COVID-19 Operations Preparedness Plan for Joseph T. Harris American Legion Post 163 Inc.
Effectivity of Executive order(s)
Executive Order 05.28.20.02 issued by Gov. Brian Kemp on May 28, 2020, states that all businesses, establishments, corporations, non-profit Corporations or organizations that are not Critical Infrastructure that continue in-person operations during the effective dates of this order Shall implement measures that mitigate the exposure and spread of COVID-19 among it’s workforce. Such measures as defined on page 12 of the above-mentioned executive order are hereby made a part of this plan as attachment one (1) and are hereby acknowledged by Joseph T. Harris American Legion Post 163 Inc., registered with the sate of Georgia as 501 (c ) (19) non-profit Veterans Organization.
Executive Order 05.28.20.02 issued by Gov. Brian Kemp on May 28, 2020, states, that in addition to the applicable requirements above for non-critical infrastructure, businesses which posses a license to operate as or otherwise meet the definition of “bar” as defined by Code Section 3-1-2-(2.1) shall implement additional measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, as practicable. Such measures as defined on page 18-20 of the above-mentioned executive order are hereby made a part of this plan as attachment two (2) and are hereby acknowledged by Joseph T. Harris American Legion Post 163 Inc., whose lounge is licensed by Barrow County, Georgia and meets the definition of “bar” as defined by Code Section 3-1-2-(2.1) .
In addition, Executive Order 05.28.20.01_0 states that the Public Health State of Emergency declared by Executive Order 03.14.20.01 and renewed by Executive Orders 04.08.20.02 and 04.30.20.01 which is set to expire on Friday, June 12. 2020 at 11:59 PM, shall be renewed for thirty (30) days. AND, that the Public Health State of Emergency shall terminate on Sunday, July 12, 2020 at 11:59 PM unless it is renewed by the Governor.
Because of current business operating restrictions, American Legion, District 10 Commander has issued direction for all District 10 Posts to formalize a Post Operations and Management plan during these trying times of COVID-19. This Plan establishes and explains the necessary practices, procedures, and conditions necessary to meet the mandatory measures outlined by attachment(s) one (1) and two (2) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Georgia Department of Health (GDH) guidelines for COVID-19, federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. Post Leadership strongly supports this effort developed and implemented with the cooperation of Post employees and members.
Post 163 COVID-19 Plan includes and describes how we will implement at a minimum the following:
1. Infection prevention measures.
2. Prompt identification and isolation of sick persons.
3. Facilities Management and administrative controls for social distancing.
4. Vendor/Member controls and protections for drop-off, pick-up and delivery.
5. Housekeeping, including cleaning, disinfecting and decontamination.
6. Hygiene and respiratory etiquette
7. Communications and training for Post Leadership and members necessary to implement the plan; and
8. Provisions for Post Executive Committee to ensure effective ongoing implementation of this plan.
Post 163 is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all our Post members during these difficult times. Post officers, employees and members are all responsible for implementing this plan. Our goal is to mitigate the potential for transmission of COVID-19 within our Post and surrounding communities, and that requires full cooperation of all members and visitors while on Post 163 property. Only through this cooperative effort can we establish and maintain the safety and health of our Post. Post 163 Executive Committee is responsible for evaluating the provisions of this policy.
Screening and policies for Members exhibiting signs and symptoms of COVID-19
Members have been informed of current CDC and State restrictions for social distancing, mass gatherings and Guidelines to self-monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. The following policies and procedures are being implemented to assess members’ health status prior to entering the Post and for members to report when they are sick or experiencing symptoms. Executive Order 05.28.20.02 requires all staff wear a mask or
face shield upon entering Post facilities cleaned or replaced daily. Signs will be posted at entrance to Post 163 facility identifying current State of Georgia guidelines. Post members are encouraged to stay at home when they are sick, when household members are sick, or when required by a health care provider to isolate or quarantine themselves or a member of their household, in which case, members are ask to alert Post 163 of any personal contacts made while in attendance on Post property. Post 163 has an obligation to inform members if they have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 and recommend they self-quarantine for the required amount of time. In addition, the Post is further obligated to protect the privacy of members’ health status and health information.
