There is a lot of information out there about the current outbreak of coronavirus, also referred to as COVID-19. In order to help our clients, families, and communities, Creative Development’s co-directors, Lauren Coughlin, OTR/L and Deanne Anderson, OT/L, have identified CDC resources to facilitate answering frequently asked questions. As it is an ever changing time, please refer to CDC for the most up-to-date information.
What is Creative Development doing to help?
Creative Development is committed to continuing to provide therapy services to our clients as we navigate the unpredictability of current events. We have referred to the CDC recommendation and guidelines to guide our current and ongoing practice for staff and client safety. We will continue to monitor and make changes as recommended by the CDC and State Health Officials.
We have and will continue to thoroughly clean our treatment and waiting areas. We have hand sanitizer and Clorox wipes available at the front desk for client use. We also request that caregivers and clients engage in proper handwashing or use of hand sanitizer before and after each session. We will also appropriately address hand washing with clients.
We will be putting feeding therapies on hold at this time as a precautionary measure. We will also be using disposable items for the short term.
We do request that any staff or clients/caregivers who have signs of sore throat, fever, runny nose, coughing or sneezing refrain from services until cleared by a physician. Please be conscientious of the waiting area and limit the number of caregivers/family members attending sessions and waiting in the waiting area at one time. We will continue to offer bringing children out to caregivers who are waiting in the car or outside the building.
Our goal is to continue to provide an optimal level of care while also recognizing the unpredictability of the current situation. We realize change and transition is often difficult, therefore we strive to maintain business as usual with some additional expectations for the well-being and health of our clients, caregivers and staff. We will continue to be in close contact and communication with regards to continuing changes as this situation continues to unfold.
How it Spreads
- Person to Person spread – between people in close contact with one another, through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes
- Contaminated Objects or Surfaces – by touching an object or surface that has the virus on it and touching own face
For more information, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html
Symptoms
- May appear between 2-14 days after being exposed
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
For more information, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/symptoms.html
Prevention
- Wash hands often
- Avoid touching your face
- Stay at home if sick
- Clean and disinfect surfaces daily
For more information, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html
What can healthcare providers do?
- Stay in contact with CDC and state departments
- Communicate with staff and clients
For more information, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/healthcare-facilities/steps-to-prepare.html
What to do if you are sick
- Stay home except to get medical care
- Limit contact with others and animals
- Clean and disinfect surfaces daily
- Wash hands often
For more information, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/steps-when-sick.html