Responding to
COVID-19

"I can be changed by what happens to me.
But I refuse to be reduced by it.”
Maya Angelou

Thank you all for another week of safely preparing and delivering meals to our clients. Your dedication and perseverance are inspiring. I’d also like to extend heartfelt gratitude for the work of Kitchen Angels staff as they continue to lead the way with determination and adaptability.

To date our clients are faring pretty well. We've had two clients who were tested for COVID-19; one has been cleared and the other has not yet received the results. I’m pleased to report that our diligent volunteer drivers followed protocols perfectly, maintained appropriate distances during delivery and had no direct contact with either client. The growing possibility of individuals being infected with the virus requires that we all stay vigilant to keep ourselves and others safe.  

Our new delivery procedures are working well and we have no major changes planned for this coming week. But, depending upon new directives or recommendations from the Department of Health or the Centers for Disease Control and Protection, we are prepared with sufficient frozen inventory to implement our next level of meal delivery, should the need arise.
Masks come in all sizes. Make sure yours fits properly!
It's important that volunteers complete their self-assessment and declaration . We can't let you volunteer if you haven't done so. A good self-monitoring practice is to check your temperature each morning and evening. If you have an elevated temperature, please call the office as soon as possible and we'll find a substitute volunteer for your shift.

Last week was all about learning to maintain our distance. This week, the CDC is advising that we wear masks in public. Although cloth masks are controversial in medical circles, they are touted to afford some degree of protection when we maintain specific precautions. Our valiant sewing brigade of angels is busy producing cloth masks to distribute to staff and volunteers for use at Kitchen Angels. It may take a few days to get them out to folks, so please wear your own mask to work this week. Meanwhile, we have conscripted a supply of bandanas (left over from our Harvest Hoedown a few years back) for each of us to fold into a temporary mask. Yes, each shift will begin with a crafts class on producing a mask suitable for your work. Here's a YouTube video on a no-sew mask if you're interested. Here’s another link to a discussion about whether you should start wearing a mask .

See below for information on the proper way to wear a face mask as well as some instructions for making your own.

According to the CDC, we’re in for a couple of rough weeks—with the peak of the pandemic predicted to occur around April 24. Fortunately, the recommendations for best practices continue to parallel kitchen safety standards:
  • Wash your hands frequently;
  • Don’t touch your face (or your mask);
  • Maintain six feet from those around you; and
  • If you’re feeling unwell or are caring for someone who is unwell, stay home. 

As you know, Kitchen Angels has cancelled Angels Dine Out this year. We’re encouraging everyone, as appropriate, to support our restaurant friends by ordering curbside pickup and purchasing gift certificates to use as gifts or to redeem later when the restaurants are back open. Here is an article regarding best practices for take out orders .

I hope that each of you is faring well, that you and your loved ones are healthy, and that you’re staying optimistic. I am. I know that we’re going to pull through this unprecedented time with strength and compassion, gaining untold wisdom along the way.

Stay focused and keep safe.

In gratitude,
‌
Thank you for your vigilance. We want you to stay safe, healthy and informed.