Twenty-Fifth Community Health Advisory Coronavirus (COVID-19) |
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weekly message from the director... |
Wildfires and Power Shut Offs
First of all, the good news for this week is that, so far, our community of people with developmental disabilities have not been harmed, or displaced, from the local wildfires. Our staff have analyzed where the fire zones are and the addresses of the people we serve, and everyone in our licensed homes are prepared and ready to evacuate if necessary. We will continue to monitor to make sure we're doing everything to get people out of harm's way during this dangerous time. Earlier this week we sent out a message reminding people of the rolling blackouts and links to resources for people related to power shut offs. Click here for more.
The COVID-19 Exposures
As of yesterday, we have identified a total of 127 people with positive tests, and sadly, we now have lost eight people with disabilities to COVID-19, which is about 1% of the deaths in our region, and less than half of one percent of total positive cases.
Local Public Health and VMRC Resources:
Amador County (220 known cases and 13 deaths as of August 20, 2020)
Supporting Our Consumers
One thing we are hearing of now is the grief our families are experiencing from their personal struggles throughout our communities, and the various levels and types of grief for various reasons our consumers are experiencing. Here are a couple of really good resources from our friends at Quillo that focus on grief, and types of grief, and supporting people with disabilities.
Links to individual videos:
Follow-up from Last Week's "Big News" on Alternative Services
Each week we keep learning more about the continuous changes in how our system provides supports and services in the middle of a global pandemic. Last week we wrote about how the state has come up with an idea that might help us meet the federal requirements for services, which would mean they will pay the federal share of community developmental services. Some of the details of this plan are still being worked out but the broad concepts are moving forward in a regulation process. Some new answers this week to questions people had in response include:
1. Not everyone will need a new IPP or IFSP. Early Start services are not anticipated to change to a point where a new IFSP would be needed and though some may request a change to their Lanterman Act services this is not an automatic as original thought.
2. Provider focused rates may be the better way to go. DDS is acknowledging that establishing the rate at the individual level may not be feasible and are considering establishing this "Alternative" rate on a provider instead.
3. Rate adjustments in state rates will be factored. Changes in the rate last year (8.2% increase) and modifications related to minimum wage will be included in the alternative rate.
Tony Anderson
Executive Director
Valley Mountain Regional Center
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Case Management Update
CDC Revises High Risk Consideration
As you can see, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated the conditions considered high risk during COVID-19 and has broken the list down into two sections—Increased Risk and Might be at Increased Risk. Although the expectation of on-site adult day programming returning anytime soon is minimal, we have a plan when such a decision is made by state and county officials. Concerning adult day programs, our plan is to prohibit both risk groups from returning to on-site day programs in accordance with public health orders. The individuals identified as “might be at increased risk” however, will be allowed to return to on-site programming with a note from their health care provider when county Public Health allows. In-person services may be provided in other settings (in-home or community) if in alignment with the most restrictive state or local guidelines in effect. Remote services will be available for those most at risk and for those indicating that preference.
CDC revisions were made on July 17, 2020 to reflect recent data supporting increased risk of severe COVID-19 among individuals with cancer. The listed underlying medical conditions in children were also revised to indicate that these conditions might increase risk to better reflect the quality of available data currently. We are learning more about COVID-19 every day, and as new information becomes available, CDC will update the information below.
People of any age with certain underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19:
People of any age with the following conditions are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19:
COVID-19 is a new disease. Currently there is limited data and information about the impact of underlying medical conditions and whether they increase the risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Based on what is known at this time, people with the following conditions might be at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19:
Children who have medical complexity, neurologic, genetic, metabolic conditions, or who have congenital heart disease might be at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 compared to other children.
For more information please access the CDC link:
Wildfires in the VMRC Area
For all consumers and families served by VMRC, please be aware of wildfires near your home. VMRC continues to monitor the SCU Lightning Complex fires in San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties. We mapped the fire areas and identified all consumers residing in those locations. Service Coordinators attempted contact with all affected. Evacuation warnings were put into effect and we will continue to closely follow the status.
