Online Learning ActivitiesAdditional Info & Resources
Updated Policy Covid-19
The Barber National Institute recently updated its policies relating to Covid-19. Face masks are optional for employees, visitors, and students/consumers in all of our facilities. The exceptions to this policy that relate to close contact with students or adults or local requirements are outlined on the Employee Portal.
In addition, temperature checks are no longer required when entering our facilities. Instead, all staff and visitors are asked to review a checklist of symptoms and must not enter our buildings if they meet any of the criteria listed.
Enhanced cleaning and encouragement of frequent handwashing continues. Staff and visitors continue to be encouraged to receive Covid-19 vaccines and available booster shots that are proven to greatly reduce the severity of illness and spread of the virus.
The CDC published Interim Public Health Recommendations for fully vaccinated people as of 7/28/21 with the following highlights:
- Wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high transmission.
- Fully vaccinated people might choose to wear a mask regardless of the level of transmission, if they are immunocompromised or if they have someone in their household who is immunocompromised or is not vaccinated.
- Fully vaccinated people who have a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 and are not symptomatic, should be tested 3-5 days after exposure, and wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days. (Staff keep their work schedule during this type of testing.)
- Fully vaccinated people should get tested if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
- Fully vaccinated people should isolate if they have tested positive for COVID-19 in prior 10 days or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
- Most fully vaccinated people with no COVID-like symptoms do not need to quarantine OR be restricted from work following an exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 IF they follow the testing and masking recommendations.
- CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to schools, regardless of vaccination status.
Information and Resources
State Representatives Bob Merski and Pat Harkins have compiled information about a variety of resources, including help applying for unemployment compensation, registering to vote by mail, and locating assistance for utility costs and food. Check out the list of resources at: https://docs.google.com/document/d/111lVd70xbtxrkDTgc0saJbvWWEL3BgSOcmYgDdLHAzs/mobilebasic
Important Message to Staff
The Barber National Institute would like to publicly recognize and thank all of our dedicated employees for all that they do to care for our individuals – particularly during these challenging circumstances. The work that we perform is truly “essential and life-sustaining,” and it could not be done without our wonderful employees who continue to show their commitment to our mission.
As various government agencies issue directives, our work will always be designated as essential and our residential and Agency with Choice staff should follow their scheduled shifts. Staff should have received letters designating them as essential workers, or this can be downloaded from the employee portal.
Erie Mayor Joe Schember’s designation of a state of emergency in the City of Erie does not affect the delivery of our essential services, though it will enable Erie to access federal relief funding.
All employees should continue to carry out all enhanced infection control procedures including frequent hand washing and cleaning of high-touch surfaces.
Staff who are ill should follow their regular call-off procedures and will be asked specific screening questions. Employees who have questions are encouraged to contact their supervisors or Human Resources.
