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News & Resources > Coronavirus & Influenza Updates

A Coronavirus Phone Line is available for families to call at 716.817.7445. An afterhours Coronavirus hotline is available for families and people enrolled in our Day Habilitation Programs and Vocational Services to share questions at 716.529.6505. Concerns may also be emailed to COVIDconcern@people-inc.org.

People Inc. also maintains an Emergency Closing Line for program participants, families and staff containing updated information about weather-related program closures. Call 716.817.5700 (Western New York) or 585.441.9393 (Greater Rochester Region) to find out if your program or location is closed.
 

Note:

On March 7, 2024, People Inc. updated the visitor policy for all residential facilities based on the recent Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) revised guidance on the "Management of Communicable Respiratory Viral Infections." Communicable Respiratory Viral Infections include: seasonal influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19, measles, varicella zoster (chicken pox), and herpes zoster (shingles).

  • If a person-served in a residence is under investigation (PUI) for or positive for COVID-19 or Influenza or Respiratory Viral Infection: Visitation is limited to outside (if weather permits)/Bedroom.
  • If a person-Served is exposed to a person under investigation for or positive for COVID-19 or Influenza or Respiratory Viral Infection: Visitation is limited to outside (if weather permits)/Designated area in the home away from people in isolation.
  • Face masks are required under the following circumstances:
  • Face Masks are required if a visitor had close contact with someone with COVID-19, wear a well fitted face mask around others for 10-days from last close contact. 
  • Face Masks are required if a visitor completed a minimum 5-day isolation period as a result of a COVID-19 infection and are required to be worn on days 6-10.
  • Face Masks are required if the home has a person receiving services under isolation for PUI or positive COVID-19 or the home is under isolation for a suspected or confirmed influenza.

More information is available at NYS OPWDD and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

NYS Funding for Direct Support Professionals Announced

Nov 19, 2021

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul announced the approval of several funding packages that will impact our direct support staff and agencies in our field of supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. One-time American Rescue Plan Act Funding will, “support recruitment efforts, retention incentives and vaccination bonuses for direct support professionals who provide support for people with developmental disabilities in an effort to address workforce shortages in this field.”

  • Funding for a one-time payment for direct support professionals who worked during the pandemic will be made possible through a “Heroes Fund.” People Inc. is preparing now, so that we will be able to issue checks to those staff included, as soon as funds are received. As details are received by OPWDD, specifics regarding payment amounts and dates will be announced to our staff.  
  • Retention and longevity bonuses will make additional investments in the workforce by rewarding longevity and providing additional bonuses to staff who remain in the direct support professional (DSP) workforce into 2022. Again, as details are received, the agency will share this information with our staff.
  • A Vaccine Bonus Payment for direct support staff of up to $500 will be available. New York State set a due date of Friday, January 14, 2022, for DSP staff to be in full compliance to qualify for the payment. (ICF and Article 16 staff must begin to be vaccinated by Sunday, December 5, 2021.) People Inc. doesn’t have any control over the due date set by the State, but we are hoping that as many of our direct support professionals as possible take action to be qualified for this payment. This is not an automatic payment to the DSPs, they must provide proof of vaccination via one of the variety of methods communicated to them.

Currently, our agency is awaiting further details to be announced regarding how and when the funds will become available.

We are thrilled to see a positive result from our constant and hard-fought advocacy efforts, that recognize the important work and dedication of our direct support professionals. We will continue our fight for increases to our rates going forward, so that cost of living increases are reflected in rates in the future. The advocacy of our entire People Inc. team – advocates, staff, families and friends – will be necessary going forward toward that goal. Know that when we ask for phone calls, emails or letters, your participation is important and appreciated!