JABA has a plan in place to return to our on-site centers. The Phase 3 re-opening plan for Virginia has begun, and we have consulted with Dr. Denise Bonds, Thomas Jefferson Health District Executive Director, who thought our plan was a good one, and gave us a list of important statistics to watch as we move forward.
Dr. Bonds reports that cases in our area have, indeed, remained steady as we enter Phase 3. We have obtained all the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to provide safety for members and staff, and each JABA program has been working on plans for the new requirements for delivering services.
As of July 20, JABA staff will move to modified telework. Managers will work with everyone to identify the needs going forward as we ramp up. Staff who work in offices will alternate their time at the office, to reduce the total number of staff at our Hillsdale Drive offices on the second floor.
On July 20, our Shining Star Preschool will return. They will occupy their current space on Hillsdale Drive, but will not use the “music room” in the Adult Care Center at this time. We will also look forward to nice days for the children to be outside also.
On August 3, both our Adult Care Centers will re-open (Charlottesville and Louisa). We anticipate a modified return of members initially, so the ratio of staff to members will be extremely good, allowing us to help get our members acclimated to the new physical spacing, and new activities.
On September 8, our Community Senior Centers, with nurses on-site, will re-open across the region. This will be a great opportunity for all the members that wish to return to the centers to do so. And we will be working on ways to continue programming for those who are not comfortable, or unable, to come back right now. Our Mary Williams Community Senior Center in Charlottesville will be moving to a new space, temporarily, so that all the members can be accommodated.
Insurance Counseling and Information and Assistance will continue to provide support via Zoom or phone. We look forward to Volunteers exploring new ways to get involved virtually. And those who are ready, can look at some opportunities to be on-site. Long-term care Ombudsmen will continue to support patients and families and facilities via phone.
It will be good to be back, and see each other once again, but we know this change will also bring with it some anxiety and discomfort. Rest assured, we will have protocols and policies in place to ensure safety, and will identify areas to continually improve as we move forward.
It’s also important to note that this reopening plan is contingent upon steady COVID-19 case numbers, with no severe spikes in cases or concerns.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.
With gratitude,
Marta M. Keane
Chief Executive Officer