As of this writing, the fires continue to burn in 20 separate areas. Due to rugged terrain, extreme heat, winds and low humidity, containment has not been successful. Most damage has occurred west of I-580 and I-5 in the Patterson Diablo Grande region and south/southwest of the City of Tracy. It is noted that the Del Puerto Canyon Road (SR-130) between Mines Road and Diablo Grande Pkwy has been closed. In an emergency, please access the Evacuation Center located at the Creekside Middle School, 535 Peregrine Dr. in Patterson.
Here is a link that consumers, families, and staff can subscribe to in order to get updates as the City of Tracy could be impacted. http://sjready.org/
Other incidents in our area are the Moc Fire in Tuolumne County with Hwy 49 closed near the town of Moccasin and the Salt Fire, located in Calaveras County near Salt Springs Valley Reservoir. If you are affected by one of these fires and need assistance, please contact your VMRC Service Coordinator.
For the most up to date information on these and other fires, go to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) website.
It’s Hot Out There!
California is experiencing a statewide heatwave with temperatures expected over 100 degrees. Cal ISO (California Independent System Operator) has announced an electrical emergency due to the high and increased electricity demand throughout the state and have mandated rolling blackouts this week. Your electricity may have been cut off without notice, and it could happen again.
Rolling blackouts are not the same as Public Safety Shut Offs, but they do have the same impact on people with disabilities who depend on electric assistive technology and/or durable medical equipment. The rolling blackouts could result in power being out for 1 hour, 4 hours, or longer. Keep essential equipment you rely on for health and safety charged up such as such as cell phones, assistive technology devices and durable medical equipment.
And, practice heat safety:
- Drink plenty of water
- Wear lightweight clothing
- Stay indoors where there is air conditioning
- Close blinds to trap cooler air
- Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 4pm
- Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen regularly and wear a wide-brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat
- Avoid exercising in the hottest parts of the day
- Remember, those with underlying health conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk
Cindy Mix
Director of Consumer Services
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Clinical Update
The California Department of Public Health has released their second guideline regarding visitation policy in various facilities such as hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and others. This update has upheld the recommendation for individuals with developmental disabilities to have one support person with them to help with the medical care. The guideline has expanded it to involve long-term hospital stay, as well as pediatric patients, labor and delivery patients, and patients at end-of-life.
Latest research on the use of face shields as an added layer of protection to COVID-19 shows promising results.[1] Researchers conclude that the face shields may have reduced the ocular exposure of the participants.
With the school reopening and a lot of colleges doing face to face instructions in the campus, the World Health Organization (WHO) is worried.[2] In their latest news briefing, the younger generations are the primary drivers of the spread of SARS-CoV-2.[3] Most individuals in their 20s, 30s, and 40s are primarily driving the virus transmission.
New developments related to COVID-19 is the promising result of the use of convalescent plasma in the treatment of COVID-19.[4] It shows reduced mortality in severe cases.4 Another development is the approval of The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to an emergency use authorization to Yale School of Public Health for its SalivaDirect COVID-19 test.[5] This test is expected to help increase the capacity for testing.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have clarified their latest guidance on isolation of positive patients. The CDC emphasized that when they said patients with COVID-19 can continue to test positive for up to 3 months, it does not mean immunity to reinfection.[6] Rather, it clarifies that retesting someone within 3 months is not necessary unless the person has symptoms of COVID-19 and the symptoms can’t be associated with another illness.6
Please continue to stay safe and healthy.
Claire B. Lazaro, MSN, RN, NP, PHN, CCRN, FNP-C
Clinical Director
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Education/Early Start/OT/Behavior Services Update
Education/Autism/Early Start
Education Services
· Our Education Specialist, Olivia Held, is finalizing a webinar on distance learning. SELPA Directors, FRN and other community partners will participate. We are hopeful that this will be posted next week.
· Disability Rights California has developed resources regarding distance learning and the law. Check out this link for more information:
· California Districts try to improve virtual special education:
· California schools to open with small groups for those with acute needs. Check out this link for details:
Autism Services
· Our Resource Development Department has put out a Request for Proposal for Early Start Autism service providers for our mountain counties:
· Sadly, according to a recent report, more than half of children with Autism live in poverty. Check out the report at this link:
Early Start
Our Early Start Services Coordinators continue to check in with families during this time of Covid-19. As IFSP reviews are due, the team looks at whether the current services are meeting the child and family needs. Service Coordinators also work with families to hold IFSP meetings at parent request. Early Start Service Coordinators are attending IFSP transition meetings and initial IEP meetings when a child moves from Part C (Early Start) to Part B (education) services. We applaud the efforts of our Early Start Service Coordinators as they balance the difficult balance of coordinating services remotely for the last 5 months.