Handwashing
Basic infection prevention measures are being implemented at all times. Post employees are instructed to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water frequently throughout the day, but especially at the beginning and end of their shift, prior to any mealtimes and after using the toilet. All visitors to the facility will be required to wash their hands prior to or immediately upon entering the facility. As much as possible, hand-sanitizer dispensers (that use sanitizers of greater than 60% alcohol) can be used for hand hygiene in place of soap and water, as long as hands are not visibly soiled.
Respiratory etiquette: Cover your cough or sneeze
Members and visitors are instructed to cover their mouth and nose with their sleeve or a tissue when coughing or sneezing and to avoid touching their face, in particular their mouth, nose and eyes, with their hands. They should dispose of tissues in the trash and wash or sanitize their hands immediately afterward. Respiratory etiquette will be supported by making tissues and trash receptacles available to all members and visitors.
Social distancing
Per CDC guidelines, Social distancing is being implemented in the Post through the following facilities and administrative controls:
- Regular scheduled meetings, to the extent possible will be conducted via telephone/teleconference
- No more than 10 members per 500 square feet to minimize contacts
- Spacing of tables and bar seating to allow 6 feet between other seating arrangements.
- Provide signage or instructions for employees, members, and visitors.
- Members and visitors are prohibited from gathering in large groups.
- Members and visitors are prohibited from using other members’ personal protective equipment, phones, computer equipment, or other personal work tools and equipment.
Housekeeping
Regular housekeeping practices are being implemented, including routine cleaning and disinfecting of work surfaces, equipment, tools and machinery, in the Post environment, including restrooms, meeting rooms, and drop-off and pick-up locations. Frequent cleaning and disinfecting will be conducted in high-touch areas, such as phones, door handles, railings, copy machines, credit card readers, delivery equipment, etc. Surfaces contacted by members will be sanitized/disinfected before, during (numerous), and after each shift. If it is determined that a member of Post 163 is diagnosed with COVID-19 after being admitted to Post property, a total cleaning/sanitizing of the facility shall be accomplished, and notifications made to members per Screening paragraph above.
Communications and training
When approved, this Operations Preparedness Plan must be communicated via email and Post 163 website www.americanlegionpost163.org to all members and necessary training provided. Additional communication and training will be ongoing and provided to all members who did not receive the initial training. Instructions will be communicated to members about how drop-off, pick-up and delivery will be conducted to ensure social distancing between the members. and about the recommendation that members use face masks when dropping off or picking up. Post Executive Committee will monitor how effective the program is being implemented and adjust the plan accordingly. This COVID-19 Operations Preparedness Plan has been approved as indicated by Post Commander’s signature below and is posted throughout the Post and will be updated, as necessary.
Effects on Post Finance
Current restrictions means taking a fresh look at Post fundraising methods to determine effects on the standards of supply and demand and how we need to reallocate our efforts to invest the Post’s time and money for max return while maintaining compliance to CDC and Governor Kemp’s operating guidelines.
1-Adjust Post hours
2-Adjust facility controls accordingly (AC/Power Consumption)
3- Adjust/coordinate supplier/distributor purchasing practices to reduced hours and patrons
4- Identify/Maintain regulatory obligations (e.g. financial tax reporting and compliance)
Adjust fund raising activities for changing environment
- Executive Committee Event Planning considerations.
- Current social restrictions and age of membership
- On-line raffles
- On-line silent auctions
- Drive thru lunches/dinners
- “Soft Opening Events” e.g., with “Weekly Wednesday Vets Breakfast” following “Dine In” guidelines.
- Consider results of Post Membership Survey
- What are deterrents for members participating in events?
- What members would like to see added to improve meetings/events
We are doing our best to offer an enjoyable experience in these unusual times, but we also understand that this is not "business as usual" and the measures set forth by state will require a different Legion experience than we are all used to. We are eager to welcome you back and will continue working diligently to make your Legion experience safe and enjoyable. Thank you for continuing to support Post 163 as we endeavor to move forward.