Covid-19 Updates

CTARR’s Leadership team is actively monitoring the day-to-day changes regarding COVID-19. We are following and exceeding all guidelines, best practices, and proactive recommendations provided from the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC). 

 CTARR remains committed to our community and we are actively taking steps to reduce risk and provide guidance to recovery homes in helping to provide safe housing. We have provided recommendations for screening new admissions, as well as guidance for securing clean and safe housing for your residents.  For further information, please visit https://portal.ct.gov/dph or https://www.cdc.gov/

COVID-19 Screening

  1. All new admissions should be screened over the phone prior to accepting the new resident, and queried for symptoms, etc., ie: fever, cough, aches and pains, any travel outside the US and exposure to anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19. If they answer yes to any of these questions, do not accept the admission and refer them to their medical provider.
  2. Once the client arrives for admission, he or she should be physically screened for symptoms before they are allowed into the home.
  1. Take their temperature: If someone has a temperature above 98.6° F (37° C), do not admit into the home.
  2. Respiratory illnesses: If someone has a cough or has difficulty breathing, do not admit into the home.

Immediately refer them to their medical provider. Keep up to date on the recommendations for preventing the spread of COVID-19 on CDC’s website.

Recommendations for safe living in a CTARR Recovery Home:

Increased house cleaning chores. Disinfect surfaces such as doorknobs, kitchen and bathroom cabinet handles, tables and handrails. Your house manager will assign additional chores as necessary. 

Identification of aid organizations in our community. Create a list of local organizations that you and your household can contact in the event you need access to information, health care services, support, and resources. Consider including organizations that provide mental health or counseling services, food, and other supplies.

Create an emergency contact list. Ensure your household has a current list of emergency contacts for family, friends, neighbors, carpool drivers, health care providers, teachers, employers, the local public health department, and other community resources.

Practice everyday preventive actions now. Remind everyone in your household of the importance of practicing everyday preventive actions that can help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses:

  • Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily (e.g., tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, and cabinet handles) using a regular household detergent and water.
  • If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent and water prior to disinfection. 
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.

Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue.

Practice fiscal responsibility. Many residents have been told not to report to work and some have lost their jobs completely.  We recommend that you develop a policy on how to work with residents who may have been financially impacted by COVID-19. 

Conserve. Currently household items including toilet paper and cleaning supplies are on short supply, so It’s very important to use items judicially. Additionally, it’s important to coordinate and plan for your meals.  If you need assistance with food, please speak with your house manager.

Choose a room in your home that can be used to separate sick household members from those who are healthy. Identify a separate bedroom and bathroom for the sick person to use, if possible. Plan to clean these rooms, as needed, when someone is sick. Learn how to care for someone with COVID-19 at home.

Additionally, as a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you temporarily suspend activities that increase the potential for the introduction of COVID-19 into our communities.

  • Visitors to the houses including recovery coaches have been temporarily suspended.
  • Recovery Meetings – Attendance at Recovery Meetings hosted at your recovery home should be restricted to residents and staff only.
  • Alumni – Alumni presence at any house is temporarily suspended.
  • Asking residents to practice social distancing and to avoid groups of 10 or more people.

As circumstances evolve or subside, we will remain in contact with you regarding the extension or reduction of the suspended activities as we endeavor to return to normal operations.

 CTARR is appreciative of your understanding and support during this time as we continue to put the health and safety of our residents, managers and community at the forefront of our focus. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact CTARR at [email protected].