In response to our concerns about the November 10 revised return to work protocols, the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) has again revised the guidance. The revision, which appears in section A, allows clinical, direct support, and other facility staff who traveled from non-contiguous states to return to work if specific conditions are met. The prior guidance did not include this flexibility, and would have required our employees to quarantine for a minimum of four days and acquire a negative test result prior to returning to work. 

This revision should be helpful to Chapters who have employees that travel from non-contiguous states over the holidays.

Kathleen Bishop, Co-Chair Education and Training Committee, National Task Group on ID and Dementia Practices, will present an educational session on Thursday, Nov. 19, on the impact of COVID-19 on older adults with IDD and dementia. Tips for developing advocacy skills and methods of support will also be discussed. The session is part of a broader series of dementia education sessions being held by New York State's Alzheimer Association chapters and the Finger Lakes Geriatric Education Center. The cost for the full series is $10, and registration information can be found here.