Actions Taken to Prevent the Spread of the Coronavirus

The health and safety of our participants, their families and our staff is of utmost importance to Oak-Leyden. Following the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention / Illinois Department of Human Services, Oak-Leyden Developmental Center is taking the following steps to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. 

• All programs will increase the frequency of cleaning and sanitation using a disinfectant approved to kill the human coronavirus. All surfaces that are touched should be included in the cleaning process, including light switches, remotes, keyboards, etc.  
• All participants and staff shall frequently wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 
• Everyone shall avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth. 
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. 
• Participants will not be part of gatherings of more than 10 people. 
• Participants and staff are practicing social distancing – keeping 6 feet between people.  
• Visitors are restricted from access to all Community Living owned sites. Families are encouraged to stay in touch with their loved ones through phone or other electronic means. 
• Early Intervention services and Day Program sites were closed from March 17, 2020 until April 15, 2020 pending any further guideline/recommendations from the CDC/IDHS. 
• Participants who are employed will continue to report to work as usual unless otherwise instructed. 
• Department Directors will determine which staff positions allow them to work from home. 
• Families will refrain from taking participants on home visits until further notice. 
• Families who do opt to take participants home must then keep the participant home until CDC/IDHS guidelines permit their return. 
• 24-hour CILA residents will receive day programming at their CILA location.  
• Staff will continue to ensure the availability of food, paper goods, cleaning supplies, disposable gloves and other household products.  
• Staff are to avoid all non-essential travel. Staff who has traveled outside the country in the last 14 days or who plan to do so must inform their supervisor. 
• Staff that report of being ill while at work will be sent home and should remain home until they are symptom free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications. 
• All participants and staff must immediately notify supervisors if they become aware they came into contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. 
• Oak-Leyden Management Staff will contact and consult with local health departments and the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Developmental Disabilities when a diagnosis of COVID-19 has been confirmed of an Oak-Leyden Developmental Services staff, participant or their family members. 

We will continue to keep you informed with any updates as they become available to us.    

Please know that your ongoing support and contributions to Oak-Leyden are greatly appreciated to help us navigate through these challenging times and the anticipated increased operating cost due to the Coronavirus.  Thank you for your continued support and please take care and be safe.