As more and more people in our community continue to test
positive for the COVID-19 virus, we must be mindful that we, individually and
collectively, have the power to slow the spread. Wearing a face covering
is a powerful tool to protect those around you from infection if you are
unknowingly carrying the virus.
When Departmental staff test positive, an assessment is done
to determine who, if anyone, has been in close contact with them. The few people we have identified as ‘close contacts’
have all been people who were not wearing face coverings while within 6 feet of
their co-worker for a sustained period. This means we are having
great compliance with our physical distancing and face covering policy, but not
yet perfect compliance.
The only time you do not need to be wearing a face covering
is if you are sitting at your work station AND are six feet or more from all
other staff and clients. This means that if you are consulting in person
with another on a case or an issue, you need to have a face covering on.
If you have any questions or concerns about this, you should address them with
your supervisor or manager.
Thank you for your attention to this matter and your
compliance with our face covering mandates. While this virus is taking a
toll on all of us in many different ways, it is heartening to know that we have
the power to slow its spread by our own individual actions. Maintain 6’
distance. Wash your hands frequently. Wear your face covering.