals to participate at staggered times while maintaining appropriate safe social distancing.

vi. Virtual Attendance: As indicated and able, if a Senior Center member does not feel comfortable to attend in person or is unable to attend in person due to illness; the Rehoboth Senior center staff can offer the option for members to

Updated: 01/25/2023 COA INFECTION CONTROL POLICY 2023

attend or engage in the activity virtually from home. At the discretion of the Director, if single use supplies are needed for the activity and there is availability, these supplies can be picked up in advanced by the member as coordinated with senior center staff.

Rehoboth Senior Center Meals

i. Masks strongly encouraged but not required

ii. Spread out tables to be six feet apart as able

iii. Limit number of seats at each table to four persons

iv. Serving Meals:

1. All individuals handling and providing meals shall be Serve Safe certified and follow the appropriate safety guidelines for infection control and food item handling

2. Discontinue lining up for meals or buffet style meals; all meals will be served to guests while they are seated at their table by designated volunteers or Senior Center staff.

3. All volunteers or staff serving meals must wear a mask while handling or serving meals to members.

v. Meal Pick Up: If a Senior Center member does not feel comfortable attending in person or is unable to attend in person due to illness; the Rehoboth Senior center staff should offer the option for a “to go” meal to be picked up at a designated time frame as coordinated by Senior Center staff. Individuals wishing to pick up meals should make requests 24 hours in advance and follow the recommended donation guidelines for meals at the Senior Center.

vi. Outdoor Meals: As weather permits, allow seating space for meals to be enjoyed outside.

2. Other Considerations

a. Federal, state, or local mandates or requirements

i. If the federal, state, or local government require that a higher level of mitigation measures (such as, but not limited to masks mandates, cessation of in-person meal services, closure of in-person meetings/gatherings) be implemented and adopted, the Rehoboth Senior Center Staff and Council of Aging Board will follow such guidelines or restrictions as mandated and indicated

b. Infection outbreak linked to events or activities held at the Senior Center

i. If a specific outbreak has been linked to a Senior Center activity or event then the Senior Center should follow the below procedure:

1. Notify Senior Center members that attended the Senior Center activities during the time of the outbreak of the occurrence of infection outbreak, symptoms to monitor for, and what to do if infected

2. In the event of a Covid-19 infection outbreak linked to Senior Center events or activities; offer take home test kits to be pick up as indicated and available

3. Close the Senior Center to the public for one week to decrease risk of further infection

Updated: 01/25/2023 COA INFECTION CONTROL POLICY 2023

a. Senior Center staff can continue to work at the facility, but are required to wear masks while working during the period of public closure

b. Provide opportunities for virtual activities as indicated and able

c. Provide and offer “to go” meals as indicated and able

4. Schedule and implement a deep cleaning of the facility

5. Following the week of public closure, the Senior Center may re-open following the designated guidelines as previously stated in this policy unless indicated otherwise by the Council of Aging Board

Updated: 01/25/2023