This page contains information about the COVID-19 outbreak as it pertains to Center for Human Services, our sites and our response as an agency.
A Message From CHS
Center for Human Services (CHS) is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our employees, clients, their families and the general public. We are closely monitoring the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak in our community and surrounding areas. All steps the agency has taken are preventative and aligned with guidelines issued by national and local health officials.
We are committed to providing mission critical services to our clients. As the situation evolves, we will continue to provide updates. Through it all we will lead with our vision and mission to build a safe and thriving Stanislaus County by changing lives, building futures and helping families.
Please read below for updates regarding our different programs, sites and services.
For general information:
Contact our Main Office & Community Clinic at (209) 526-1476
For CHS Employees
As we continue to monitor the local, national and worldwide incidence of COVID-19, employees are asked to review the following information and guidance. It is likely this information will change as the situation evolves and more becomes known. Questions may be directed to Human Resources and the Operations Department.
Our priorities are to:
- Maintain a safe and healthy workplace, including minimizing the transmission of contagious disease;
- Sustain mission critical services and operational continuity;
- Encourage open communications and concern for the wellbeing of our employees and clients.
Most Important Actions to Take Now
- All employees are urged to take basic preventive measures to avoid exposure to or infection by the virus causing COVID-19.
- Speak with your program or department manager about any concerns you have.
- Those who can increase their preparedness to work remotely (more than they already do, or entirely, and possibly for a protracted period of time if it becomes necessary) should do so now.
- Contact the Employee Assistance Program for help with feelings of stress or anxiety about these events.
Contacts:
Carmen Wilson
Director of Finance and Human Resources
(209) 526-1476 ext. 122
Maria Preciado
Human Resources Specialist
(209) 526-1476 ext. 150
Latest Updates
Hello CHS,
Does the uncertainty of July and COVID-19 make it feel like March and April again? Us too. On behalf of the Senior Leadership Team we wanted to send out an update to let you know what is going on now and make a promise of MORE INFORMATION TO COME. Please read this in its entirety so you are in the know.
Recent Developments: As many of you know from watching the news, the COVID-19 numbers in Stanislaus County are rising. On Monday the California Department of Public Health ordered the closure of indoor operations for several business sectors in 30 counties, including ours. Also on Monday, the Stanislaus County Public Health Officer and Superintendent of Schools issued a joint letter stating that schools will not open for in-person instruction in August as planned.
What CHS is doing now:
· Emergency Response Team (ERT) is meeting bi-weekly. This group helps to inform what we need to address for our staff, clients and community.
· Senior Leadership Team is meeting twice per week to share information and determine priorities for action and communication. One thing we are acknowledging is how weary our staff may feel. We are talking about what we can do to support your social-emotional well-being (in addition to EAP which is always a resource you can access through HR).
· Maria and Carmen are updating the reopening guidance to include specific protocol for responding to COVID-19 exposure and possible exposure (employees and facilities).
· Nina and Carmen are updating the COVID-19 Q&A prepared in March to include what we have learned in last few months, this addresses many of the questions becoming more relevant now about exposure and possible exposure of employees.
· Maria Lopez is taking steps to ensure the sanitation protocol issued in March is updated as necessary and is being followed in all offices.
· Programs leaders are communicating with schools about what school-based services will look like.
What CHS will be communicating soon:
· We will let you know when the reopening guidance and COVID-19 Q&A are updated and available on our COVID-19 landing page.
· HR or Carmen will summarize the steps to take when someone in the office identifies that they have been exposed or possibly exposed to COVID-19.
· HR or Carmen will summarize the criteria HR is following in determining when employees need to isolate at home and when we disclosure information to their co-workers.
· Leadership team members who are asked to facilitate social-emotional support and connection will send out information on those opportunities.
· Program leaders will communicate with their team members as they learn more and make program decisions.
What each of us can be doing now:
· Please continue to follow CDC and State guidelines for preventing the spread of COVID-19 and follow the CHS policies in effect. The biggest points in this are personal hygiene, wearing your face covering and social distancing.
· If you have been exposed to COVID-19 or potentially exposed to COVID-19, please inform HR as soon as possible so decisions can be made. There is no shame in being exposed to COVID-19. We just need to do our best to protect other staff when necessary.
