Updated July 5, 2022

 

This organizational policy includes the measures we are actively taking to mitigate the spread of coronavirus. You are kindly requested to follow all these rules diligently, to sustain a healthy and safe workplace in this unique environment. It’s important that we all respond responsibly and transparently to these health precautions. We assure you that we will always treat your private health and personal data with high confidentiality and sensitivity.

 

This coronavirus (COVID-19) company policy is susceptible to changes with the introduction of additional governmental guidelines. If so, we will update you as soon as possible by email.

 

Scope

This coronavirus policy applies to all of our employees/contractors/interns/volunteers who physically work or volunteer on site at 2714 Wyoming Ave, El Paso, TX 79903 or the Food Pantry at 2716 Wyoming Ave. We strongly recommend to our remote working personnel to read through this action plan as well, to ensure we collectively and uniformly respond to this challenge.

 

Policy elements

Here, we outline the required actions employees/contractors/interns/volunteers should take to protect themselves and their co-workers from a potential coronavirus infection.

 

Borderland Rainbow Center (BRC)

• The BRC is open to the public.

• All people who enter the BRC, to include the food pantry area, must be masked upon entry

  • If you do not have a mask, you can request one from BRC staff.

• We will be hosting in person events at the BRC

• Some of our support groups will meet in person and therapists may begin to see patients face to face with approval from our Executive Director. 

 

Sick leave arrangements:

• If you have cold symptoms, such as cough/sneezing/fever, or feel poorly, request sick leave or work from home. If you are a volunteer, let your supervisor (via the communication method they’ve shared with you - email, Slack, etc) know that you will not make it to your assigned shift.

• If you have a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, you can return to face-to-face work at the center/volunteering only after you’ve fully recovered. You must provide a copy of your negative test results or a doctor’s note confirming your recovery.

 

Work from home requests:

All employees/contractors/interns/volunteers are able to request work from home unless their role requires in-person tasks (ie: food pantry). Talk to your supervisor to arrange details.

• If you are feeling ill, but you are able to work, you can request to work from home.

• If you have recently returned from areas with a high number of COVID-19 cases (based on CDC announcements), we’ll ask you to work from home for 10 calendar days, and return to the office only if you are fully asymptomatic. You will also be asked not to come into physical contact with any colleagues during this time.

• If you’ve been in close contact with someone infected by COVID-19, with high chances of being infected yourself, we will ask you to work from home. You will also be asked not to come into physical contact with any colleagues during this time.

• If you’re a caregiver and you have to stay at home with the person for whom you are caring, you may request work from home. Follow up with your supervisor to make arrangements and set expectations.

• If you need to provide care to a family member infected by COVID-19, request work from home. You’ll only be permitted to return to the office 10 calendar days after your family member has fully recovered, provided that you’re asymptomatic or you have a doctor’s note/negative test results confirming you don’t have the virus. You will also be asked not to come into physical contact with any colleagues during this time.

Traveling/commuting measures:

• Work-related trips may be planned,. If you have questions about these procedures, please contact your supervisor for guidance.

• BRC staff should be masked for all in person meetings, especially with ono-organizational parties (e.g. partners, candidate interview, and community members.

• If you are planning to travel voluntarily to a high-risk country with increased COVID-19 cases, we’ll ask you to work from home for 10 calendar days. You will also be asked not to come into physical contact with any colleagues during this time.

 

Cleaning/Sterilization policies:

We have implemented a custodial cleaning program to ensure our building is ready to receive visitors, and to keep staff/employees safe. The BRC will continue to provide hand-washing supplies in the bathroom, in outdoor volunteer situations like Food Pantry, and to make sure there is easy access to hand sanitizer.

• The BRC will continue to have custodial staff clean and disinfect high touch surfaces.

 

Hygiene rules (general and specific):

• Cough/sneeze into your sleeve, preferably into your elbow. If you use a tissue, discard it properly and clean/sanitize your hands immediately.

• Avoid touching your face, particularly eyes, nose, and mouth with your hands to prevent from getting infected.

• If you find yourself coughing/sneezing on a regular basis, avoid close physical contact with your coworkers and take extra precautionary measures (such as requesting sick leave).

• All employees/contractors/interns/volunteers will wear a suitable mask when on-site at the center or food pantry. You may request a mask from your supervisor if you do not have a suitable one (we have extras). If you are not wearing a mask, a mask will be provided to you. If you choose not to wear it, you will be asked to leave the premises/event.

• All employees/contractors/interns/volunteers will wear masks in the house and the indoor food pantry area when others are present (whether guests or paid/unpaid employees).  

• Employees/contractors/interns/volunteers may take their mask off when they are the only one in the office/room.

• Access to additional PPE: face shields, For volunteers/employees who are interpreting for Deaf clients: we can provide masks with clear panels that must be worn during Deaf Pantry Days.  They may be worn with or without face shields, depending upon your preference.  Masks must be worn with face shields. Employees/volunteers may bring their own see-through face masks as long as they meet CDC guidelines as outlined above.

  • If the guest is not wearing a mask, disposable masks are available at the front desk table.  

    • If a guest refuses to wear a mask, they will be offered options for outside seating or rescheduling for a later date when the pandemic conditions improve.

• Employees, staff and guests may remove masks to eat and drink. 

• Food Pantry:

  • If in the drive-through line, clients will not get out of their car. If clients cannot open their trunk from inside the car, volunteers will assist with doing so externally.

  • If in the walk-up line, employees/volunteers will maintain proper social distancing.

  • Wash your hands after using the toilet, before eating, and if you cough/sneeze into your hands (follow the 20-second hand-washing rule). You can also use the sanitizers you’ll find around the center and food pantry.

• Covid -19 Vaccination 

  • In order to work in the BRC office and food pantry, all staff, interns and volunteers must provide proof of vaccination.

  • If you are unable to receive Covid-19 vaccination due to medical reasons, a current doctor’s note must be provided. 

    • Current doctor’s note is dated within 4 months of proof of vaccination request.