Shepherd’s Table is closely monitoring news about the Coronavirus (COVID-19). At this time, there are confirmed cases in the State of Maryland. We are following the guidelines and recommendations of public health experts, and are working with the County on a coordinated plan to preserve the health and safety of our meal guests, clients, volunteers, and staff. We will share additional information as it becomes available.
Shepherd’s Table has implemented the following steps to assist in safeguarding our community:
- Requiring meal guests to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer wipes before entering the dining room. We also have wipes for anyone entering the building in the reception area. For staff, we have placed wipes in the conference room on the 3rd floor.
- Reminding all staff, clients, meal guests and volunteers to wash their hands with soap and hot water for 20 seconds on a frequent basis.
- Ensuring all volunteers are using gloves while in the kitchen/serving food.
- Implementing additional cleaning and sanitizing of door handles, elevator buttons, bathrooms, and other surfaces.
- Encouraging everyone to opt for smiles or elbow bumps rather than handshakes and hugs for the safety of all.
In the event that someone exhibits symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath), the following measures will take place:
- Client/Meal guest: The County has a plan to test patients at the nearest health and human services clinic or emergency room. In the event that someone tests positive, the County will provide accommodation where the individual can be quarantined. We are working in coordination with the County on ensuring that our clients’ needs are well taken care of.
- Staff: Staff will be required to stay at home and self-isolate.
- Volunteers: Volunteers will be required to stay at home. All volunteers MUST register through Volunteer Hub to make sure we have an accurate record of who is in the building at all times. We encourage individuals who are immunocompromised or older at-risk adults with heart disease, lung disease or diabetes to consider staying home if that is the most comfortable option. Detailed health guidance for people with underlying health conditions, or who take medicines that suppress their immune system, is available here.
- Recent Travelers: Anyone returning from a country currently at Warning Level 2 or 3 status should stay home, self-monitor and self-isolate for two weeks post-return.
The CDC recommends these preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Maintain a “social distance” of 6 feet when in public places.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- 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 using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- If you have not done so already, get a flu shot.
Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask:
- Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
- CDC does not recommend that people who are well to wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
For more resources, additional information, as well as updates on the current situation, please visit the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/summary.html
We appreciate you following the guidelines above, and your commitment to the health and safety of everyone at Shepherd’s Table. Stay safe and be well!
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