Covid Response and Procedures

May 2021 update:

MASK MANDATE UPDATE:

The agency is following the Governor’s mask mandate change, so guests will not be expected to wear facemasks outside but will still need to wear masks in ALL indoor spaces.

As of June 1, 2021, the Case Manager Office doors will no longer be locked during office hours and guests may enter into the building.  We are asking that only one family member come into the office area, if possible to minimize crowding.  All guests must wear a mask indoors, including the Case Manager’s offices.

We have not opened up the shelter yet for visitors to be on the property and we are not bringing in volunteers at this time.  As the COVID mandates change, we may make more changes as well.

The health, safety, and welfare of those individuals and families utilizing services at Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Centers, Inc. is of the utmost importance to ensure the safety and well being of all.  The COVID-19 virus has the potential to adversely affect the community and KHAKO is taking this threat very seriously.  At our shelters, we are putting great emphasis on processes and procedures that support the highest standard possible to ensure cleanliness to mitigate the possibility of infectious disease outbreak.

Some of the most important areas of focus are:

Education: 1) Guests provided an outline of general sanitation practices to employ daily and more frequently as needed, 2) Guidance from the State Department of Health, Centers for Disease Control and other governmental and private healthcare agencies will educate Guests on prevention, signs, symptoms, and healthcare options (when to seek medical assistance).

General Sanitation:  1)  Increased cleaning of communal areas, 2) readily available and accessible cleaning and sanitation supplies, 3) routine sanitation schedule, 4) proper handling and disposal of waste, and 5) plan for isolation and shelter in place when necessary.

Food Production and Handling:  1) monitoring food handlers for illness, 2) serving and storing food at required temperatures, 3) proper handwashing and food handling, 4) ensure everyone uses proper hygiene sanitation at dining facility entry and exit after completing meals and avoid repeated entry/exit.

Staff Awareness and Education:  1) understanding and working knowledge of KHAKO Infectious Disease Outbreak Policy and Procedures, 2) training and familiarization of general sanitation practices for shelters.

Operationally, the agency will continue to end the cycle of homelessness by bringing unsheltered individuals and families into the facility, when space is available and if they are COVID-19 symptom-free.  All shelter services continue to be offered with the extra standards in place to mitigate the spread of any infectious disease, such as COVID-19.

Procedural adjustments implemented to reduce the risk of infectious disease to include:

Visitor restriction policy

1. Allowed visitors: food vendor deliveries, mail carrier, Bldg. 6 construction workers, child care center clients
2. No Guests’ Visitors. If Guests are receiving services from community agencies (e.g. VA, CWS, etc), then the case manager must be informed about any site visits by community workers for check-in at the administration office
3. All group meetings (12 step programs, etc), community agencies (Maui AIDS Foundation, etc.), visiting groups (K9 Crew, etc.), and other similar entities suspended until further notice
   • Delivery of meals from certified kitchens only
   • No on-site meal preparation from the Sponsored meal program.

Screening at door

• Do you have symptoms including but not limited to coughing, sneezing, or elevated temperature?  Take Temperature at the door.
• Does anyone in your household have symptoms including but not limited to coughing, sneezing, or elevated temperature?
• Have you had contact with anyone with a positive for COVID-19/coronavirus?
• If the respondent says YES to any of the screening questions OR If the respondent says no to questions, but there are visible/audible signs for symptoms then the person will be asked to seek medical attention immediately.

Additional Measures/Considerations – TBD based on daily updates and events.

At Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Centers, Inc. we are committed to doing what’s right and best to protect our guests, tenants, staff, and vendors, and to do our part to prevent the transmission of the Corona Virus (COVID-19).