Tara Sisemore-Hester
Assistant Director, Clinical Services
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Nonresidential Service Provider Update
The Department of Developmental Services is requiring Supported Living and Transportation Service Providers to submit Remote and Alternative Services Delivery certifications to their Regional Center.
Many services have been provided uninterrupted during COVID 19, while most have had some modifications in order to minimize the spread of COVID 19 to consumers and staff.
We are asking that you complete ONLY the Enclosure A - noting with X’s which of the listed Remote and Alternate Services you will provide from September 1st and moving forward. If you check the “Other” box, please offer a description of the service to be provided.
The Enclosure A also includes “Certifications” – you must check all boxes on this section and also indicate your days and hours of service.
If you have questions about any of the listed “staff training“ topics or have questions about the Enclosure A, please do not hesitate to contact:
Thank you for your willingness to adapt and modify service delivery during this unconventional time.
Sincerely,
Brian L. Bennett
Assistant Director
Resource Development
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Employment Update
Some of our individuals that we serve utilize Uber and Lyft ride sharing services for transportation, or provide transportation services for these companies. There is some misinformation circulating that is stating that these companies are shutting down services in California at midnight tonight. That is not accurate. An appeals court stayed that decision yesterday indefinitely, pending an appeals hearing in October. If you know of any individuals who provide transportation services for these companies, please let them know they can continue providing services through October, if they choose to do so (following CDC recommendations), and to check their company emails for updates.
Enos Edmerson
Employment Specialist
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Self-Advocacy Council 6
Lisa Utsey - Self Advocacy Council 6 chairperson invites you to join the SAC6 Friday CHATS!
With so much happening because of the virus SAC6 wants to hear how you are doing and share information so we can all get through this together!
Health and Wellness
Join us on a SAC6 ZOOM CHAT!!
Let’s Check In with each other!
WHEN: Friday August 21st, 2020
TIME: 11:00am-12:00pm
WHERE: ZOOM- computer, tablet, cell phone
The next SAC6 CHAT:
· Friday, August 21, 2020 - VMRC Purchase of Services (POS) info -Who does VMRC spends the money for services on? How can it be open and fair to all? Gabriela Lopez-VMRC Cultural Specialist & SAC6
Join Zoom Meeting on your computer, tablet or phone
Meeting ID: 970 6245 6372
Password: 401415
You must enter the Password or you can call in:
TOLL FREE NUMBER TO CALL IN:
· 888 475 4499 US Toll-free
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Five County Data Update
as of August 20, 2020
San Joaquin County
- 15,492 total positive cases and 288 deaths
- 3,529 cases in the last 14 days with a 13.5% testing positive rate
- 174 current hospitalizations
- 21% of ICU beds available and 60% of ventilators available
Stanislaus County
- 13,084 total positive cases and 223 deaths
- 3,676 cases in the last 14 days with a 17.2% testing positive rate
- 222 current hospitalizations
- 10% of ICU beds available and 49% of ventilators available
Tuolumne County
- 170 total positive cases and 2 deaths
- 22 cases in the last 14 days with a 1.5% testing positive rate
- 1 current hospitalizations
- 50% of ICU beds available and 83% of ventilators available
Calaveras County
- 181 total positive cases and 1 death
- 61 cases in the last 14 days with a 5.4% testing positive rate
- 4 current hospitalizations
- 63% of ICU beds available and 100% of ventilators available
Amador County
- 220 total positive cases and 13 deaths
- 96 cases in the last 14 days with a 7.2% testing positive rate
- 4 current hospitalizations
- 17% of ICU beds available and 100% of ventilators available
State of California
- 652,183 total positive cases and 11,805 deaths
Valley Mountain Regional Center
- 127 positive consumer cases and 8 deaths
- 9 positive staff cases
- 1 positive volunteer case
- 56 positive provider cases
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Local County, State and National Public Health Resources |
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