3/18/2020 Alabama Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (ALVOAD) has a first priority of keeping all volunteers and their families’ safe during this National Emergency. We understand that those who are not suffering from the virus or who may have already recovered from the virus, may want to help. These are general guidelines designed to keep you safe so you can help others and so we all get through this crisis together.
Our primary goal is to: - Protect Volunteers - Protect Clients - Protect Service Agencies
General Guidelines for Volunteers - DO NOT attempt to volunteer for any activity if in the last 14 days you have: • Traveled to any foreign country or to California, Washington, New York, Washington D.C., or Chicago (this list may change on short notice) • Been on a cruise or been in an airport • Been around anyone who has COVID-19 • Been to an event where more than 250 people were in attendance - DO NOT show up to volunteer for any activity without confirming that there is a need for the activity, that it will be conducted, and that volunteer support is needed and expected. - BEFORE arriving for a volunteer shift, call ahead to the service agency and ask if any additional safety precautions should be taken before, during and after the shift. - ALLOW extra time for additional screening from volunteer organizations or agencies to make sure you are cleared to volunteer for the task. - EXPECT that shifts or opportunities may be cancelled; especially volunteer opportunities working with the vulnerable populations. Please be gracious and understanding. - DO practice universal infection control precautions. Clean and wash your hands before, during, and after volunteering. - DO clean any used spaces thoroughly before and after, including tabletop surfaces and doorknobs/handles. - DO use proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) if needed for the task. - DO maintain 6-10 foot separation from others while conducting the task. - ASK about any risk that may be associated with the task and DO NOT take part if you are uncomfortable with the level of risk.
General Guidance for Volunteer Organizations - Focus on delivering services in COVID-19 environment and ensure we are all working together and taking all necessary precautions to serve the citizens of Alabama. - Realize that traditional services may shift. - Realize that many volunteers are over age 65 and at a higher risk for contracting the virus. - Consider having an isolation space ready in case anyone shows up with symptoms. - Screen all volunteers and clients as able and before using them. - Make sure you have the proper PPE available and make sure you train volunteers on its proper use before allowing them to do any tasks that require PPE. - Make sure all volunteers understand any risks associated with the task you would like them to do and understand if they are not comfortable with that level of risk. - Do not compete in the market for scarce supplies that healthcare organizations and providers need every day to perform their duties. - Keep 6-10 foot social distance rules in place during tasks if possible. - Hang posters in facilities with best practices / social distancing / hand washing etc. - Provide sufficient and accessible infection control supplies (e.g. hand-hygiene products, tissues, Clorox wipes and receptacles for their disposal) in all locations. - Don’t forget to track volunteer hours and donations and document volunteer work efforts. These are “Donated Resources” and can sometimes be used to help lessen the overall financial burden experienced with recovery from a disaster. - When in doubt visit CDC or Alabama Department of Public Health for recommendations. - Specific info for NON-PROFITS: • https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/ • https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/trends-policy-issues/the-nonprofit-communityconfronts-the-coronavirus Other websites for information For background and the most up-to-date information, please visit: Alabama Department of Public Health-Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) website: HERE Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Coronavirus Disease 2019 website: HERE U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: • Twitter (here) • Facebook (here) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: • Twitter (here) • Facebook (here)
What you should know: • Workplace, School, and Home Guidance • People at Risk for Serious Illness from COVID-19 • How COVID-19 Spreads • Symptoms • Steps to Prevent Illness • Testing • Frequently Asked Questions • What to Do If You Are Sick with COVID-19 • Stigma Related to COVID-19 • What You Need to Know • Facts about COVID-19 • Information for People at Higher Risk and Special Populations • Communication Resources
Information for Community Events and Gatherings: • Interim Guidance for Mass Gatherings and Large Community Events • Interim Guidance for Community- and Faith-Based Organizations • EPA: Disinfectants for Use Against COVID-19 (PDF) • Presbyterian Disaster Assistance: Guidance for Congregations