· Please remember that CHS is counting on you to help keep our team safe and healthy.
Organizations in Stanislaus County have banded together to form the Behavioral Health and Wellness Crisis Response Plan (BHWCRP). These resources are for employees to use for themselves, or to pass on to your clients.
For a comprehensive list of all services and resources available, download Stanislaus County COVID-19 Resources (PDF)
BHWCRP Warm Line Expansion – Access Phone Number: (209) 558-4600
Reasons to Refer Individuals to the Warm Line Expansion:
- Heightened Stress
- Increased anxiety due to Covid-19 Pandemic
- Fears and concerns around lack of income, food, and/or essentials
- Symptoms related to isolation or other necessary safety measures related to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Stanislaus County Website – COVID-19 BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CRISIS AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT http://www.stancounty.com/bhrs/covid-community.shtm
Video Links
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QrSOGPF_Uo Steve Collins
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLpmJGQvOSM Manuel Rivera
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MS8EeFnE34 Cameo Culcasi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwdfRSZ9fC4 Edith Martinez
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPCV9nFqozM&feature=youtu.be Dr. Mora
Hello CHS Family,
I know many of you are on information overload, but I want to be sure you are hearing from your leadership team and know that if you have any questions you can call your supervisor, program director, operations team members, or submit questions to the COVID-19 email account.
It has been a whirlwind of a few weeks. I missed seeing you on Monday, which should have been our All Staff Meeting. Instead on that day, I know many other meetings were happening via ZOOM. I met with Senior Leadership Monday morning, as we have been doing every morning for the last few weeks; and I met with the Emergency Response Team Monday afternoon. I was impressed by how Leadership who reported out during the afternoon meeting seemed confident in how their departments were responding, adjusting, and communicating during this crazy time. If you feel lost or confused about what is going on in your department or the Agency, PLEASE ASK QUESTIONS and please look at the CHS website which has landing pages with various types of communication.
When schools first closed, CHS had to make the difficult decision to lay off about 70 people in Youth Services. I told them at that time and will tell you now, their department has been successful because of the relationships they built and their hard work. I am pleased to say that our Youth Services managers have been leveraging that success and creating opportunities for some staff to start returning to work this week to serve the clients and families in a modified way. Hopefully more can return as well. If you are connected to some of those staff via social media please consider offering words of encouragement during this time.
With many people working remote the main office feels very empty. Without clients I am sure those working in other CHS locations feel like things are a little too quiet. I want to encourage you to remain hopeful about the future. As an essential service provider, we are still working but I know it is not easy or fun whether you are working in the office or remote. Remember to care for yourself as you continue to care for your clients. There is information on our website about self-care and the free online classes offered by In-Shape.
I have linked a 5-minute YouTube video that I have viewed a few times. It is geared toward young people, but it has a message for all of us. Please remain hopeful. Eventually things will return to a new normal. We will have learned about working remote, washing hands more frequently, and how to stay connected even when we don’t see one another. As we continue to live and work in this new way, consider what other opportunities might arise from this crisis.
Remember to stay connected during this time.
Stay Well and Stay Hopeful,
Carmen Wilson
Operations Director
I hope this finds you and your loved ones healthy and safe. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you as we navigate this community medical crisis.
I want you to know that your senior and mid level leaders are working hard to rapidly respond to the ever changing environment we find ourselves in. We are in an unprecedented situation and we are leaning into our CHS values now more than ever. We are meeting daily to put policies and protocols in place to allow us to continue to provide essential services. A special thank you to our leaders for their tireless work over the past 2 weeks! You are the best!
I also want to thank our expanded IT team who is working hard to create our capabilities to work remotely.
As you know, CHS provides essential services and we will continue to provide shelter, family strengthening activities, behavioral health and essential operations and I thank you for your role in making this happen.
We know that communication is critical in this time when we are sheltering in place and working remotely. To that end, you will hear from CHS daily so please be checking for updates and check-ins. We hope to also create ways for you to maintain social connections with others in your CHS family over the coming weeks.
I’m so grateful for all of you, my CHS family and am experiencing firsthand the importance of social connections as we walk through this time. We will get through this together…you are not alone.
