The Melwood leadership team has been hard at work putting together a comprehensive reopening plan which follows federal, state, and county public health guidelines. First, Melwood employees and participants will not be going back at once—the reopening will be done in stages.
Stage 1 will begin on Monday, July 6, when many employees who must perform their work onsite will return to campus. Some employees may have been recalled to work earlier to help prepare for the reopening. To allow returning employees to practice social distancing, some employees will continue teleworking to reduce the number of people on campus. Employees should have received notification from their supervisor or from HR about their particular circumstances.
On July 6, 2020, Melwood will also be resuming limited programming. Many participants will be returning on campus. According to the CDC’s guidance, people with underlying health issues are encouraged to stay home for their safety. As part of our reopening plan, we are offering alternative format programming (telephonic or video supports) for participants at increased risk. Community Services should have contacted Day Program participants. If you have not heard from them, please contact your direct support professional with any questions.
In preparation for Stage 1, Melwood’s cleaning crews have been busy sanitizing all the buildings and offices with disinfectants that are EPA-approved to kill the coronavirus. This is the same high standard of cleaning that we provide to the federal contract sites and military bases. Once people are back on campus, they will also do extra cleaning of high touch surfaces daily. In addition, there will be sanitation stations in every building with cleaning products so you can clean your personal workspace more often.
As part of the reopening plan, there will be some new rules on Melwood campuses:
Melwood employees must wear masks. Participants will be encouraged, but not be required, to wear masks.
People on campus will practice social distancing - keeping 6 feet apart from each other.
Access to common areas will be limited to comply with social distancing guidance. Please observe the posted signs.
We will be conducting mandatory temperature screenings at each building that houses a day service program.
In the event any participant, staff or visitor show signs of illness, Melwood will follow the CDC guidelines and send that person home. Signs of illness include:
Fever of 100 or greater
Dry cough
Muscle aches
Shortness of breath
While arrangements are being made to send the sick individual home, that individual will be quarantined on site. If a participant or employee has displayed symptoms of COVID-19, they must self-quarantine for 14 days and a doctor’s note will be required prior to returning to campus.
We will continue to monitor federal, state, and local public health guidelines and make course corrections as necessary.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation. You can find more information about the new rules in the FAQs below.
Additional Information on Local Responses to the Coronavirus can be Found at:
District of Columbia Department of Health
Related Links:
Reopening Plan Stage 1 FAQs (NEW)
Reopening Letter from Melwood CEO (NEW)
Resources to Help During COVID-19