April 15, 2020
Dear Families,
I’m writing to inform you that two staff members at the Dancing Bear IRA have tested positive for COVID-19. The staff members are recovering at home and under the care of healthcare professionals. Immediately upon learning of the positive diagnoses, Greystone Programs contacted the Department of Health (DOH), Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and local health authorities. Following the protocols shared by those authorities, we quarantined all residents and staff who had high contact with the infected staff members.
Though I realize how scary receiving news like this can be, I want to assure you that Greystone Programs is working fiercely to keep our individuals and staff safe. The measures we currently have in place include:
- Operating under strict CDC protocols for infection control
- Availability of hand sanitizer throughout our residences
- Cleaning and sanitization of all site’s multiple times per day
- The infected location will be cleaned and disinfected by a professional company
- Mandating staff who are experiencing any symptoms of illness (i.e., cough, runny nose, headache, fever, body aches) to stay home and self-quarantine for a minimum of 7 days and 72 hours symptom free
- Indefinite closure of our day habilitation and afterschool programs
- Taking the temperatures daily of all Greystone-supported individuals and staff
- Requiring all support staff to wear masks while on shift
- Suspension of all visits unless medically or clinically essential, in adherence to the guidelines of The OPWDD
- Designated a separate quarantine facility for individuals in our care, should any be diagnosed with COVID-19
- Infection Control Committee meets daily to review all signs and symptoms for all individuals and staff
- Disinfecting entry station
- Prevention training Part 1 and Part 2
- Testing of all individuals and staff members at this location
The people in Greystone’s care are family to us, and their families are our families. I will keep you apprised of any pertinent updates and, in the meantime, do not hesitate to reach out to me via email at
[email protected]
or my cell (845) 505-0354. We will continue working tirelessly to keep our residents and staff safe, cared for and thriving during this unprecedented time.
Be well,
