March 16, 2020 (revised August 24, 2020)
A message from Gary Costa, Golden Rainbow’s Executive Director:
In the recent days and weeks, I and the rest of the Golden Rainbow staff have paid close attention as the COVID-19/coronavirus pandemic continues to evolve. Golden Rainbow’s first and most important priority is the health and safety of our clients, our staff and our community. As a health and social services provider to our community’s most vulnerable living with compromised immune systems, we want to ensure that we’re able to continue to provide those vital services while being realistic and mindful of the situation at hand and to keep everyone safe and help stop the spread of this virus.
Out of an abundance of caution, Golden Rainbow is updating processes for serving clients and the public until further notice. There will be absolutely NO decrease in the amount of housing and emergency financial support available to our clients and no client needs will be left unaddressed.
Golden Rainbow’s office doors will remain locked during regular business hours and entry will only be accessible to staff and specific clients who need emergency assistance or have been instructed to come to the office by Golden Rainbow staff. Absolutely no walk-ins accepted.
All client assistance checks will be mailed directly to the client. In some cases arrangements can be made for them to be picked up by their respective case managers (or delivered to their office) and the case managers will distribute the checks to their clients from their offices.
Water and condom distribution at Golden Rainbow will cease for the foreseeable future.
All lobby and office furniture and desk surfaces that come in contact with clients and visitors will be cleaned and disinfected on a daily basis.
Our Yoga and Health Education Classes are cancelled until further notice. Virtual classes will commence in the fall.
We ask that any clients, staff or case managers who may be experiencing symptoms of illness, to remain home and seek medical treatment.
We will conduct programs remotely, including call-in and video alternatives for meetings with colleagues and community partners.
We continue to urge everyone to follow the recommendations of public health officials:
Wear a mask at all times.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Wear a mask.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. Wear a mask.
Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Wear a mask.
In addition:
Continue to take your HIV medications! Ensure you have ample supply of all of your medications on hand over the months ahead. Be mindful of when your current medications will run out and when it is time to order more.
Keep all scheduled medical appointments and discuss with your doctor early uptake of your vaccinations such as the pneumonia vaccine and the annual flu shot when it becomes available.
If you are concerned you may have acquired COVID-19, seek assistance from your medical provider.
For more information, please visit the CDC Website at: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html or the NIH website at : nih.gov/health-information/coronavirus.
During this time, I will stay in close contact with qualified sources of information to respond quickly should the CDC and SNHD suggest additional changes in operations. If at any time, authorities recommend scaling back on our operations, we will comply and will keep you informed of any changes.
Thank you for all your support.