JFS Delaware’s Response to COVID-19
At JFS, the health and safety of those we serve and work with is our highest priority. As the global outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to evolve, JFS Delaware is taking a number of steps to prepare for its impact on our community as well as assessing our ability to deliver services as safely and effectively as possible. These steps include devising a Pandemic Action Plan and providing key updates to our clients and community on this page.
We are here to help!
Please call us at 302-478-9411.
Thank you for your support, trust, and patience.
We all have a role to play in keeping our community healthy.
CDC Guidelines >>>
CDC Website >>>
DE Division of Public Health >>>
World Health Organization >>>
UPDATE: February 11, 2022
Throughout the pandemic, JFS has followed the guidance of state leaders and Delaware law regarding COVID-19 precautions and vaccinations. We are making careful evaluations with your health and safety in mind.
Effective Friday, February 11th, JFS will no longer require masks to be worn in our facility. JFS has resumed in-office services for those interested and comfortable with this option and will also continue to serve clients via telehealth.
Please review the information and policies below carefully.
Face Masks & Vaccinations:
- JFS is still requesting those that are NOT vaccinated to please continue to wear a mask when entering and receiving services in our Wilmington and Sussex office locations.
- If you feel more comfortable wearing a mask, you may continue to do so.
- While we have followed the policies of the state so far and agreed to lift the mask mandate, we will revisit this decision if we see an increase in the spread of the virus. We will continue to evaluate the preferences, comfort, and safety of our clients, employees, volunteers, and visitors.
- The COVID-19 vaccination was made mandatory for all JFS employees, interns, volunteers, and contractors effective October 8th, 2021.
- Questions or concerns can be directed to info@jfsdelaware.org
Office Guidelines & Practices:
- Only offices large enough to provide 3 feet of distance between people will be used for client appointments.
- Lobby and other gathering areas are set up with 3 feet between chairs.
- Hard surfaces are wiped down with disinfectants after each appointment or use.
- Receptionists will return to the offices and be available to assist clients.
- Restrooms in the Wilmington office are fitted with touchless soap dispensers, sinks, and toilets.
Remote Services:
- Telehealth counseling appointments and case management meetings will continue to be available to those who prefer this arrangement.
- JFS OnCall, our free confidential emotional support hotline is still in operation for non-emergency calls. Dial 302-781-4537 (4JFS) between 9am and 9pm, Monday through Friday, to speak with a trained and compassionate member of our staff.
Your safety, comfort, and access to our services are priorities.
JFS strongly encourages each person to continue following CDC and state guidelines, wearing masks, washing hands thoroughly, and social distancing.
If you have any questions or concerns about our services and availability, please contact our office at 302-478-9411 or info@jfsdelaware.org.
UPDATE: October 15, 2021, 8:00AM
RE-OPENING
Our first responsibility as an organization is the health and safety of our clients, staff, interns, and volunteers, as well as the health and safety of your families and the larger community we serve. JFS Delaware’s Re-Entry Committee has continued to regularly consider the agency’s stage of re-entry given current COVID-19 statistics and has discussed the benefits, concerns, barriers, and solutions with input and guidance from our Board of Directors.
Effective Friday, October 15th, JFS will begin a ‘soft launch’ of re-entry , resuming in-office services for those clients, staff, and volunteers who want and feel comfortable to do so.
Please review the information and policies below carefully.
Face Masks & Vaccinations:
- A mask or face covering MUST be worn
- in common spaces, including entrances, hallways, break rooms, and restrooms
- by unvaccinated individuals during in-person sessions or meetings
- staff or clients may request a mask with a clear panel for their appointment so that visibility is less obscured
- The COVID-19 vaccination was made mandatory for all JFS employees, interns, volunteers, and contractors effective October 8th, 2021.
- Questions or concerns can be directed to info@jfsdelaware.org
Office Guidelines & Practices:
- Only offices large enough to provide 3 feet of distance between people will be used for client appointments
- Lobby and other gathering areas are set up with 3 feet between chairs
- Hard surfaces are wiped down with disinfectants after each appointment or use
- Receptionists will return to the offices and be available to assist clients
- Restrooms in the Wilmington office are fitted with touchless soap dispensers, sinks, and toilets
Remote Services:
- Telehealth counseling appointments and case management meetings will continue to be available to those who prefer this arrangement
- JFS OnCall, our free confidential emotional support hotline is still in operation for non-emergency calls. Dial 302-781-4537 (4JFS) between 9am and 9pm, Monday through Friday, to speak with a trained and compassionate member of our staff.
Your safety, comfort, and access to our services are priorities.