Look for daily communications for your CHS leaders. Stay healthy and stay in!
With Gratitude for You…
Cindy
CHS has created a private group on Facebook specifically for employees to connect and share resources. We recognize that a large part of our CHS culture comes from interacting with our coworkers. During this time of social distancing, that looks a lot different. We are creating a space for employees to keep social interaction with their coworkers. This is a space committed to positivity and our work community.
Please read the Facebook Group Guidelines (PDF) before you join the group. The guidelines also include some examples posts.
Center for Human Services (CHS) remains an essential service to our community. We remain open in that we are still providing services and our employees are still working. However, we have made changes to the ways in which we are providing services, most notably, face-to-face or in-person services. Please read below regarding updates and changes pertaining to our various programs and locations.
Main Office – Includes Community Counseling and Substance Use Treatment
The Main Office is closed to the public. Our receptionists are available Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to take calls and route them to the appropriate contact or department. Our Community Counseling Clinic is providing all services via Telehealth. Please call (209) 526-1440 for questions regarding your counseling services. Our Substance Use Disorder groups are still meeting and using increased sanitation as well as keeping distances of at least six feet.
Hutton House
Hutton House continues to remain open, but is only accepting clients seeking shelter who are literally homeless or who have no other safe alternative. Drop-in services are limited to what can be feasibly done over the phone. This would include, but not limited to, mediating conflicts and taking crisis calls. The crisis line is still 24-hours, please call (209) 526-5544 for services.
Family Resource Centers (FRCs) – Ceres, Newman, Oakdale and Patterson
All four Family Resource Centers are closed to the public. All services are being provided via phone or video formats with the exception of food services (where applicable), which are being provided via drive-thru or pick-up to minimize face-to-face interaction. Counseling services (where applicable) are being provided through Telehealth. SUD groups (where applicable) are still happening for now but with increased sanitation and with distances of at least six feet. Some FRCs are reducing their hours, please call your local FRC for information regarding available hours.
Ceres Partnership – (209) 541-0101
Newman Family Resource Center – (209) 862-0295
Oakdale Family Resource and Counseling Center – (209) 847-0420
Patterson Family Resource Center – (209) 690-3100
Good Afternoon CHS,
Last Friday we asked staff to take part in a short survey regarding childcare and how it’s been impacted due to COVID-19. Thank you for taking the time to provide us with additional data. In consideration of CDC and Public Health Department recommendations, CHS has decided to not provide childcare in order to minimize exposure.
If your child care plan is interrupted due to the coronavirus, please let your supervisor know immediately. You may request to work remotely or take personal leave. These requests are to be asked of your supervisor who will share them with HR, Cindy and Carmen. Decisions for remote work and personal leave will be made in consideration of your work assignments and feasibility of working at home as determined by your supervisor and the IT department.
Please continue to watch your email for new information and refer to the landing page for ongoing information: https://www.centerforhumanservices.org/coronavirus/
Thank you!
Maria Lopez
Administrative Manager
Center for Human Services | Operations Department
Phone (209) 526-1476 EXT. 149 | Fax (209) 526-0908
2000 W. Briggsmore Ave., Ste. I | Modesto, CA 95350
www.centerforhumanservices.org
We are committed to providing mission critical services to our clients. We know that in this time of uncertainty, we may be needed now more than ever. We are learning right alongside you as we navigate this together. We are proud of the decisions we are making, and we will always keep the safety of our employees, clients and the public in mind.
As the situation evolves, we may continue to have updates. Through it all we will lead with our vision and mission to build a safe and thriving Stanislaus County by changing lives, building futures and helping families.
Thank you for your continued understanding and support. Please read below for updates regarding our different programs, sites and services.
As of Tuesday, 3/17/2020:
Hutton House
Hutton House remains open 24/7 and will continue to shelter homeless youth ages 13-17. At this time, we are only sheltering youth who are actually homeless or who have no safe living alternative. We are limiting drop-in services to over the phone services only. For example, we can assist with de-escalating conflicts/crises over the phone. All group classes are canceled until further notice.
We have ramped up our household sanitation protocol to every three hours. Employees are mandated to stay home at any signs of illness. Employees and clients are making sure to wash their hands frequently and keep safe distances between each other.
