March 23, 2020
The health, safety, and wellbeing of you, your families, and our staff (including horses, goats, rabbits, cats, chickens and guinea pigs!) are our first priority in the wake of the ever-evolving situation connected to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). We are actively monitoring the progression of COVID-19, and taking steps to support our communities in staying safe. We wanted to share the current measures in place at The Root Farm to limit the risk of exposure and spread of COVID-19.
For your protection, we are making the following adjustments:
· Employees with exposure to COVID-19 are being asked to stay home and self-isolate. Root Farm employees who have been exposed to someone that has been diagnosed have been instructed to stay home and not come to work until they are free of fever (100.4° F) and any other symptoms for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicines (ex. cough suppressants). Self-isolation is recommended in these cases. We currently have no employees identified as having had exposure to COVID-19.
· Employees with fever or cough symptoms are being asked to stay home. Root Farm employees have been instructed not to work with the individuals they support if they have a fever and cough or shortness of breath or have been exposed to anyone with COVID-19.
· Recreational groups are cancelled at this time. Group gatherings of more than 10 people scheduled have been cancelled/postponed for at least the next four weeks. Riding lessons and PT sessions have been cancelled until the first week of April. New rider and volunteer applications have been postponed until further notice.
· Communication will occur via phone or technology, as much as possible. Root Farm staff will utilize technology available to aid in communication with each other, as opposed to in-person meetings. In-person meetings limited to the smallest number of people possible.
· Visitors are being screened. Those with symptoms of a respiratory infection will be asked to refrain from visiting our Farm until they no longer have these symptoms. People will also be asked to refrain from visiting if they have traveled to a country that the CDC has issued a Level 2 or Level 3 travel designation within the last 14 days or if they have had contact with anyone known to have (or anyone who is under investigation for) COVID-19 within the last 14 days.
· Social distancing is encouraged during interactions. As directed by the CDC, staff are encouraged to maintain 6 feet of distance from others, when possible, and to also refrain from shaking hands with others.
To ensure our collective well-being, we are asking that you follow these guidelines:
· Practice social distancing. As mentioned above, maintaining space between others and refraining from handshaking is important. Also, avoid congregate settings and mass gatherings.
· Encourage your family to follow CDC’s guidelines for good hygiene and protection:
- Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after using the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose or sneezing.
- Refrain from touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Clean objects and surfaces that are used often.
Additionally, New York State Department of Health has also set up a Coronavirus hotline: 1-888-364-3065 if you have any questions or need additional information. Below are several resources from state and local health departments and the CDC for your reference.
· Protecting Yourself from Respiratory Illness: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html
· NYS Department of Health: health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/
· Oneida County Health Department: ocgov.net/health/Coronavirus
We will continue to closely monitor updated guidance and reassess the protective measures that we are taking to safeguard your health, as new information emerges daily. We encourage you to work with your contact at The Root Farm to proactively develop an emergency backup plan in the event that services are paused for a period of time due to illness.
Your health, the health of the individuals and families we support is of paramount importance to all of us. We will continue to work together throughout this difficult situation and keep everyone informed of any changes.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us directly (315) 520-7046 or info@rootfarm.org.
Thank you for your support and patience as we move forward and continue our mission to Live, Learn, and Grow.