Objective

Create and implement a COVID-19 preparation and response plan to protect the clients and employees of your organization.

Issues

• Reduced staffing for a prolonged period due to staff illness
• What are the core functions of your agency?
• Can these continue with reduced staff and resources?
• Can you cross train staff to help maintain the core functions?
• What services might be suspended during a prolonged outbreak?
• How might service hours be impacted?
• How will you communicate these changes to your clients?
• Extra supplies – purchase and storage
• Creating Isolation areas – how to separate sick people from healthy ones
• Networking with partner agencies and volunteers
• Can employees work from home or other isolated sites?
• Update sick and medical leave policies to encourage self-quarantine in times of emergency?
• Time is of the essence – have gear and policies in place before an outbreak
• Encourage staff to have a personal plan

Sign-up for the Community Communications Network

• The Community Communications Network (CCN) is designed to improve Public Health's ability to outreach to vulnerable communities during an emergency.
• The CCN includes more than 600 agencies and community leaders and provides after hours contact information for the majority.
• In a crisis, Public Health will use the CCN to contact agencies that provide services to vulnerable populations who may not have access to traditional communication channels.
• Community agencies pass this information to the vulnerable populations that they serve.
• For more information or to sign-up go to the Community Communication Network Page.

Resources

• Public Health –Seattle & King County:
• Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Sanitation and Hygiene Guidance for Homeless Service Providers
• Preparedness Resources for the Community
• WA State Dept of Health: https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/Coronavirus
• Healthcare for the Homeless Network (HCHN): HCHN Homepage