JFS strongly encourages each person to continue following CDC and state guidelines, wearing masks, washing hands thoroughly, and social distancing.
If you have any questions or concerns about our services and availability, please contact our office at 302-478-9411 or info@jfsdelaware.org.
UPDATE: December 1, 2020, 11:00AM
RE-ENTRY PHASE 1
As they have been doing monthly, JFS’ Re-Entry Committee discussed JFS’ stage of re-entry given current COVID-19 infection rates and fatalities. We have considered the data, as well as input from hospital systems in all three counties, which have communicated that beds are full and emergency departments are overflowing with patients.
JFS will remain in Phase I at this time, with very limited, approved client appointments taking place at JFS’s Wilmington office. Please review JFS’ Phase I Re-Entry protocols in the previous COVID Update below.
Please be safe, follow CDC and state guidelines, wear a mask, wash your hands and socially distance. [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Remote Services:
- Telehealth counseling appointments and case management meetings will continue remotely.
- JFS OnCall, our free confidential emotional support hotline is still in operation for non-emergency calls. Dial 302-781-4537 (4JFS) between 9am and 9pm, Monday through Friday, to speak with a trained and compassionate member of our staff.
- We have multiple specialized support groups available virtually. View the full list here for schedules and contacts.
- If you are interested in our volunteer efforts, contact Amie Baker at abaker@jfsdelaware.org.
If you have any questions or concerns about our services and availability, please contact our office at 302-478-9411 or info@jfsdelaware.org.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
COVID-19 in Delaware:
- Indoor gatherings in homes capped at 10 people.
- Indoor gatherings outside of homes limited to 30% of the venue’s stated fire capacity, up to a cap of 50 people. This includes all events, such as weddings, funerals, services in houses of worship, performances, political gatherings, and events in public spaces including fire halls.
- Outdoor public gatherings limited to 50 people. Up to 250 may be allowed with a plan approved by the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH).
- Restaurants must operate at no more than 30 percent of fire capacity indoors, with allowances for additional outdoor seating.
- Delaware youth sports organizations, teams and venues may not host or participate in tournaments with out-of-state teams, effective at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 1. Teams are prohibited from traveling across states lines for tournaments.
UPDATE: June 29, 2020, 5:30PM
RE-ENTRY PHASE 1
Effective Monday, July 6, JFS will begin to slowly and carefully provide limited in-person services in our Wilmington office and in the community. JFS’ team is coordinating all appointments directly with clients (new & existing) to ensure a complete understanding of Phase I limitations and restrictions. JFS will follow all State of Delaware COVID-19 guidelines and required protocols.
Most services during Phase I will continue Remotely.
Health & Safety Protocols:
All clients and staff visiting or working in the office will complete screenings and paperwork as well as have their temperatures checked prior to entry. In addition, for the health and safety of all, the offices will be:
- at 50% capacity or less
- single entrance
- reconfigured to meet social distancing guidelines
- thoroughly cleaned after every individual appointment
- common spaces will be unavailable (with the exception of the restrooms)
- appropriate signage and instructions will be clearly displayed
- PPE will be provided to staff and clients.
- PPE guidelines will be enforced
- All schedules will be monitored carefully to ensure appropriate contact tracing documentation
For staff who are providing services in the community, JFS has established similar protocols for appropriate PPE, temperature checks, scheduling, contact tracing, and documentation of client interaction.
Telehealth and administrative support will continue to be provided remotely.
JFS Phase 1 Re-Entry will be monitored and evaluated weekly, taking into account State guidelines, needs of our clients, and staff considerations.
If you have any questions or concerns about our services and availability, please contact our office at 302-478-9411 or info@jfsdelaware.org.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Remote Services:
- Telehealth counseling appointments and case management meetings will continue remotely.
- JFS OnCall, our free confidential emotional support hotline is still in operation for non-emergency calls. Dial 302-781-4537 (4JFS) between 9am and 9pm, Monday through Friday, to speak with a trained and compassionate member of our staff.
- We have multiple specialized support groups available virtually. View the full list here for schedules and contacts.
- If you are interested in our volunteer efforts, contact Amie Baker at abaker@jfsdelaware.org.
If you have any questions or concerns about our services and availability, please contact our office at 302-478-9411 or info@jfsdelaware.org.
UPDATE: June 7, 2020, 9:30AM
ACTION PLAN: Phase 4 (Remote, Considering Re-Entry)
As the state begins re-opening after the stay-at-home order, we want to address questions and share our plan.
