As you are no doubt aware, the spread of the Coronavirus is an emerging issue around the world. The Center for Disease Control warns us that it is not a matter of whether it will reach us, but when. There are two immediate consequences for our work:
- It is not here yet.
- This is, however, the time to get ready so that we can continue with our mission calmly and effectively no matter what the circumstances.
Much like the flu, the coronavirus is mildly aggravating for most but fatal for people who have reduced health or immune systems. As with many diseases like the flu, the goal is to reduce the chance of infection. To that end, at Food For Greater Elgin we will begin to:
- Wipe down the handles of the grocery carts before every new user.
- Provide ‘surgical masks’ to anyone who is coughing. (They will not protect the wearer, but they will help us slow the spread of infection.) Guests who are coughing must wear the surgical masks or they will not be allowed to shop here.
- Welcome guests into the building in groups of 10 to prevent overcrowding in our waiting rooms.
- Remind all volunteers and staff to wash hands and use sanitizer multiple times during your shifts (once at the beginning, once at the end, and at least once in the middle).
- Encourage volunteers to call in and cancel your shift if you are feeling ‘flu-ish.’ For most of us, the symptoms are very mild, but for others they are fatal. We do our best to protect one another.
- Other measures as deemed appropriate to our changing circumstances.
We serve a lot of guests and expect that number to increase as those with low-wage jobs face reduced hours or job-loss due to work stoppages. Food For Greater Elgin is needed more than ever and we thank our donors and volunteers for your support.
As for now, keep calm and wash your hands!
Michael Montgomery
Interim Executive Director