On March 1, 2021,Silver Impact reopened with specific protocols in place that put the safety of our members and staff first. These protocols will remain in effect until further notice.
Member Education
The Silver Impact CEO sent a “welcome back” letter to all members informing them of our re-opening. In the letter, we provided an overall summary of how things have changed with our operations since members were last at the Silver Impact. A basic instructional sheet with bulleted points also was mailed to members outlining what procedures to follow when they return.
Zoom meetings currently are being used to educate members about COVID-19, related health and safety practices, lifestyle suggestions, Silver Impact re-opening considerations, and the necessary protocols involved.
And upon their return, we will continue to educate members using COVID-related YouTube videos and other forms of AV media (on topics such as physical/emotional healthy living and safety protocols), posters, hand-outs, and ongoing discussion meetings.
Capacity
Upon re-opening, the Silver Impact will have a maximum of 10 members total is typical during the work-ordered day, there also will be between 2 to 5 staff members. In addition, there may be occasional visitors such as vendors, repair/maintenance workers, landlord, etc.
Like other Silver Impact programs around the world, we have developed a “hybrid” Silver Impact model. Each weekday, “virtual” participation is available to members. This may entail phone contacts, social media connections, e-mail communication, and Zoom participation in any meetings and/or activities taking place at the Silver Impact.
Until further notice, on-site tours will not be facilitated. Instead, a virtual (video) tour is being produced to share with interested persons, members considering their return to Silver Impact, and prospective member referrals.
Transportation & Scheduling
Through the survey, we classified modes of transportation for returning members into 3 categories: Medicaid Transportation, Self-transport (driving, biking, walking, drop-off by others) and Silver Impact van. Public transportation is being assessed for COVID protocols that coincide with CDC and Health Department requirements.
To determine which 10 members will attend the Silver Impact on which days and for how many hours each day, we set up a scheduling procedure. Priority is being given to those members who depend on the Silver Impact for work transportation to Silver Impact-generated jobs – primarily Transitional Employment placements. Our reasoning is that the Silver Impact must honor the commitment to those members and employers.
The determinations made regarding which members will come back to Silver Impact entails “slots” for the 2 types of transportation. Van transportation by the Silver Impact is currently limited to 8 passengers per van. We are looking into ways for self-transported and employed members to fill partial day slots, if applicable, thus increasing daily capacity.
Unscheduled Attendance
Members who are not scheduled to attend but show up at the Silver Impact during the work-ordered day, will not be able to enter the facility when we are at capacity. In this instance, the member may choose to be on the (exterior) premises if they are safe distancing.
Facility Safe Distancing
Members arriving on the van already will have completed their COVID health screening (including temperature checks) so a line should not be necessary except for hand sanitizing and confirmation of facial covering. If/when a line-up for entry is necessary, it will entail safe distancing.
Our two hallways will be one direction only. Traffic pattern will be reviewed with all members upon attendance as well as described to members prior to attendance.
Plexiglass stands will be used for table, workstation, and countertop signs.
Work will be done at designated “stations” that are 6′ apart. Each room has designated work areas dedicated to one person. Multi-use areas (copy machines, phones, coffee pot) will only be used by one person at a time. These areas are all marked-off using tape on floor or signage.
Members will be seated in designated spaces. “Wandering” around will be discouraged to foster social distancing and avoid unintended close encounters.
Tables and chairs in the dining/assembly room will be spaced to accommodate 10 properly distanced individuals. Additional “TV” (small/folding) tables will be available for use for dining and meetings, as needed, if stationary seating is not sufficient for both members and staff.
In the Outdoor Smoking Area, two chairs will be at least 6′ apart with butt repositories next to each chair. Re-entry to the Silver Impact will be through the front entrance.
SANITATION
Our Sanitation Protocols
At the Silver Impact, we take our COVID-19 protocols seriously. We want to be successful in how our members and faculty safely interact with one another and within the facility. Therefore, we have implemented the following measures:
All individuals entering the building are required to wear a face covering. If needed, a mask will be provided upon entry. In addition, everyone entering the building is required to use hand sanitizer – this includes smokers re-entering the building. Gloves are available upon request.
A sanitation station, located in the foyer, contains hand sanitizer, facial tissue, and (free) masks.
Within each suite, sanitizing wipes are provided on all tables and at each workstation, phone, coffee area, copy machine, etc.
Disposable gloves must be used when handling any porous materials, such as papers, binders, files, and envelopes.
Gloves also must be worn when issuing lunch tickets, taking cash, counting lunch money, or anything else having to do with cash management and using the safe (i.e., petty cash)
The following items must be sanitized with a disinfectant wipe after each use:
Members are encouraged to have their own pen which should be kept on their person and must not be shared with others. We are acquiring retractable, clip-on pens for members to retain for their use throughout the day. We also are procuring or making lanyards for the clip-on pens.
For communal writing instruments, there will be sets of pen containers for “clean” (sanitized) and “used” (need to be sanitized) items.
End of Work-Ordered Day Procedures
Members and staff must clean their workstations when leaving for the day. Signs will be posted as reminders: “Clean your workspace when you leave”.
Staff must use sanitizing wipes for light switches, etc. when leaving the Silver Impact at the end of the workday.
Staff and members will disinfect Silver Impact suites once in the morning and once upon leaving at the end of the day. The Silver Impact van and company car will follow the same schedule.
On days when the Silver Impact is not open to members, all communal spaces will be disinfected prior to the next work-ordered day.
For disinfecting, Footprint to Success Silver Impact uses the Victory Sterymax Professional Cordless 360° Electrostatic Sprayer (an EPA-registered infection control product) by Bio Defenders.
Compliance with Health and Safety Protocols
It is our hope and expectation that all Silver Impact members will consistently comply with required protocols. If they choose not to, they may still participate in our virtual programing. Through the survey, members have been asked whether they are willing to wear a facial covering, comply with screening/temperature check procedures, and practice safe distancing while at the Silver Impact. As a result, we will be abl