A Coronavirus Phone Line is available for families to call at 716.817.7445. An afterhours Coronavirus hotline is available for families and people enrolled in our Day Habilitation Programs and Vocational Services to share questions at 716.529.6505. Concerns may also be emailed to COVIDconcern@people-inc.org.
People Inc. also maintains an Emergency Closing Line for program participants, families and staff containing updated information about weather-related program closures. Call 716.817.5700 (Western New York) or 585.441.9393 (Greater Rochester Region) to find out if your program or location is closed.
Note:
On March 7, 2024, People Inc. updated the visitor policy for all residential facilities based on the recent Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) revised guidance on the "Management of Communicable Respiratory Viral Infections." Communicable Respiratory Viral Infections include: seasonal influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19, measles, varicella zoster (chicken pox), and herpes zoster (shingles).
- If a person-served in a residence is under investigation (PUI) for or positive for COVID-19 or Influenza or Respiratory Viral Infection: Visitation is limited to outside (if weather permits)/Bedroom.
- If a person-Served is exposed to a person under investigation for or positive for COVID-19 or Influenza or Respiratory Viral Infection: Visitation is limited to outside (if weather permits)/Designated area in the home away from people in isolation.
- Face masks are required under the following circumstances:
- Face Masks are required if a visitor had close contact with someone with COVID-19, wear a well fitted face mask around others for 10-days from last close contact.
- Face Masks are required if a visitor completed a minimum 5-day isolation period as a result of a COVID-19 infection and are required to be worn on days 6-10.
- Face Masks are required if the home has a person receiving services under isolation for PUI or positive COVID-19 or the home is under isolation for a suspected or confirmed influenza.
More information is available at NYS OPWDD and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
A Message from OPWDD - Help Keep the People We Support Safe During the COVID-19 Winter Surge
Dec 23, 2021
New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Acting Commissioner Kerri Neifeld shared this message encouraging everyone to “Get Vaccinated, Get Boosted and Wear a Mask!”
We've come a long way since the COVID-19 pandemic began almost two years ago, and much progress has been made. Just recently, we observed the first anniversary of the very first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine that was given right here in New York State. THANK YOU to all of you who have been vaccinated and have encouraged your loved ones to be vaccinated as well. Working together, we've prevented illness and have saved lives. But our work is far from done. Our concerted effort is needed now more than ever as we push back against the COVID-19 winter surge. As the weather turns colder, we hear the concerning numbers of new COVID-19 infections and learn of new variants. I appeal to you to get your booster shot as soon as possible if you've already been vaccinated and to get your vaccine if you haven’t yet done so. Free booster shots are widely available.
People with developmental disabilities and people with weakened immune systems continue to be among some of the most vulnerable when it comes to COVID-19. Please help get the word out to your friends and loved ones about the COVID-19 vaccine and the booster. Every person we can get vaccinated and boosted helps protect the people we love. Please find a COVID-19 In Plain Language flyer we've created to help you understand when you can get the booster and why it's essential. Feel free to share this widely. Please keep a close eye on our OPWDD social media accounts for up-to-date information that you can like and share with your contacts. Find all the latest information about the vaccine and the booster shot on the Governor's website.
Working together, we will encourage widespread vaccination and beat this virus. I wish you and yours a happy and healthy holiday season.