Family Resource Centers (Ceres, Newman, Oakdale, Patterson)
Family Resource Centers (FRCs) remain open, but with limited services. From today until April 20th (after which time we will reassess), we have cancelled any in-person groups, activities, events or home visits. We will provide assistance and check-ins over the phone, through FaceTime or other video formats. We will provide emergency assistance applications over the phone and have a plan in place in the event a client signature needs to be obtained. In the event an in-person appointment is needed, it will be coordinated with social distancing in mind, utilizing large spaces for meeting and with proper sanitation before and after. Delivery of emergency food assistance will be done via vehicle drive-thru to keep in-person contact to a minimum.
Behavioral Health Services
Our counseling clinic remains open with added safety measures. We are moving as many in-person appointments as possible to appointments by phone. Any appointments that must take place in person, will only occur after the client has been screened. Proper sanitation of the meeting areas will be performed before and after the meeting, as well as social distancing of at least six feet between staff and clients. Counseling at our Family Resource Centers (FRCs) in Oakdale and Patterson will take place by phone.
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) groups will remain open, with social distancing of six feet between clients and staff. All group rooms will be sanitized before and after groups take place. SUD group meetings at our FRCs in Oakdale and Patterson will still take place with groups of three or less to allow for at least six feet of social distancing between clients and staff.
We appreciate your support
Again, we appreciate the trust you place in CHS. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and take actions as necessary to help keep our employees, clients and the public safe. Please refer to our website or Facebook page for updates regarding CHS and our programs as they come.
For updates regarding COVID-19 in Stanislaus County, please refer to the Health Services Agency. For information regarding COVID-19 on a national and worldwide level, as well as information on how to mitigate the spread of the virus, please refer to the CDC.
Sincerely,
Cindy Duenas
Executive Director
Dear CHS,
Much has changed over the weekend. School districts in San Joaquin have closed and those in Stanislaus are making plans to close this week. For those in school based programs, your leadership team will be communicating specific closure dates and actions to take prior to closure. CHS does not foresee that we would close any of our offices, but the school closures impact us in other ways. Much will be discussed at CHS over the next few days, but I want to answer some of the questions that must be on many minds as the schools close:
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN SCHOOLS CLOSE?
Some decisions will be made on a program/department basis. If schools closes, some Behavior Health work can be done out of CHS locations (FRC offices, main office, etc); but other groups of employees will be unable to continue providing services. For those employees, limited other work assignments may be available; and for some groups CHS will need to lay you off with a return to work date of when your school is scheduled to reopen. If the school does not open as planned, your return to work date will be postponed. During this time you may be eligible to receive unemployment benefits. Per the Governor’s executive order, there should NOT be a waiting period and there should not be a requirement to show you are “looking for work” as is normally required. These benefits should be 60-70% of your normal pay. The EED website has calculators to help you determine the amount. Your HR team will also assist in any way they can. More to come from the HR team. You are also able to use any sick or vacation time available to you. If you are in a program that defers hours, that pay is always available for you.
CHS does not make the decision to lay off employees lightly, and we understand the potential financial impact. If we were a for-profit agency we might have more flexibility and reserves available to make other decisions but we are taking actions that are necessary for the long-term sustainability of the Agency. As schools make decisions about whether or not they extend the school year, we will know about opportunities in the summer that SAP providers might have to “make up” work days as well – meaning a shorter furlough in the summer than originally anticipated.
WHAT IF YOU CAN’T WORK BECAUSE YOU ARE SICK?
If you are sick DO NOT COME TO WORK.
If you have not been laid off, but are unable to work because you are sick or you are caring for a sick family member, other benefits might be available. Any available sick and vacation time can be used, but are NOT required to be used. In normal circumstances, you are required to use sick/vacation to cover your absences but that is being waived now in accordance with the Governor’s executive order. California Paid Disability Leave (PDL) and Paid Family Leave (PFL) may be available to help you. Per the Governor’s executive order, there should NOT be a waiting period. These benefits should be 60-70% of your normal pay. The EED website has calculators to help you determine the amount. Your HR team will also assist in any way they can. As applicable, FMLA provisions will be applied.
WHAT IF YOU CAN’T COME TO WORK BECAUSE OF A CHILD CARE ISSUE?
