GoochlandCares’ policy is to implement safety measures that will protect clients, volunteers, and staff from COVID-19 exposure and infection. We will update our policies and procedures as recommendations and information changes.

This policy is based on the current knowledge we have about the COVID-19 virus and resulting pandemic:

  • COVID-19 mortality vastly exceeds flu mortality. Last year, 22,000 Americans died from the flu, while over 800,000 have died from COVID-19.
  • There is a gap in vaccine effectiveness, too. Last year’s flu vaccine was found to be 45 percent effective; COVID-19 vaccines are reportedly 95 percent effective.
  • The risk from not getting a COVID vaccine is higher, while the likelihood of protection is greater.
  • Although the vaccine is highly effective, it is not 100% protective. Therefore, unimmunized persons pose a risk even to those who have been vaccinated.

People who want to volunteer in the building during business hours are required to:

  • Maintain physical distancing.
  • Be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by September 1, 2021 and have at least one dose by August 1, 2021. Receive the COVID-19 booster, if recommended by the CDC.
  • Provide documentation of vaccination status or self-report vaccination status.
  • Wear a mask.  People in the Food Pantry, Clothes Closet, Clinic and any place where it is not possible to maintain 6 feet of distance are required to wear a surgical mask. (Updated 8/5/2021)

Individuals who are not fully vaccinated may request a volunteer project that is not onsite during business hours.   Requests should be made to the volunteer coordinator – Dominic Alexander, dalexander@GoochlandCares.org or (804) 556-0400.

We have adjusted building cleaning:

  • Hospital grade cleaning products are used throughout the building.
  • Cleaning crew schedule has been increased to four times per week.
  • Cleaning supplies (i.e. disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer) are available throughout the building.  (Hand washing is the preferred method of cleaning your hands, but hand sanitizer is available.)
  • Staff and volunteers are asked to wipe shared surfaces (front door handles, buttons, keyboards, vehicles) with antibacterial solution after use and at the end of the day.
  • I-Wave air purifier system has been added to our HVAC units.  Portable air purifiers have been placed in areas of high traffic.

Before entering the building:

Please consider these questions before coming to volunteer. If you answer YES, please call (804) 556-6260 to let us know. It is best not to come to the building if you are not well.

  • Have you had any contact with someone who is positive for COVID-19?
  • Do you have a fever/temperature of 100.4 degrees?
  • Have you had chills or shaking with chills?
  • Do you have a sore throat?
  • Do you have unexplained muscle pain?
  • Do you have a cough?
  • Are you having trouble breathing or have shortness of breath?
  • Have you lost your sense of smell or taste?