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Connecting Ties, Inc.
  • Home
  • Administration & Board
  • Our History
  • Services
  • Employment
  • Second Time Around
  • Covid-19- Response
  • Staff Announcements

Critical Information

  

10/01/2021

To All Connecting Ties Employees:

Last night the Valdez City Council passed and re-enacted the Valdez City wide mask mandate in public places. This is in addition to a mask requirement in all City of Valdez buildings. Please wear a mask anytime you enter the CTI Office and anytime you are in public with your Client. 


Covid testing supplies are limited in the community and testing will only be done if you show symptoms at this time.


Connecting Ties references the below sites as REQUIREMENTS for all employees.


City of Valdez Covid Updates site:

http://www.valdezak.gov/555/Valdez-COVID-19-Community-Updates


Centers for Disease Control Covid site:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolation.html



Do not come to work if you have Covid, have symptoms, or have been exposed as a close contact, until you have cleared the recommended wait time. You MUST report illness to your Supervisor IMMEDIATELY!!

Guidelines for work clearance will be determined on your vaccination status as these differ from the fully vaccinated. 


Contact Rhonda; Human Resources Manager or Tonia; Interim-Executive Director, to report your status so that schedules can be adjusted and exposure to other employees and our Clients can be prevented.


Thank you and don’t hesitate to call with your questions. Your call will be returned if I am unavailable. You may call my private line as well.


Rhonda Sambo

Human Resources Manager

Connecting Ties Inc.





Tuesday, July 6, 2021


Update to Covid Procedures 

We understand that some of our employees have chosen to get the COVID vaccination to help protect themselves and others. Great efforts are being made to eliminate this virus.  However, the effectiveness on specific individuals cannot be established at this point by the Center for Disease Control.  CDC Protocol continues to be that you get tested and avoid contact with anyone should you experience any of the symptoms, even after being vaccinated.


As such, Connecting Ties will continue to require a COVID test clearance in able to return to work should you report an illness.  ( It is an employment requirement to report an illness and not report to work should you become ill.)  


Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining the health and safety of those around you.


CTI-Human Resources Department 


Monday, November 16, 2020


Due to the increase in cases of COVID-19 in Valdez, the following precautions have been put into place at the Connecting Ties' office: 

    · Effective immediately the office is closed and locked. Access will be granted strictly by appointment  only, including all caregivers and store employees. 

    · Please drop off any paperwork in the drop box. 

    · Due to school closures and other circumstances, office staff will be staggering their schedules this week to reduce in-person contact in the office. As such, at any given time there will be only a few people in the office. You will still be able to contact office staff during normal business hours. Please call the main phone number and Marianne will direct you.


As a reminder, please keep the number of people you interact with small, even when you're not on shift.  Thank you to all our caregivers who have done a marvelous job keeping our clients and their co-workers healthy.  A big shout our to our store employees, as well, for your hard work and diligence throughout this predicament.  Thank you!


Friday, November 13, 2020


In response to the Governor's announcement yesterday, Connecting Ties would like to thank our caregivers, office staff, and stores staff for their diligence in keeping COVID-19 away from our clients and each other.  In light of the surge of cases, we simply ask that you keep doing what you've been doing to avoid the spread of the virus:  keep your personal circle of interaction small, utilize PPE diligently, and wash your hands.  Also critically important is that you notify your supervisor if you have any symptoms at all, whether you think it's COVID-19 or not.  Department of Labor laws allow for you to be paid while healing from symptoms and getting tested, so please don't be afraid to let us know.  Your health and the health of all those around you are important to us.  Great job on mitigating the spread, and keep it up!


Monday, October 19, 2020


Tomorrow, Tuesday, October 20, at ~10:15am, the Valdez Food Bank is offering FREE food boxes of eggs, milk, and produce to all Valdez residents (one box per household.)  Drive-thru pick-up is COVID-19 safe.  Get a box for your client, yourself, and your neighbor, and spread the word!   



Wednesday, September 30, 2020


Today the Connecting Ties administration spoke with the Public Health Nurse regarding the most recent outbreak of COVID19 cases in our town. We, as a town, do not know – at this point – the complete list of exposed individuals.  It is still being investigated. This unknown coupled with the very contagious nature of this disease has us, as an agency and as neighbors, on the alert for our clients. They are high-risk and we do not know how their compromised immune systems will be affected by this disease.


It is imperative that we, as a team, stay vigilant and follow the recommendations by the CDC and Public Health Nurse. The following needs to be practiced on and off shift:


- Keep your close contact circle small.

- Avoid close contact. Inside your home, avoid close contact with people who are sick.

- Stay at least 6-feet away from anyone that isn’t a close-contact of yours.

- Wash your hands often. It is especially important to wash:

    o Before eating or preparing food

    o Before touching your face

    o After using the restroom

    o After leaving a public place

    o After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing

    o After handling your masks

    o After changing a diaper

    o After touching animals or pets.

- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol.

- Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others or when needing to get in physical contact (for meds, skincare, etc.) with the client.

- Clean and disinfect, especially during days that groceries are being delivered. Please disinfect the client’s home after groceries have been put away.

- Monitor your health daily and inform the office of any changes in the client, yourself, or individuals within your home.  


We will keep you updated on any changes that may affect you or your client directly. Call us if you have any questions.


Monday, June 29, 2020


Now that Valdez has multiple positive cases of COVID-19, CTI is reminding everyone to wash and sanitize hands diligently, maintain social distancing, keep clients out of public places, and keep personal social bubbles small.  The Valdez office will be closed to the public, including clients and caregivers except by appointment only and then after screen and diligent precautions.  For the time being, please send in grocery lists and admin will go grocery shopping for clients and drop off the food at the respective home.


Thank you for your continued diligence to keep our clients safe and healthy.


Thursday, June 25, 2020


In light of the first official case of COVID-19 in Valdez, Robin James, Executive Director, has advised that the clients and caregivers remain in the clients' homes as much as possible, not out among the community to reduce the likelihood of infection.  Walks outside clients' homes are good and encouraged, but client interaction with others except their caregivers is discouraged.  Caregivers are encouraged to continue to keep their social circle small when not working, and to continue preventative practices to reduce the likelihood of virus transmission.  The news release of the first case in Valdez is here.



Wednesday, May 13, 2020


The City of Valdez has rolled out the second phase of their economic recovery plan for the city.  It was established by the Valdez City Council due to the COVID-19 pandemic to provide a one‐time economic relief payment to qualifying Valdez households.   The stimulus is intended to be a two pronged approach: one being aid for those who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 crisis and a local stimulus for those who do not need the funds for essentials. As such, those who need the financial relief due to lost wages should apply and those who want to spend the money locally (encouraged, but not enforced) should also apply.  That means *everybody* should apply.  Be sure to read information available at  http://www.valdezak.gov/economicrelief


The deadline to apply is May 22, and checks are estimated to be cut May 29, so don't delay.  Applications are available at the CTI office; just give us a call to let us know and we'll bring it out to you.  You can also download the application here, or at the city's website here.  Return your application to the drop box in the lobby at city hall or mail in to PO Box 307.  Any questions, refer to the link above at the city's website.


We're in the office are taking care of clients' applications.  Please spread the word to friends and family!


Tuesday, 7 April 2020


The following is a new resource from the State of Alaska Department of Health and Social Services for credible information.  It is updated daily.

 https://coronavirus-response-alaska-dhss.hub.arcgis.com/ 


The following is a repeat of information from the March 26th post of credible information sources:


  •  https://www.facebook.com/ValdezUCRG 
  •  https://www.facebook.com/CityofValdez 
  •  https://www.facebook.com/Valdez-Neighbors-111070337196260 
  • State of Alaska COVID-19 page:   http://dhss.alaska.gov/dph/Epi/id/Pages/COVID-19/default.aspx 
  • For general information, the state has set up 211, a call-in center for information about COVID-19,  https://alaska211.org/


Please refer to these sources, NOT the Facebook Valdez Online Bulletin Board, for information.  


Thursday, 2 April 2020


Please see the Families First Coronavirus Response Act info sheet on our Resources page.  For more information, the following is available:

  

Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Employee Paid Leave Rights

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-employee-paid-leave


Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Questions and Answers

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-questions


COVID-19 and the Family and Medical Leave Act Questions and Answers

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fmla/pandemic



Friday, 27 March 2020


From Connecting Ties Office:


The office door is locked, and we have minimal staff.  If you need anything please call first before coming to the office.  Please be diligent with paperwork to minimize mistakes requiring fix-it book visits.  MARs are available for pick-up.  Please call ahead to let us know when you'll be stopping by, we'll bring the paperwork to your vehicle.  Share this page with other caregivers.  We're sending out texts, and calling people, but evidently we're just not getting through to everyone.  Just tell them  ConnectingTies.org and click More!  Thank you for all the care you give.  Be sure to see more info at ConnectingTies.org/Resources


From the Valdez Unified Command March 26, 2020, meeting:


  From Dr. Shirk, Valdez Medical Clinic:  Be sure to self-isolate after travel.  Ensure good hydration (drink *water*), eat quality food, get adequate sleep, get sunshine and outdoor exercise, keep at least 6 feet between yourself and other people.  Avoid drinking alcohol as it lowers your immune system and negatively affects sleep.  Do not binge drink!  Try other non alcohol or other chemical means to relax - take a walk, exercise, pray/meditate.  Regarding testing in Valdez:  There is an adequate supply, still there is strict criteria for testing.  If you have questions (non-personal medical) email  PIO@valdezak.gov.


  Grocery store update:  The store is short-staffed.  Disinfecting is ongoing during all store hours.  Please honor all posted notes about quantities of supplies.  Expect to see plexiglass splash shields for the cashiers to help them stay healthy while they're interacting with the public.  The store is offering shopping and delivery service for free, but only to quarantined individuals.