If your child care plan is interrupted due to the coronavirus, please let your supervisor know immediately. If you have not been laid off, you and your family are well, but you have no viable child care options, you may request to work remotely or take personal leave. Please make these requests through your supervisor who will share them with HR, Cindy and me. Decisions for remote work and personal leave will be made in consideration of your work assignments and feasibility of working at home as determined by your supervisor and the IT department. At this time, no state benefits have been identified for individuals unable to work because of a child care issue, but we will share more if we learn more. If personal leave is granted, any available sick and vacation time can be used, but are NOT required to be used.
WHAT IF YOU DON’T WANT TO WORK BECAUSE OF POTENTIAL EXPOSURE?
Generally we hope that you stay healthy and are able to remain working. We are doing all we can to create a safe, clean work environment at CHS. Leadership will be evaluating remote work possibilities and use of Zoom-type meetings to limit our exposure to one another. However we understand there is a lot of fear and anxiety around the unknown and that everyone’s situation is different. Those at higher risk of infection for any of the reasons identified by the CDC should take special precautions and heed the advice of their medical provider. If you have not been laid off, you and your family are well, you have no child care issues, but still believe it is best not to come to a work site, you may request to work remotely or to take personal leave. Please make these requests through your supervisor who will share them with HR, Cindy and me. Decisions for remote work and personal leave will be made in consideration of your work assignments, feasibility of working at home as determined by your supervisor and the IT department, and in consideration of any risk factors you identify. If personal leave is granted, any available sick and vacation time can be used, but are NOT required to be used.
Please continue to watch your email for new information. We plan to have a landing page soon on our website for employee information.
Please communicate any concerns you have to your supervisor, your HR team, or to me. Your personal concerns and individual risk factors are a private matter and you can ask questions and clarify any necessary requests through either your supervisor or HR, whomever you are most comfortable talking with. Supervisors will be given information on how to communicate about employee absences and exposure risks so that the Agency can honor everyone’s right to privacy.
Best regards,
Carmen Wilson
Operations Director
Center for Human Services | Operations Department
Phone 209.526.1476 EXT. 122 | Fax 209.526.0908
2000 W. Briggsmore Ave., Ste. I | Modesto, CA 95350
www.centerforhumanservices.org
Center for Human Services (CHS) is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our employees, clients, their families and the general public. We are closely monitoring the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak in our community and surrounding areas. We are following any and all recommendations set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and our local, state and federal governments. We want to share with you the actions and precautions we are taking to protect our employees, clients and the public.
We’ve reinforced existing policies for employees who feel ill to stay home and consult with a medical professional. To help limit the spread of the virus, we’ve limited and in some cases canceled meetings, especially those with people outside of the agency or meetings which bring people together from multiple communities. We’ve increased the amount we sanitize and disinfect surfaces and common areas, including waiting rooms, lobbies and restrooms.
We appreciate the trust you place in CHS. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and take actions as necessary to help keep our employees, clients and the public safe. Please refer to our website or Facebook page for updates regarding CHS and our programs as they come.
For updates regarding COVID-19 in Stanislaus County, please refer to the Health Services Agency. For information regarding COVID-19 on a national and worldwide level, as well as information on how to mitigate the spread of the virus, please refer to the CDC.
Sincerely,
Cindy Duenas
Executive Director
Hello CHS,
Another full day of watchfulness. As many may know from other sources, all indications are that SCHOOLS WILL BE OPEN next week. That is something that we are really watching because of the potential impact on our Agency operating due to the number of employees working in a school setting, as well as employees who would experience childcare issues should schools close.
There was a very productive meeting held today with some of our program leaders/location representatives. More specific response plans and communication plans are being developed. All of leadership will be meeting next week more information will come. I will keep this brief now as I want to send this before 5 pm.
THANK YOU all for your patience during this time and continuing to serve your clients. It can be scary, frustrating, confusing, stressful . . . Many emotions showing up for ourselves, our clients, and our families. Your safety and wellbeing is important to us and we will do our best to give you the information you need as we learn it.
Have a safe and restful weekend.
