We want to share with you what we’re doing to help keep our communities safe and healthy, while ensuring that we continue to carry out our mission of providing advocacy and legal services to individuals with disabilities.
First, we recognize that each of us has a responsibility to the broader community to help limit the spread of the virus. All of us at DRA want to do our part to limit the spread of COVID-19, and we support you in doing the same. In accordance with official Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines, we are taking action to help slow the spread of coronavirus. Here’s what you need to know so that you can do the same:
What is Coronavirus/COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. Risk of infection is dependent on exposure. While most infection stems from close contacts with people who are infected with the virus, community spread has begun in the United States.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with most having symptoms that are like a mild seasonal flu, including:
- fever
- cough
- shortness of breath
How do I prevent the spread of COVID-19?
Whether you are experiencing symptoms or not, you can help stop the spread of COVID-19 as well as the flu and other illnesses by practicing proper hygiene and staying home when you are ill.
Proper Hygiene Tips:
- Keeping your hands clean: Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, lathering your hands completely, and cleaning under your nails. If no soap and water is available, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% Isopropyl alcohol.
- Avoid self-contamination: Your eyes, mouth, and nose are the entry points for the virus so avoid touching your face. If you must, try to clean your hands before and after. You should also clean often used items like doorknobs, your phone, and your keyboard.
- Practice social distancing: Maintain a personal distance of at least 3 feet from others. Refrain from shaking hands but if you do, clean your hands after. If possible, avoid contact with those who are ill.
- Contain your germs: Cover sneezes and coughs with a tissue and throw that tissue away immediately (don’t hold onto it to reuse it) and clean your hands. If no tissue is available, cough or sneeze into your elbow or sleeve.
Will DRA remain open and operational during this crisis?
Our management team is monitoring the situation closely, and we are committed to remaining operational while also supporting our staff in taking care of themselves and their families and limiting the spread of COVID-19. As always, if you need assistance, you can call our intake number, 800-482-1174. Return calls may be delayed due to reduced staffing. Be assured that your call will be returned.
What if I or my loved one am/is experiencing difficulty accessing services during this time?
If you have concerns about you or your loved one having access to facilities, caregivers, or the care that he/she/they need(s), call us at 800-482-1174.