Preparation and Guidance for COVID-19

In order to minimize exposure and transmission opportunities for COVID-19, the Wildlife Rescue Coalition of Northeast Florida, Inc. is delaying the opening date of the center until the current COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.  However, we are still answering calls to our hotline at (904) 779-5569, and handling intakes through our foster bank.

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person.  There is much more to learn about the transmissibility, severity, and other features of COVID-19 and investigations are ongoing.

To decrease the spread of COVID-19 and lower the impact in our organization, we want to reduce transmission among volunteers:

Actively Encourage Sick Volunteers to Stay Home:

·      Volunteers who have symptoms (i.e., fever, cough, or shortness of breath) should notify the Animal Care Coordinator or Director and stay home.

·      Sick volunteers should follow CDC recommended guidelines.  Volunteers should not return to WRC until the criteria to discontinue home isolation are met, in consultation with healthcare providers and state and local health departments.

·      Volunteers who are well but who have one or more sick family members at home with COVID-19 should discontinue volunteering until all family members have completed their home isolation in consultation with healthcare providers and state and local health departments.

Separate Sick Volunteers:

·      Volunteers who appear to have symptoms (i.e., fever, cough, or shortness of breath) upon arrival at WRC or who become sick during the day should be immediately separated from other volunteers and sent home.

·      If a volunteer is confirmed to have COVID-19, administration should inform fellow volunteers of their possible exposure to COVID-19 at WRC but maintain confidentiality as required by the Americans with Disability Act (ADA).

Reducing the Spread of COVID-19

·      Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.  Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

·      Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

·      Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.  Throw used tissues in the trash and immediately wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.  If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.

·      Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces such as workstations, keyboards, telephones, washing machine and dryer knobs, and doorknobs.  Dirty surfaces can be cleaned with soap and water prior to disinfection.

Sincerely, Barbara Y. Tidwell, President/Founder