GBC is actively monitoring the latest developments with COVID-19 and is following all appropriate recommendations from health authorities to ensure a safe workplace.
As always, GBC is dedicated to maintaining the health and safety of our clients, their families, and our staff. However, like many of us, we’ve had to adapt to changing conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. We understand the risks involved with in-person appointments; however, we also know that consistency of care is essential for our clients’ progress.
We’re working hard to ensure a safe environment for all who walk through our doors. To do so, we’ve implemented several new policies, including:
- Screening questions & temperature checks: All staff and clients will be required to pass a temperature check and answer a series of screening questions.
- Hand washing: All staff and clients will be required to wash their hands for at least 30 seconds prior to appointments.
- Face masks: All staff are required to wear a provided face mask at all times, and all clients are required to wear appropriate face coverings to appointments.
Social distancing: Everyone will maintain an approximate distance of six feet apart during all appointments. - Travel procedures: All staff will be required to submit their travel plans (including days off and location) prior to any traveling.
- Watching for other symptoms: Any staff and clients showing symptoms of COVID-19 will be required to cancel all appointments until they have been fever-free for at least 72 hours and symptom-free for 10 days.
See the latest COVID-19 update from GBC.
We believe that these policies are essential to preventing the spread of COVID-19. However, we know that the risk of exposure remains high, and as a result, we’ve also taken precautions to maintain clean facilities, including:
- Clinic activity for staff: All of our staff will use hand sanitizer prior to handling tablets, and they will use sanitizing wipes on tablets in addition to ensuring clients wash their hands.
- Clinic activity for others: Parents, guardians, and visitors will be required to wear face masks and will not be allowed to enter security doors or wait in the lobby during appointments.
- Group spaces: Capacity at the Caterpillar Learning Center will be reduced by 50% and desks will be spaces six feet apart.
- Cleaning and sanitizing: Per CDC recommendations, staff will use bleach water and paper towels to sanitize surfaces in between appointments.
- Meals: Social distancing protocols will still be in place during meal times, and facial coverings will be appropriately stored.
For more information about current COVID-19 guidelines, please visit the websites linked below:
We also encourage you to stay informed with the latest information and guidance from the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”), Illinois Department of Public Health and Prevention (“IDPH”), and the World Health Organization (“WHO”) or call the Illinois COVID-19 Hotline at 1.800.889.3931.
We’re facing many unprecedented challenges during this time, and we know you are too! However, we’re confident we can rise to the challenge of maintaining our standard of care for our clients while practicing our new safety measures. Together, we can continue to make progress and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
When you’re ready to talk, we are ready to listen.