Carmen Wilson
Operations Director
Center for Human Services | Operations Department
Phone 209.526.1476 EXT. 122 | Fax 209.526.0908
2000 W. Briggsmore Ave., Ste. I | Modesto, CA 95350
www.centerforhumanservices.org
Good Afternoon CHS,
In addition to current CHS efforts, at this time we would like to urge staff to partake in the following survey in order to compile data on childcare needs in the event of countywide school closures. This is specific to school age children, K-6. Your feedback will be utilized in our planning efforts. This should take no more than 5 minutes.
Please click on the link to complete: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TXHMBVD
Thank you and we appreciate your cooperation!
Maria Lopez, Administrative Manager
Center for Human Services | Operations Department
Phone (209) 526-1476 EXT. 149 | Fax (209) 526-0908
2000 W. Briggsmore Ave., Ste. I | Modesto, CA 95350
www.centerforhumanservices.org
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Hello CHS:
In response to the coronavirus your Senior Leadership Team has made a few decisions. We believe we are acting in an abundance of caution and in consistency with other Community partners. We don’t intend for these decisions to elevate your concerns beyond what is recommended by the CDC and California Public Health Department. Please note the following:
- March and April All Staff Meetings are cancelled. Any critical information that needs to be shared will come via email or through Agency leadership
- Events/meetings/activities of 50 or more people sponsored by CHS should be cancelled for the months of March and April and rescheduled as appropriate. Some meetings/events within the county that have been cancelled are being rescheduled for September. That information is provided only to assist you in rescheduling, not as a directive, but consider that if you rescheduled for May or June that you might need to cancel/reschedule a second time.
- Attendance at events/meetings/activities of 50 or more people should be carefully considered by you and your supervisor. If the meeting is not cancelled, you should consider your personal risk factors in determining your attendance; you may speak to your supervisor or our HR Manager if you have concerns about this. Additionally, you and your supervisor should evaluate the requirement for and benefit of attending.
- Events/meetings/activities of less than 50 people should continue as planned, but remember to clean commonly used surfaces and remind those in attendance to practice the basic safety precautions listed below.
- Travel outside of Stanislaus County for business reasons (other than to service our Manteca USD contract) should be avoided. If you feel that travel is necessary, please have it approved by me and/or your program director.
We will continue to monitor the situation and provide information as we know it. I cannot say enough times that Public Health recommends the following daily measures to reduce the risk of getting sick:
- Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer
- Cover your cough or sneeze
- Stay home if you are sick
- Get your flu shot to protect against flu or symptoms similar to COVID-1 9
- Try alternatives to shaking hands, like an elbow bump or wave
- If you have recently returned from a country with ongoing COVID-19 infections, monitor your health and follow the instructions of public health officials.
Also remember that healthy people should not be excluded from activities (including work or school) based on their race, country of origin, or recent travel.
This evolving situation and the possibility of school closures will be discussed at the CHS Leadership Team meeting next Tuesday. If you have any concerns, ideas, thoughts on this situation please feel free to share with me or another member of leadership so they can be part of the conversation next week.
Thank you.
Carmen Wilson
Operations Director
Center for Human Services | Operations Department
Phone 209.526.1476 EXT. 122 | Fax 209.526.0908
2000 W. Briggsmore Ave., Ste. I | Modesto, CA 95350
www.centerforhumanservices.org
Hello CHS,
I am sure you have all heard that the coronavirus was confirmed in Stanislaus County yesterday. The press release on that is attached. At the end of the release, there is a reminder of some of the websites that are providing regular updated information. Please continue to be cautious and as always, do not come to work if you are sick.
CHS is considering what we will do if schools close, if meetings should be cancelled, etc. Information will be provided as we know more and decisions are made by the schools and by CHS. If you are not receiving my emails timely, please communicate with your supervisor and together determine how we can best reach you quickly should the need arise.
We are also very aware that this pandemic could create a financial burden for a variety of reasons: you or a family member being ill, school closures impacting our ability to see clients, school closures impacting your child care plans, etc. California appears to be providing some relief options. As we learn more and understand what they mean, we will keep you informed. The California EDD website is a good source of this information.
Thank you for your patience as we monitor and respond to this rapidly changing situation.
