COVID-19 and Influenza (Flu) Policy

Effective Date: January 2025
Review Date: Annual
Reference Standards:

CDC Interim Guidance for Preventing Spread of Respiratory Illnesses (updated September 2024)
NCDHHS Public Health Guidance
The Joint Commission: Infection Prevention and Control Standards (IC.02.01.01, IC.02.02.01, IC.02.04.01)
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.502 (COVID-19 Healthcare ETS)

Purpose

To protect the health and safety of all Array of Brighter Beginnings, Inc. (AOBB) consumers, employees, contractors, and visitors by following evidence-based infection prevention practices and regulatory standards for COVID-19 and seasonal influenza.

Policy Statement

AOBB, Inc. maintains infection prevention and control procedures consistent with the most current guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), and The Joint Commission (TJC).

All staff, independent contractors, and visitors are expected to comply with these procedures to minimize exposure and transmission of COVID-19 and influenza in all AOBB facilities and community-based service locations.

CDC-Aligned Prevention Practices

1. Vaccination

AOBB strongly encourages all employees and consumers to stay up to date on COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations, consistent with current CDC recommendations.
The CDC allows co-administration of COVID-19 and flu vaccines during the same visit when clinically appropriate.
Vaccine education materials are provided to all staff, contractors, and consumers annually or as updated by the CDC.

2. Symptom Screening and Exclusion

Staff and visitors who exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 or influenza (fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, loss of taste/smell, or body aches) must refrain from entering AOBB facilities or community settings until meeting CDC return-to-work guidelines.
CDC isolation guidance (updated September 2024):
- Individuals with respiratory illness should stay home until at least 24 hours after symptoms are improving and fever-free without medication.
- Masking for an additional 5 days upon returning to work or community settings is recommended.

3. Infection Control Measures

Hand hygiene is required before and after all client contact, meals, and restroom use.
Respiratory etiquette must be followed—cover coughs and sneezes, dispose of tissues, and perform hand hygiene.
Face masks or other source-control measures are required in areas of high community transmission or when working with symptomatic clients, per CDC and NCDHHS guidance.
AOBB ensures access to hand sanitizer (minimum 60% alcohol), soap, disinfectant wipes, and masks at all service locations.

4. Cleaning and Environmental Safety

High-touch surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, shared devices, counters) are disinfected daily using EPA-approved products effective against SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses.
Ventilation systems are maintained per CDC recommendations for air quality and filtration.
Cleaning logs are reviewed during quarterly Environment of Care inspections.

5. Reporting and Exposure Response

Suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 or influenza among staff or clients must be reported immediately to the Program Director or Infection Control Officer.
Contact tracing and notification procedures follow CDC and NCDHHS guidance.
In the event of an outbreak, AOBB implements enhanced mitigation strategies, including masking, distancing, and temporary program adjustments if required.

Joint Commission Compliance Alignment

AOBB’s Infection Prevention and Control (IC) program meets the following Joint Commission standards:

IC.02.01.01: Reducing the risk of infection associated with exposure to infectious diseases.
IC.02.02.01: Implementing infection prevention and control activities based on CDC, WHO, and public health guidance.
IC.02.04.01: Offering and documenting vaccination programs for personnel, including influenza.
IC.03.01.01: Monitoring infection prevention data and adjusting practices accordingly.

Education and Monitoring

Staff receive annual training on infection prevention, PPE use, and respiratory illness protocols.
Compliance is monitored through supervision, quality assurance reviews, and periodic audits.
Updates to CDC or NCDHHS guidance are promptly integrated into AOBB’s infection prevention plan.

Commitment to Health and Safety

The health of our consumers, staff, families, and community partners is of utmost importance to AOBB. We are committed to transparency, safety, and continued adherence to evolving public health standards to protect all who engage with our services.

AOBB COVID-19 Policy 2020-2021

When working with consumers all workers are encouraged to follow all current COVID-19 requirements as instructed by CDC and NCDHHS.