Covid-19 Updates
Dear Participants, Family Members, and Community,
Per guidance by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and in accordance with the updated Executive Order released by Governor Pritzker on May 17, FVSRA is updating policies regarding face coverings and social distancing for most programs. These rules are effective on Tuesday, June 1, and are subject to change as the state and CDC continue to issue additional guidance.
For most programs, participants and staff who have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 will have the choice as to whether to wear a face covering at the FVSRA office or while participating in programs (both indoors and outdoors). One is fully vaccinated 14 days after the administration of the final course of your vaccine. There is an assumption that by any participant attending programs without a face covering, they are verifying truthfully that they have been fully vaccinated. Staff will be required to show proof of vaccination.
Please note, there may be some programs in which face coverings are required for all staff and participants based on the location of the program, requirements of the field trip destination, or when specifically identified by Covid-19 recommendations. As of now, athletic competitions will still require face coverings.
Regardless of vaccination status, please refrain from coming to programs when you have signs or symptoms of Covid-19, including fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea.
Our in-person enhanced essential eligibility requirements have not changed; however, vaccination may allow for more flexibility of the guidelines to attend in-person programs for those who otherwise were not eligible. If you cannot meet program guidelines, but have since been vaccinated, please contact Jackie Salemi, JackieS@fvsra.org, to reassess program eligibility.
Individuals who are over the age of two, but not fully vaccinated, are required to cover their nose and mouth with a face covering when visiting the FVSRA office or participating in programs and maintain a six-foot physical distance. In addition, those who are vaccinated and would still like to maintain a six-foot physical distance or wear face coverings may do so.
We understand there may be apprehension about changes to guidelines. FVSRA is committed to maintaining the exceptional level of safety we have had in programs throughout the pandemic, while adapting strategies to serve as many of our participants as we possibly can. Our certified therapeutic recreation staff is working hard to create an environment suitable to all comfort levels as we welcome you back to programs!
We are optimistic and excited about the expanded opportunities fewer restrictions will provide our participants and their families. We realize this still does not get us to 100% participation, but we are working hard to return to a pre-Covid state as soon as possible. We will need time to secure the necessary staff and facilities to allow for program expansion. These obstacles and the timing of these guidelines makes it very difficult to plan in advance. We thank you for your patience and understanding.
We appreciate your support and understanding as we continue to adapt to our ever-changing world.
Yours in health,
Alex Engelhardt, CTRS, CPRP, MBA
Executive Director
