R.O.C.K. Missions Response to the COVID-19 Situation
As we are all well aware, we are in the middle of a pandemic. Everyone’s lives have been changed/altered dramatically, and ROCK and our friends are no different. In the midst of these times we have had to make the best decisions possible to support our friends, and protect our team of volunteers.
Our board of directors met last evening, and have come up with as many contingencies as we can to try and continue our work. We have made the decision to continue, indefinitely, our outreach and support our friends. They are amongst some of the most vulnerable in this crisis, and we cannot abandon them.
In order to do so, here are the measures put in place:
1) Our volunteers will wear protective gear as much as possible – including gloves – and every vehicle will be kept with an ample supply of hand sanitizer.
2) We will be handing off meals in boxes, as often as possible, so no direct contact happens. We will also be practicing social distancing as much as possible. We will also restrict entry to the homes we visit, no volunteers will be allowed to enter a home.
3) Our volunteers in the kitchen will wash their hands frequently, wash every surface of the kitchen used.
4) Any of our volunteers who are feeling sick, have been in contact with anyone who has travelled or is sick, will be asked to stay home.
5) If anyone in our organization who has been active in outreach tests positive, we will be forced to shut down for the mandatory 14-day isolation period.
6) Any volunteer who is concerned and wants to restrict their involvement with the R.O.C.K. can do so with our support.
We have become aware, today, that there is now a confirmed case of COVID-19 in Chatham-Kent. Please read the news release here: http://www.ckha.on.ca/first-confirmed-case-covid-19-chatham-kent
There is a COVID-19 assessment centre being opened on Emma Street, starting tomorrow. Please be aware that this is NOT a walk-in centre. Persons who are concerned about COVID-19, experiencing respiratory symptoms, or potential exposure to another person with COVID-19 should first contact their primary care provider, the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit or Telehealth at 1.866.797.0000 (24 hours, 7 days a week) to discuss the need for testing at the assessment centre.
As always, if anyone has any questions or concerns, please reach out to us (phone, text, email, facebook, website). We will continue to do our best to support our friends, and our team, and continue to do the important work we do. Please remember, ROCK friends/family, these people still need us. Many of their regular support systems have closed (including the food bank and some soup kitchens), and their regular places to access internet (library, Timmies, etc) are now closed off to them. Most social services are very strictly limited at this time, as well. If we can stay open for as long as possible, we know they are at least getting some kind of food source and a little bit of social support. They are just as overwhelmed as the rest of us!
Also, in lieu of leaving your homes to drop off donations of food and items, you can still support us financially via e-transfer to reachoutchathamkent@gmail.com.
Thank you for your continuing support and love. It’s amazing to see Chatham-Kent come together and work as one great big team to get through this time.