Carmen Wilson
Operations Director
Center for Human Services | Operations Department
Phone 209.526.1476 EXT. 122 | Fax 209.526.0908
2000 W. Briggsmore Ave., Ste. I | Modesto, CA 95350
www.centerforhumanservices.org
Hello CHS,
Many in our community and our agency are concerned about the spread of the coronavirus, COVID-19. Please know that your operations and leadership teams are mindful of this and are determining what we can do now to prevent the spread of infection as well as considering the impact a diagnosed case in Stanislaus County might have. Our County has not yet had a reported case.
Below is some new (and repeated) information and some links that could be helpful. Near the end is a summary of what CHS is doing and asking of you. Please look at those asks.
CDC’s Risk Assessment: Outbreaks of novel (new) virus infections among people are always of public health concern. The risk from these outbreaks depends on characteristics of the virus, including how well it spreads between people, the severity of resulting illness, and the medical or other measures available to control the impact of the virus (for example, vaccine or treatment medications). The fact that this disease has caused illness, including illness resulting in death, and sustained person-to-person spread is concerning. These factors meet two of the criteria of a pandemic. As community spread is detected in more and more countries, the world moves closer toward meeting the third criteria, worldwide spread of the new virus. While there is still much to learn about the unfolding situations in California, Oregon and Washington, preliminary information raises the level of concern about the immediate threat for COVID-19 for certain communities in the United States. The potential public health threat posed by COVID-19 is very high, to the United States and globally. At this time, however, most people in the United States will have little immediate risk of exposure to this virus. This virus is NOT currently spreading widely in the United States. However, it is important to note that current global circumstances suggest it is likely that this virus will cause a pandemic. This is a rapidly evolving situation and the risk assessment will be updated as needed.
Current risk assessment:
- For the general American public, who are unlikely to be exposed to this virus at this time, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered low.
- People in communities where ongoing community spread with the virus that causes COVID-19 has been reported are at elevated though still relatively low risk of exposure.
- Healthcare workers caring for patients with COVID-19 are at elevated risk of exposure.
- Close contacts of persons with COVID-19 also are at elevated risk of exposure.
- Travelers returning from affected international locations where community spread is occurring also are at elevated risk of exposure.
Sutter Health Members Seeking Care (from Sutter): A member who feels ill may schedule a video visit through My Health Online, call the 24/7 Nurse Advice line at 855-836-3500, or contact their provider to discuss the most appropriate treatment options. A member who seeks medically necessary screening and testing for COVID-19, including visits to hospitals and emergency departments, urgent care centers, and provider offices, will receive the services at no out-of-pocket cost. Any member who receives a bill should contact Sutter Health Plus Member Services at 855-315-5800.
Kaiser Members Seeking Care: If you go to the Kaiser website they will allow you to create an account. From there you can setup a video or call-in appointment. This is their phone number and website information: (800) 570-5218 and https://kp.kaiserpermanente.org
Preventing the Spread of Infection: At this time, state and federal health officials have indicated that the risk from COVID- 19 is low and therefore treatment of the virus is aligned with treatment of other viral respiratory infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyday actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
- Washing hands regularly with soap and water or using hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your face, and sneeze into tissues or your elbow.
- Staying home from work or school when sick to prevent infecting others.
Additional recommendations you might find helpful:
- NO HANDSHAKING! Use a fist bump, slight bow, elbow bump, etc.
- Use ONLY your knuckle to touch light switches. elevator buttons, etc.. Lift the gasoline dispenser with a paper towel or use a disposable glove.
- Open doors with your closed fist or hip – do not grasp the handle with your hand, unless there is no other way to open the door. Especially important on bathroom and post office/commercial doors.
- Use disinfectant wipes at the stores when they are available, including wiping the handle and child seat in grocery carts.
- Wash your hands with soap for 10-20 seconds and/or use a greater than 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer whenever you return home from ANY activity that involves locations where other people have been.
- Keep a bottle of sanitizer available at each of your home’s entrances. AND in your car for use after getting gas or touching other contaminated objects when you can’t immediately wash your hands.
- If possible, cough or sneeze into a disposable tissue and discard. Use your elbow only if you have to. The clothing on your elbow will contain infectious virus that can be passed on for up to a week or more!
CHS Actions/Requests of Staff:
- Flyers: English and Spanish flyers are (or will be) placed at all CHS locations in the waiting areas reminding clients of their part in preventing infection.