Thursday, 26 March 2020


Letter to our Employees re: Coronavirus


There are continuous updates on the coronavirus and its spread worldwide and across the US.  The first thing to note is please do not panic and over-react to the situation.  Continue to use your infection control procedures in the client's home. In addition, the CDC & state of Alaska’s chief medical officer are recommending the following:

1) Frequent hand washing with soap and water. 

2) Don’t touch your face (eyes, nose, mouth) with your hands.  If you do, wash your hands & face immediately.

3) Stay home from work, school, and other activities if you are ill (especially if you are coughing, have a fever or have family members who are ill)

4) Disinfect any equipment that you are using, and clean all “high touch” surfaces in your home and the client’s home daily (counters, tabletops, phones, toilets, etc.)

5) Catch your cough or sneeze in the crook of your elbow, clothing or tissue. Immediately throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.

6) Avoid touching “high touch” public surfaces, such as, elevator buttons, door handles, and handrails. Use a tissue or the sleeve of your clothing.  If not available, wash immediately or use hand sanitizer.

7) Avoid shaking hands with others during this time.

8) In public places, stay at least 6 feet from others, if possible.


At this time, the state of Alaska has 59 confirmed cases of coronavirus, none of which are in Valdez.  Some information about COVID-19: Only those persons actively ill can spread the disease. The length of illness is on a case-by-case basis, dependent on the severity of the signs and symptoms (fever, difficulty breathing and cough) and the medical history/age of the person infected. It is important to note that most cases are mild to moderate.  This is an airborne disease, so it is spread by coughing and sneezing, but the virus can land and live on many different surfaces.   The CDC is recommending that older adults (esp. those over 80yo) and/or those persons with underlying health issues (diabetes, lung diseases, or heart diseases) avoid non-essential travel, as well as cruises or extended plane trips.  Please take the steps necessary to protect yourself, your family, and our clients. And contact the office if you have any questions, concerns or need to call in sick.  Administrative staff is in the process of putting together a mandatory training and general information.  

                                                                                           ~~~


In light of the Emergency Proclamation to Shelter in Place declared by the Valdez City Council last night, Connecting Ties is making the following changes, effective immediately:


  • After consulting with Dr. Todd, Robin determined there will be two caregivers per client; for certain clients there will be exceptions.  You will be notified if your client is an exception.  This two caregiver rule is to protect both the caregivers and the clients.  Caregivers will need proper rest between shifts.  Clients need as little contact with multiple people as possible.  Caregivers are expected to honor the Shelter in Place proclamation when off duty:  Be home other than minimum necessary errands in the community.  When you are out, diligently exercise the 6-foot rule when you're around other people.
  • Office staff will be contacting all caregivers daily for screening.  We are looking for symptoms which include runny nose, sore throat, cough, and fever.  Please contact the office if you begin to exhibit these symptoms at any time.
  • Clients are to only go outside for a walk for fresh air and sunshine away from others.  Otherwise they are to remain in their homes.  DO NOT take any client to the grocery store or anywhere else where other people are numerous.  We're working on having one administrative staff do shopping for all the clients.  If your client has immediate needs, call the office.
  • The front door at the office will be locked, and minimal office staff will be on hand; many are working at home.  If you need anything at the office call first to let us know.
  • April MARs will be available for pickup tomorrow, Friday, 27 March 2020, 9am - 11am.  Please call ahead to let us know you're on your way.  Stay parked outside the office, and Naomi will bring the paperwork to your vehicle.
  • Please avoid any unnecessary travel at this time.  Due to statewide and local mandates, you will have to self-isolate in your destination for 14 days and again in Valdez for another 14 days upon your return.  We need all of you, and we need you all healthy!
  • For mental and emotional health, spend more time off of social media, or any media, than on it.  It's understood that you need access to information, but try to avoid getting caught up in the never ending feeds of fear mongering and gossip.


Please read and follow the precautions sheet.  Also, keep up to date with credible information available from the following sources:

  •  https://www.facebook.com/ValdezUCRG 
  •  https://www.facebook.com/CityofValdez 
  •  https://www.facebook.com/Valdez-Neighbors-111070337196260 
  • State of Alaska COVID-19 page:   http://dhss.alaska.gov/dph/Epi/id/Pages/COVID-19/default.aspx 
  • For general information, the state has set up 211, a call-in center for information about COVID-19,  https://alaska211.org/
  • Please refer to these sources, NOT the Facebook Valdez Online Bulletin Board, for information.  

If you need to contact administrative staff, call the office first.  After that follow the "chain of command" letter passed out by Rhonda a while back.  I (Naomi) am working from home, honoring the emergency proclamation.   You can contact me after you try calling the office.  Texting is preferred.


  1. Finally, please check back often to this page for Connecting Ties' specific information and directives.  Now go outside - it's beautiful!  Thank you all for what you do. We truly appreciate it.

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