March 18, 2020
HACC Team,
True leadership is less about following policy and procedure and more about leading in times when there is no policy and procedure. It’s about making decisions, often difficult decisions that may or may not end up being right. When there is no path that has been trodden by those who went first, it does take courage to lead the way. Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a first for us all!
Due to the coronavirus, and with the consultation of our Board Chairman Dr. Grant G. Henry, Champaign-Urbana Public Health Department, and other organizations actively fighting to end this crisis, we have made the decision to close HACC's Main Office for cleaning/sanitation
until Monday, March 23, 2020
.
As mentioned we have had one employee undergoing tests for Coronavirus (COVID-19) and we are awaiting the results. The individual who was tested, does not have a position in which they work with the general public or clients and only began to experience symptoms after we closed our office to the public. In the face of this pandemic even I have started to experience symptoms and was advised after being treated by medical professionals to self-quarantine for 14-days and continue to monitor my health.
- Main Office staff should report to work on Monday.
- Staff who are impacted by the closure will still receive pay.
- Staff who do not report to the main office are still to report into work. (Maintenance, Property Management and YouthBuild).
- Check ADP for further employee updates
- Main office staff please create an out of office email message that states the following:
- Thank you for contacting the Housing Authority of Champaign County. In light of concerns surrounding the COVID-19 virus, our main office is closed for sanitation until Monday, March 23, 2020. If you have an immediate need or concern, please reach out to us at [email protected] and we will respond within 24 hours.
If you are sick or exhibit the virus symptoms
DO NOT COME TO WORK
!
Listed below are the recommendations from the CDC for preventing the spread of any virus and reducing the spread of germs.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- 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 using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Follow CDC’s recommendations for using facemask.
- CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear facemask to protect themselves from respiratory viruses, including 2019-nCoV.
- Facemask should be used by people who show symptoms of 2019 novel coronavirus, in order to protect others from the risk of getting infected.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
To find the most accurate and up to date information please visit the below sites:
Also, I want to offer my gratitude for all of your hard work. We deal with some of the most vulnerable individuals. I would love to shut down our offices completely, however, what many do not understand is that during a national emergency some people will need help that requires some to work. In times like these decisions have to be made and everyone will not be on the same page. There is not a HUD guidebook or training to deal with first-time pandemics.
One agency one voice! Each of you are very much appreciated!
Best regards,
David A. Northern, Sr.
Executive Director/ CEO
