VOLUNTEER SAFETY

Safety is our top priority during the COVID-19 community response.  We are monitoring CDC and Illinois government guidelines; however, visit their sites with the links provided for the most up-to-date information.  

Please DO NOT Volunteer In-Person If Any of the Following Apply to You: 

  • If you currently are sick, feeling unwell, or experiencing any of the following symptoms, please stay home and seek necessary medical guidance. 
    • Fever
    • Cough
    • Shortness of breath
    • Chills
    • Repeated shaking with chills
    • Muscle pain
    • Headache 
    • Sore throat
    • New loss of smell or taste
  • If someone in your household has tested positive for or has shown symptoms of COVID-19 in the past several weeks, even if they are no longer symptomatic, please stay home for the recommended duration of 14 days after symptoms subside. 
  • If you have been in contact with anyone outside your home who has tested positive for COVID-19, please stay home for the recommended duration of 14 days. 
    • Persons who are over the age of 65.
    • Persons with a serious underlying medical condition. 
  • If you or anyone in your household have traveled to highly impacted areas of the United States in recent weeks, please stay home for the recommended duration of 14 days. 

If NONE of the conditions above apply to you and you are comfortable volunteering, please sign-up for a volunteer project.

BEFORE ARRIVING: 

  • CALL ahead to the service agency and ask if any additional safety precautions should be taken before, during and after the shift.
  • ALLOW extra time for additional screening from organizations (if required) to make sure you are cleared to volunteer for the task.
  • REALIZE  that shifts or opportunities may be canceled; especially volunteer opportunities working with vulnerable populations. Please be gracious and understanding.

ONCE ONSITE:

  • DO practice universal infection control precautions. Clean and wash your hands before, during, and after volunteering.
  • DO NOT shake hands or have physical contact with anyone while participating in the volunteer project. 
  • DO clean any used spaces thoroughly before and after, including tabletop surfaces and doorknobs/handles.
  • DO use proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) if needed for the task.
  • DO cover your mouth and nose with a face covering at all times. 
  • DO maintain 6-10 foot physical separation from others while conducting the task.
  • ASK about any risk that may be associated with the task and DO NOT take part if you are uncomfortable with the level of risk.
  • DO avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with your hands. 
  • DO NOT share headsets or other objects that are near the nose and mouth.
  • If showing signs of illness, please be understanding if volunteer project managers ask you to leave.  

 

We continue to be in awe of the community response to COVID-19.  Whether you're staying home and abiding by social distancing guidelines or volunteering while following safety guidelines, thank you for your service.