The Consortium is concerned about the health and well-being our community, our members and our staff. Updated information regarding our response to the Coronavirus Crisis are in the links below.
Below is the detailed response the Consortium and staff will employ to ensure the safety of members, staff and our community. Helpful resources for staff are linked on the left side and here’s a good place to start:
The Consortium’s Response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak
The Consortium is committed to the safety and well-being of the individuals we serve, employees, their families and our community. Please check the agency’s website https://consortiuminc.org/ for the most updated information.
The steps we are taking are preventative and being taken as a precaution and are based on recommendations from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and local public health and government authorities.
The Consortium’s Actions to Address the COVID-19 Outbreak
We have implemented a daily conference call that includes executive management (CEO, COO, CFO and CMO), program staff representing each division and program, Talent and Stakeholder Supports (HR), facilities management, fiscal department staff and Board liaison. During the call, we discuss and coordinate necessary changes in service delivery, how to address concerns and needs of members and staff, and updates from government officials and our funding sources. This daily communication allows us to have a unified, organizational response to this rapidly changing situation.
Initial and continuing steps taken include:
Reducing on-site services and implementing telemedicine options for several of our services including remote work for many of our staff
Sending regular updates and education to our staff, members and families to keep them as up-to-date as possible. This includes updating our website, to include general information and links to additional information.
Purchasing additional supplies including hand sanitizer, cleaning wipes, masks, and gloves. It is important to note that while we have received certain supplies, many of our suppliers are out of stock and many supplies that we will continue to need are on backorder.
Increasing the frequency in cleaning our facilities as a preventative measure. You may also want to routinely clean surfaces that you frequently touch, such as your workstation. CDC guidance is that usual cleaning products are sufficient for cleaning and no additional disinfection beyond routine cleaning is recommended at this time.
Symptoms of novel coronavirus
Common signs of corona virus include mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death. The suspected incubation period of the virus is believed to be from two to 14 days.
Much remains unknown about how this new strain of coronavirus spreads, and current knowledge is based on what is known about other coronaviruses with person-to-person spread, such as SARS and MERS. Transmission is thought to occur via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Spread has generally occurred between close contacts.
Steps to take
Take the same common sense approach that you already use for viruses like the flu. The federal government recommends that health care professionals use the same strategies and procedures associated with any virus, such as the flu, including following infection control procedures.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol- based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
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.
Post and share information from the CDC. Below are links to a fact sheet about COVID-19 on the CDC website
According to the CDC, anyone who feels sick should:
Seek medical advice — Call ahead before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room. Tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
Avoid contact with others.
Not travel while sick.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to avoid spreading the virus to others.Wash your hands with soap and water immediately after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
ALL SERVICES ARE PROVIDED WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, SEX, GENDER, RELIGIOUS CREED, ANCESTRY, NATIONAL ORIGIN, DISABILITY, OR SEXUAL ORIENTATION.
