What is AmeriCorps Cape Cod Doing to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19?

The intention of AmeriCorps Cape Cod to proactively protect the program’s members and staff in the event of an infectious disease outbreak or pandemic. We are committed to providing authoritative and timely information about the nature and spread of infectious diseases, including symptoms and signs to watch for and actions to be taken in the event of an illness or outbreak.  During any time of quarantine or infectious disease outbreak, it is our goal to ensure program safety while operating effectively and continuously providing all essential services. The program developed the ACC INFECTIOUS DISEASE & PANDEMIC RESPONSE PLAN  based on data and guidance from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), MA Department of Health (MA DPH), and Barnstable County Administration. 

Governance: A committee comprised of the Program Manager, Program Coordinators, the Human Resource Director, and a Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment representative will monitor and coordinate events around an infectious disease outbreak, as well as create service rules that could be implemented to promote safety through infection control.  

ACC will stay apprised of the World Health Organization (WHO), CDC, MA DPH, and Barnstable County Health Department’s evolving recommendations for avoidance and containment of COVID-19.   The ACC program includes dormitory-style housing for its members and has the right to place additional requirements and preventive measures in order to protect its members, staff, and community partners.  At this time, we can keep the program and our community safe by following all prevention recommendations laid out in the ACC INFECTIOUS DISEASE & PANDEMIC RESPONSE PLAN.  ACC will ensure EPA-registered household disinfectant are always well stocked and that hand sanitizer is available in areas without handwashing sinks. ACC staff is committed to keeping members, service partners, and community members informed of any decisions that may affect the program.  

Service Standards

  1. Before leaving the program residence for group service, including weekend service, members are encouraged to monitor their health by completing the Self-Certify Checklist.
  2. AmeriCorps Cape Cod members and staff will practice social distancing with each other, service partners, and community members in the field.
  3. When serving indoors with groups larger than 100 people, PPE such as mask must be worn.
  4. If a partnering organization’s policies differ from those of AmeriCorps Cape Cod, program participants should defer to the stricter policies. It is the responsibility of program participants to stay apprised of local federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.
  5. Each program residence should try their best to only use their designated house tools. Members from the community are not permitted to use ACC tools.
  6. Tools will be sanitized at the end of each service day as part of daily tool maintenance.
  7. ACC staff and members are expected to pack their own food for the service day. If a Service Partner wants to provide lunch at service, the Program Supervisor must be alerted ahead of time.
  8. If a participant starts to exhibit a fever, cough, shortness of breath or sore throat at a service site, they should report to their Program Supervisor and Program Coordinator right away. That individual will return to their program residence and follow the guidance from ACC INFECTIOUS DISEASE & PANDEMIC RESPONSE PLAN.

Vehicle Policy

  1. ACC prohibits service partners and members of the community to ride in ACC program vehicles.
  2. If members from different residences share a program vehicle, it is advised that masks be worn.
  3. Staff and members must wipe down the high touched areas in program vehicles after each use.
  4. Door handles, steering wheel, seats, dashboard, etc.
  5. Members may ride in a vehicle with their Service Partners if required at their Individual Placement(s). It is advised that a mask be worn, and the vehicle be wiped down after each use.