Your Health Is Our Priority

The health and safety of the individuals and families we serve, our stakeholders and staff have always been our top priority. With the number of COVID cases again on the rise, Noble continues to follow CDC guidelines and the recommendations of the Indiana Department of Health in providing services to individuals and families who rely on our support. As public health guidelines evolve, we will update our procedures and post them here. If you have any questions or concerns, please email Asst. Vice President of Health, Wellness & Community Supports Chad Linn.

Symptoms of COVID

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID, stay home and notify your healthcare provider. According to the CDC, these symptoms include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion
• Runny nose
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Of course, many other conditions can cause these symptoms, including seasonal allergies. However, if no other known condition is causing your symptoms, you should suspect COVID. The CDC’s Coronavirus Self-Checker is a helpful tool. If an individual we serve or a staff member begins experiencing symptoms during the service day, arrangements will be made for that person to return home as soon as possible.

Preventing the Spread of COVID

We are following a number of preventative measures including:

• Vaccinations  We strongly encourage everyone to get vaccinated against COVID. This is the best way to prevent becoming infected with the virus and its variants. People who are vaccinated but become sick with a “breakthrough case” of COVID are less likely to become seriously ill and require hospitalization.
• Social Distancing  We encourage everyone to practice social distancing of 6 feet whenever possible.
• Face Masks  We require face masks that cover the mouth and nose at Noble locations, in our Community Living sites, and anywhere else we provide services, regardless of vaccination status.
• Frequent Handwashing  Wash hands thoroughly with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds several times throughout the day, after using the restroom and before eating.
• Cleaning & Disinfecting  Clean and disinfect all high-touch surfaces often and regularly throughout the day.
• Visitors  To reduce potential exposures, we are limiting external visitors to the program areas of our locations.

Exposure to COVID

Because COVID is primarily spread via the respiratory system, you typically need to be in close contact with someone who is infected. The CDC defines a close contact as being within 6 feet of someone with COVID for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period. If someone in your household has COVID or if you are notified that you have been a close contact of someone with COVID and you are not fully vaccinated, you will be required to quarantine (see below).  If you are fully vaccinated, you do not need to quarantine unless you develop symptoms.

Quarantine

If you are in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID and you have not been vaccinated, you should quarantine and contact your healthcare provider. If you are fully vaccinated, you do not need to quarantine unless you develop symptoms. Quarantine means you should:

• Stay home for 14 days after your last contact with a person who has COVID.
• Monitor for fever, cough, shortness of breath or other COVID symptoms.
• If possible, stay away from the people you live with, especially those who are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID.

If You Test Positive

If you are diagnosed with COVID, you need to notify your health care provider and your supervisor, and monitor your symptoms. If you have any emergency warning signs, seek medical care immediately. You must also isolate yourself:

• Stay in a room away from other household members, if possible.
• Use a separate bathroom, if possible.
• Avoid contact with other members of the household and pets.
• Do not share personal household items, like cups, towels, and utensils.
• Wear a mask when you are around other people.
• You may return to work/regular activities 10 days after symptoms appeared if you have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications and other symptoms of Covid are improving.

Cold and Flu Season

In addition to COVID, we are also entering cold and flu season. Please consider getting the flu vaccine to help protect you during this time.