- Admin-All Staff: Staff in each location should take care in wiping down the most commonly used services no less than daily. This includes door handles. Please help meeting facilitators wipe down meeting spaces after each use.
- School Based Providers: Please wipe down your office space after each client visit with a Clorox wipe. This will help protect you and your clients. If you do not have access to wipes, please call Stephanie Lepez and she will do her best to get some for you.
- All Employees: Routinely clean all frequently touched surfaces in the workplace, such as keyboards, remote controls, desks, countertops and doorknobs. If you are facilitating a meeting please wipe down common areas after use and/or ask for assistance from operations team in doing this.
- Watch and Learn: HR and other Leadership team members are watching guidance from multiple sources on how to respond as an employer and community partner.
Additional Resources:
Please visit the Sutter Health FAQs and the CDC website for up-to-date COVID-19 information. You can also read about support available for employers and employees impacted by COVID-19 from the California Department of Public Health.
This situation is fluid and details are changing daily. We will share pertinent information with you as it becomes available. Should you have any questions, please reach out to me or someone in Operations.
Thank you.
Carmen Wilson
Operations Director
Center for Human Services | Operations Department
Phone 209.526.1476 EXT. 122 | Fax 209.526.0908
2000 W. Briggsmore Ave., Ste. I | Modesto, CA 95350
www.centerforhumanservices.org
Hello CHS Family,
Along with the rest of the County and nation, Center for Human Services is closely monitoring the coronavirus (now named COVID-19) situation. You may be aware that the disease has spread to multiple countries and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued new travel warnings with increased concern for South Korea, Japan, and Italy. Travel warnings for China have not changed, and the CDC has lowered their level of concern for travel to Hong Kong and Taiwan. Additional detail about these warnings can be found on the CDC website.
The CDC also recently shared that the coronavirus almost certainly will begin spreading in communities in the United States, and Americans should begin preparations now. We have heard very recent news reports about the disease being identified in California. We will be watching for any protocol suggested for schools and businesses that may come from Stanislaus County health officials. Current information about the coronavirus is available on the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency website.
As a reminder, if you are sick please do not come to work at a CHS office or a school site. To help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including the coronavirus and flu, follow these important tips:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- 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.
- Individuals with chronic health issues and/o r individuals experiencing severe symptoms should be e valuated by a medical professional.
- Get vaccinated every year.
Additionally, the California Department of Public Health does not recommend the use of face masks for general prevention and says that hand washing provides better protection from infectious diseases.
Center for Human Services will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary. If you have questions about these topics please contact one of your HR team members. We thank you for your cooperation and support.
Carmen Wilson
Operations Director
Frequently Asked Questions
Human Resources:
For Remote Workers:
Working Remotely
Beginning the week of March 16, staff and supervisors will begin working together to determine what work can be done remotely. This decision aligns with our goal to reduce the number of interactions at our offices and sites, slow the rate of transmission, and protect our community. The situation is changing rapidly, and HR is reviewing and adjusting workforce polices accordingly to address the emerging issues and concerns of employees. We will continue to post information that will help you and your team transition to remote work if necessary.
Visit the Information Technology Portal for additional information:
We recommend Zoom video conferencing for meetings, which can be accessed from any web browser.
Recommended Steps:
- Download and install the Zoom app,
- Otherwise, you will be prompted to download and install Zoom when you click a join link.
- Review these instructions for joining a meeting from your computer or phone.
- You can join a test meeting to familiarize yourself with Zoom.
- After launching Zoom, click Join a Meeting.
- It’s not required to sign-up for a zoom account to join a meeting. If you do already have an account you can sign-in and still join the meeting.
- Each meeting has a unique 9, 10, or 11-digit number called a meeting ID that will be required to join a Zoom meeting. You will likely receive an invitation by email that includes a join link with the meeting ID.
- If you are joining via telephone, you will need the teleconferencing number provided in the invite.
To join a meeting by email invitation:
Click the join link in your email or calendar invitation.
Depending on your default web browser, you may be prompted to open Zoom.
Resources
For most up-to-date guidelines on COVID-19, please visit CDC’s Coronavirus Website
Additional informations sources: