The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated the guidance on cleaning and disinfection of households.  This guidance provides recommendations on the cleaning and disinfection of households where persons under investigation (PUI) or those with confirmed COVID-19 reside or may be in self-isolation.

 

The guidance includes updates links to EPA-registered disinfectants, how to disinfect electronic devices, and general recommendations for cleaning bathrooms and bedrooms of people with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. 

 

OPWDD Guidance on Background Checks and Lease Agreements

As Chapters are finding innovative ways to address staffing shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic, we have received several questions about the on-boarding process, including the requirements for completing criminal background checks. One scenario presented was a Chapter entering into a lease agreement with another provider. We reached to The Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), as their April 10, 2020 " Interim Guidance Regarding Criminal Background Check Process for Staff Members" does not address this specific scenario. OPWDD's response can be found here. This offers some relief in conducting background checks for Chapters who are entering into agreements with other providers. 

 

COVID-19 Infection Prevention & Control Preparedness Checklist 

The Office of Mental Health (OMH) adapted The New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH) COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control Preparedness Checklist (IPC). While this checklist does contain some language pertaining specifically to OMH, it incorporates general infection control practices that are applied within Residential Programs. This may be of use to Chapters looking to self-assess their programs' compliance with infection prevention and control practices. 

DOH COVID-19 Contact Tracing Form