March 10, 2020
Dear SAGE Eldercare Community,
SAGE considers the safety of our program participants, families, volunteers and employees of utmost importance. In response to coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), SAGE is taking direction and following safety recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the New Jersey Department of Health and other state and federal health authorities.
The population SAGE serves is considered vulnerable to the disease and is at higher risk of becoming very sick from this illness. Although the New Jersey Department of Health has not yet issued any guidance on closures for organizations that care for those at higher risk for the disease, SAGE may decide, for safety reasons, to suspend temporarily some of our services. We will continue to update you on our decisions, but we ask that you take precautions to remain safe and make preparations should such closures become necessary or mandated.
We ask that you refrain from entering the SAGE building if you are sick. Please see the Symptoms listed below for reference. SAGE may also limit programs that invite the general community to our building. Please visit our website,
www.sageeldercare.org
, the SAGE Eldercare Facebook page or call our main number, 908-273-5550, for updates on community programs.
The following information from the CDC includes symptoms, prevention and preparations. This information can be found on the CDC website
www.cdc.gov
. Additional information can be obtained from the NJ Department of Health at
www.nj.gov/health
SYMPTOMS
: The CDC lists the following symptoms for COVID-19
·
Fever
·
Cough
·
Shortness of breath
Call your doctor if you develop symptoms, have been in contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or a person who recently traveled from an area with spread of COVID-19.
PREVENTION
: The CDC recommends the following preventative measures
·
Avoid contact with those who are sick
·
Avoid touching your face, in particular your eyes, nose and mouth
·
Remain at home when you are sick
·
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw out the tissue
·
Clean and disinfect surfaces and object with cleaners
·
Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after going to the bathroom, before eating after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based sanitizer with at lease 60% alcohol.
PREPARATION:
Prepare for potential closures and limitations on travel by reviewing the list below:
·
Stock up on supplies of food, water and household supplies
·
Make sure prescriptions are filled and you have other over the counter medications and supplies
·
Make plans for caring for family members at home
·
Make plans for business and school closures
SAGE’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak will evolve as we learn new information. We understand that some decisions may cause disruptions for you and your families, and we appreciate your patience and flexibility during this time. We will remain in contact with you should there be any changes in services.
If you have questions about COVID-19, please call the New Jersey Coronavirus and Poison Center Hotline at 1-800-222-1222 or 1-800-962-1253 if using out-of-state phone line.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Sincerely,
