Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to protect the health and safety of all residents, staff, and visitors at Next Steps Housing house by establishing clear guidelines for managing contagious diseases and promoting good health practices.

Scope

This policy applies to all residents, staff, and visitors at Next Steps Housing house.

1. Health Screening and Reporting
   • Health Screening: Residents are encouraged to inform staff of any health concerns, especially if they experience symptoms of contagious diseases such as the flu, COVID-19, or other illnesses. Upon arrival, residents may undergo a basic health screening to identify any immediate health concerns.
   • Reporting Illness: Residents are required to immediately report any symptoms of illness to staff, particularly if they experience symptoms of contagious diseases (fever, cough, sore throat, etc.). This will help reduce the risk of spreading illness within the house.
     
2. Isolation Procedures
   • Self-Isolation for Symptoms: If a resident shows symptoms of a contagious disease (fever, cough, sore throat, etc.), they may be asked to self-isolate in their room and seek medical attention as necessary. Residents will be given guidance on maintaining their health and preventing the spread of infection.
   • Medical Care: If symptoms are severe, residents will be encouraged to visit a healthcare provider or hospital to confirm the diagnosis and follow their healthcare provider’s recommendations.
   • COVID-19 and Other Contagious Diseases: If a resident is diagnosed with COVID-19 or any other highly contagious illness, they may be required to stay in isolation until they are cleared by a healthcare provider and able to return to communal spaces. In some cases, residents may be asked to leave the house temporarily, depending on the severity of the illness and the potential risk to others.
     
3. Preventative Health Measures
   • Hygiene Practices: Residents and staff are required to practice proper hygiene, including:
     • Washing hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
     • Using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap and water are unavailable.
     • Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of the elbow.
     • Cleaning and disinfecting shared surfaces frequently.
   • Masks and PPE: During outbreaks of contagious diseases, such as flu or COVID-19, masks and personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required in shared spaces or when interacting with others, as recommended by public health guidelines.
     
4. Visitors and Outside Contact
   • Visitor Restrictions: Visitors may be restricted or asked to follow health guidelines (e.g., wearing a mask, maintaining social distance) during outbreaks of contagious diseases to minimize the risk of introducing illness into the house.
   • Outside Activities: Residents are encouraged to limit exposure to large gatherings or high-risk environments during times of heightened illness outbreaks, such as flu season or during a pandemic, to reduce the risk of contracting and spreading diseases.
     
5. Cleaning and Disinfection
   • Daily Cleaning: High-touch surfaces, including doorknobs, light switches, countertops, and bathroom fixtures, will be cleaned and disinfected daily to reduce the spread of germs.
   • Common Areas: Common areas (kitchen, living room, bathrooms) will be disinfected multiple times a day to ensure cleanliness and reduce the spread of contagious diseases.
   • Laundry: Residents should wash their clothing, bedding, and towels regularly, especially if they are feeling unwell, to reduce the spread of germs.
     
6. Responsibility of Residents
   • Cooperation: Residents must cooperate with the health and safety guidelines set by the house. This includes following isolation protocols, practicing good hygiene, and adhering to any health-related instructions from staff.
   • Notifying Staff: If a resident is unable to comply with health protocols due to underlying medical conditions or other reasons, they should notify the house manager to discuss potential accommodations.
   • Respect for Others: Residents are expected to be considerate of others’ health by not attending shared spaces if they are experiencing symptoms of contagious diseases. They should stay in their rooms and use common sense to prevent spreading illness.
     
7. Termination of Residency
   In some cases, a resident may be asked to leave the house if their illness puts others at significant risk, or if they refuse to comply with health and safety guidelines. This decision will be made by the house manager in consultation with medical professionals, if necessary.