JFS has been successfully working remotely to ensure the health and safety of our clients and staff and plan to continue working remotely throughout the month of June. We want to ensure that we meet the needs of our clients and staff, and have created surveys to assess questions, concerns, and capabilities related to resuming in-person operations.
Our Re-Entry Committee meets weekly and will ensure this plan is comprehensive, medically sound, and within the guidelines of federal and state mandates—with guidance from the Department of Public Health and the CDC—to protect the health and safety of all.
In the meantime, JFS is continuing to serve new and existing clients remotely. For information about our secure telehealth services and other remote programs, call us at 302-478-9411.
Please continue to check this page and follow us on Facebook for more updates and announcements.
UPDATE: May 14, 2020, 4:30PM
ACTION PLAN: Phase 4 (Remote)
As a reminder, our team of licensed therapists, psychiatrists, social workers, and case managers are providing counseling and support services via secure telehealth and remote platforms; from Wilmington to Lewes, the JFS team is supporting individuals and families, students and essential workers, older adults and caregivers, and more. JFS is still accepting new clients through our standard counseling intake process, which can be accessed via our agency phone number, 302-478-9411.
Additional support groups, webinars, and workshops are also available.
(VIEW FLYER for details; dates & schedules will continue to be updated).
Please continue to check this page and follow us on Facebook for more updates and announcements.
UPDATE: April 17, 2020, 2:30PM
ACTION PLAN: Phase 4 (Remote)
Our clinical team is getting creative and looking into their availability and expertise to provide more support groups for our community. Starting Wednesday, April 22, JFS will be hosting a FREE 1-hour virtual support group for any male-identifying teens (ages 14-17).
Please contact us for a secure access link to QuaranTEEN: info@jfsdelaware.org
UPDATE: April 2, 2020, 3:00PM
ACTION PLAN: Phase 4 (Remote)
In our increasingly digital world, innovation is rapidly changing our day-to-day lives and we’re constantly finding new ways to connect. With a push from these unforeseen circumstances, JFS has grown our capacity to serve our community when and how we are needed most; we are adapting to necessary changes, learning the newest technologies, building resilience as a team, and transferring important skills to a digital landscape.
In addition to our telehealth services, FREE emotional support hotline, and other ongoing volunteer efforts, JFS will be starting a new support group on Tuesday, April 7th.
Please contact us for a secure access link to VSTEP: info@jfsdelaware.org
UPDATE: March 20, 2020, 5:00PM
ACTION PLAN: Phase 4 (Remote)
As we navigate changes in our day-to-day lives, JFS is relieved to have made it through the transition and first week of remote service delivery. As promised, we want to communicate regularly how things are changing and new services available to meet your needs and help everyone adjust to this strange new normal.
Starting March 23, JFS social workers will be operating a free & confidential emotional support hotline. This is not a crisis line or a replacement for therapeutic telehealth appointments; this is an outlet for community members to express their worries, be heard, and gain support. Call 302-781-4537 (4JFS) to talk to our team!
If you have questions, concerns, or need assistance accessing our telehealth/remote services, please call our standard office number: 302-478-9411.
UPDATE: March 16, 2020, 4:30PM
ACTION PLAN: moving to Phase 4 (Remote)
JFS is grateful for your flexibility and trust as we move through these uncertain times with COVID-19. Our team is prepared to respond to the needs of our community using the most updated technology and support services available.
Effective Wednesday, March 18, JFS’ team of dedicated therapists, psychiatrists, social workers, and care managers will begin to provide REMOTE support to clients. All JFS offices will be CLOSED until further notice. Our team is prepared to provide counseling via telehealth (secure ZOOM video/call) and continue case management services via phone. We are working tirelessly to ensure continuity of care for our existing clients and respond to the increased needs of our community.
Questions you may have:
- How can I get in touch with my therapist and/or a JFS staff member?
Our phone lines will be operating! You can call our main number (302-478-9411) and asked to be connected with whomever you need. JFS staff will also continue to respond to and send email communications. - Is telehealth covered by insurance?
JFS has received confirmation that most insurances will cover telehealth services. Our team is prepared to answer questions about coverage under specific insurance plans. - Is JFS still taking new clients right now?
YES! If you are in need of support, give us a call and we can connect you with our intake specialist to help you get started. - Are support groups still happening?
We will be posting a modified schedule for virtual support groups – stay tuned!
If you have additional questions, concerns, or need assistance accessing our telehealth/remote services, please call us at 302-478-9411.
UPDATE: March 15, 2020, 6:10PM
ACTION PLAN: Phase 3 (Transition)
JFS is still in PHASE 3:our offices are still OPEN but we have some updates about our options for remote services and other preparations. Our team has been working thoughtfully over the weekend to ensure our clients throughout the state continue to receive the services they need. Here is what we are doing:
- Counseling staff is prepared to meet clients in-person or via ZOOM (a secure telehealth option).
- Family Crisis Therapists will be providing support to students via ZOOM, while schools are closed.
- Older Adult clients will get rides to essential doctor appointments and receive personalized phone calls to ensure their safety and well-being.
- Refugee and Émigré families will receive continued case management and additional supports as needed via phone.
- Checking in with all clients to ensure they have what they need, and keeping our pantry stocked to deliver additional food & supplies as needed.
- Counseling staff is preparing to host ZOOM video programs – open to the ENTIRE community – to provide tools and address increased and additional stressors during this time. (Stay tuned for dates & login information!)
- Thinking creatively and strategically to engage volunteers who are healthy and willing to help.
- Caring for ourselves and our staff so we can continue to care for YOU!
If you need access to our telehealth services, or have other questions or concerns, please call us at 302-478-9411. JFS is here to help!
UPDATE: March 13, 2020, 5:00PM
ACTION PLAN: Phase 3 (Transition)
Thank You to everyone taking the suggested, necessary precautions to keep our community healthy.
Today (3/13/2020), JFS has moved to STAGE 3 of our Action Plan; here’s what that means:
- As of now, our offices are still open for ALL in-person appointments, but we urge each individual to please use your best judgment based on personal comfort level and the health guidelines about present symptoms and/or recent exposure to COVID-19.
- JFS’ Leadership Team is pursuing options to begin providing telehealth counseling services ASAP for everyone with the technological capabilities. (If you are a client and have not yet received an email or call about telehealth, call 302-478-9411 x136)
- NOTE: We will be completing a health questionnaire for all who enter our offices to ensure the safety of everyone on the premises.
- If you are unsure whether you should visit our offices or would like more information about telehealth and other remote services, please call us at 302-478-9411.
- ALL in-person group gatherings and meetings will be suspended until further notice.
- We are exploring opportunities to hold support groups and meetings via ZOOM audio/video calls.
- If you participate in one of our support groups and would like to gain access to ZOOM, please contact the staff person who facilitates your group or call 302-478-9411 for instructions. (Telephone and/or webcam will be required)
- We have limited all JFS Village rides to essential medical appointments only. Thank you to our volunteers who are helping with these rides as well as delivering groceries/meals to those who are homebound.
Updates and more information about telehealth services and ZOOM meetings will be posted soon.
UPDATE: March 12, 2020
ACTION PLAN: Phase 2 (Assess)
At JFS, the health and safety of those we serve and work with is our highest priority. As the global outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to evolve, JFS Delaware is taking a number of steps to prepare for its impact on our community as well as assessing our ability to deliver services as safely and effectively as possible. These steps include reviewing our emergency preparedness plans, devising a Pandemic Action Plan, and providing key updates to our clients and community on this Coronavirus webpage.
Due to the rapidly changing nature of this situation, we will continue to monitor on a daily basis and assess the most recent, confirmed Coronavirus activity reported in Delaware. Our goal is to move forward with doing business as usual, by being safer and smarter.
As of Thursday, March 12, 2020, the following groups have been CANCELLED:
- ALL Memory Café Meetings
- 3/14 SMART Recovery Workshop
- 3/14 ASK Meeting
As a reminder, JFS is here to help anyone who needs mental health support and services, especially during stressful times. If you or a loved one is experiencing mental health concerns, including increased anxiety, please call JFS at 302-478-9411.
Rest assured, we will remain vigilant in our efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Please review the sections below this message for best practices from the CDC and JFS’ precautions. If you are unsure whether you should visit our offices or would like more information about telehealth and other remote services, please call us at 302-478-9411.
Thank you for your support, trust, and patience – we all have a role to play in keeping our community healthy.
Best Practices and Advised Precautions
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds – especially after using the restroom, before eating, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
- If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- Limit physical contact with others such as handshakes or high fives
- Stay home when you are sick
- Cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow or a tissue (rather than your hands), and throw the tissue away
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe
As part of our regular procedures at JFS, we will:
- Wipe down tables and chairs in our reception areas, door handles and hard surfaces with antibacterial wipes
- Increase the frequency of hard surface cleanings
- Add antibacterial soap to all sink areas
- Add more hand sanitizer stations in the building
Please visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) or World Health Organization’s (WHO) websites for updates about Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
For updates from Delaware’s Division of Public Health, visit www.de.gov/coronavirus or contact their call center at 1-866-408-1899.