It is in the abundance of caution that I share Symphony’s strategy to react to the real risk of the COVID-19 pandemic that is plaguing the globe. Our goal is to protect our team members and our residents from the potential spread of the virus.
– Tim
Communications, Policies, and Resources
Staff communications and policies
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February 9, 2022 – Masking Update
Today’s announcement by Governor Hochul lifts masking requirements in public indoor places in NY. While the requirement will be lifted in NYS, Symphony will keep its current policies in place in NY and PA locations and reevaluate it in the near future.
January 31, 2022 – Updates re: Quarantine and Leave
This letter will focus on the ever changing, and sometimes confusing COVID related protocols in NYS and PA. The COVID Task Force continues to meet weekly and has attempted to simplify the rules so each team member is prepared in the event of a COVID-19 exposure or contracting the virus.
NY HERO ACT Airborne Infectious Disease
Exposure Prevention Plan
The purpose of this plan is to protect employees against exposure and disease during an airborne infectious disease outbreak. This plan goes into effect when an airborne infectious disease is designated by the New York State Commissioner of Health as a highly contagious communicable disease that presents a serious risk of harm to the public health.
October 8, 2021 – FFCRA and Health Questions
In response to New York State’s HERO Act, starting next week, when you clock into Paychex Time and Attendance, you’ll receive a short daily health questionnaire regarding COVID-19. Also, while FFCRA paid leave has expired as of September 30, 2021, Symphony is extending our own version of the program.
August 16, 2021 – Return to masking
Please find the attached memo outlining a temporary roll back of our masking policies while at work. While this was a tough decision to make, the COVID-19 task force must recognize the increasing transmission and risk of the Delta variant in our communities.
June 17, 2021 – Update to masks and reopening
We are excited to share that after 15 months of dealing with this pandemic, we are starting down the path to normal. Site teams may now update signage (see attached) and reopen, as you see fit, to the public. Vaccinated employees may now remove face coverings (with a few limitations) while at work.
May 28, 2021 – Masks and updated CDC guidance
We are not taking our masks off…Not yet at least.
Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or new to Symphony, we’ve always taken a prudent and measured approach to COVID-19’s ever-changing landscape. Please see the attached letter for more updates.
March 26, 2021 – COVID-19 Updated Vaccine Info
The COVID-19 task force writes to each of you with updated information regarding vaccine eligibility, paid time provided for vaccination, and appointment scheduling. A lot has changed since our last communication less than a month ago!
February 26, 2021 – COVID-19 Vaccination Information
Please find the attached letter regarding eligibility for vaccination in New York State and Erie, PA. New York State expanded its eligibility to include items some of us may qualify for.
November 20, 2020 – Sick Time and Other Time Off
Symphony’s COVID-19 Task Force is sharing the attached guidance regarding the use of Sick days as well as two Federal programs to ensure that workers are not forced to choose between their paychecks and the public health measures needed to combat the virus.
November 3, 2020 – Updated Safety Requirements
We’ve learned from recent experiences that a positive COVID-19 case has the potential to shut down an entire community and seriously impact operations for the site. In light of this, the COVID-19 task force is issuing the attached 11th letter to all employees emphasizing three main points (1) wearing a mask properly while at work (2) social distancing (3) new work order protocols.
October 16, 2020 – Safe Practices, Air Quality, and Time Off
Our tenth COVID-19 Task Force Communication: We’ve done a great job so far! This note includes a few reminders to please continue to adhere to previously established safety practices, thanks to Fred for quickly and efficiently completing the Air Quality Project for our offices, and information regarding vacation time. As always, stay smart and stay safe!
August 21, 2020 – Maintaining Balance: School Reopening and Self Care
As the summer season comes to a close, the COVID-19 task force and I wanted to share some thoughts and guidance as we head into the fall. As a company, Symphony understands everyone’s situation is different and we are dedicated to providing the flexibility you may need in the coming months.
July 2, 2020 – Travel Advisory and Updates
As things gradually re-open around us, Symphony has continued to remain in our Phase 1 plan across the footprint. In addition, rising infection rates in many States has prompted Governor Cuomo to take action. The result is a mandatory quarantine for all New Yorkers who have traveled to a high infectious state.
June 3, 2020 – Start of Phase 1 Reopening
Greetings Everyone – I’m excited to announce we will be moving into our Phase 1 reopening plans starting today. Please remember that although we are beginning to relax some of our COVID-19 protocols, many of the risks are still present in our communities so remember to stay vigilant and keep one another safe.
May 18, 2020 – Reopening Plans – Phase 1
Symphony will implement a phased reopening plan as each State/County/Local Area permits. Erie PA has begun to reopen while Erie County, NY and the surrounding regions continue to move in a positive direction. The latest news in Erie County, NY is that we’ve met 6 out of 7 of the prescribed goals to begin opening. This is great news for us and the region.
May 4, 2020 – Staff Memo #5
As we hear and see more and more news about opening back up across the nation, we find that Erie county continues to see a rise in COVID-19 cases. With the majority of our communities in this county, we asked ourselves last week: How and when will we change how we’ve been working?
April 17, 2020 – Staff Memo #4
As we reach the end of our fifth week (yes, five weeks!) the COVID-19 task force and I thought we should reach out to everyone, share a few updates, and simply say keep up the great work, hang in there, and thank you for your continued support during these challenging times.
March 24, 2020 – Tips for Working from Home
Most importantly, find what works for you to stay healthy and productive while working from home. These tips are only suggestions. Share what does and doesn’t work for you. Support each other. We will get through this.
March 20, 2020 – Resident Notice
Notice for posting in common areas or delivery door-to-door regarding actions to take in the event that residents or a family member, roommate, or friend believe they may have contracted the COVID-19 virus.
March 20, 2020 – Staff Memo #3
End of 1st week in “crisis operation mode.” Updates regarding paid time off/sick time, office staffing, and ongoing adjustments to our process.
CDC “Stop the Spread” Flyer – English
Simple steps to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses. May be posted in offices and public areas.
CDC “Stop the Spread” Flyer – Spanish
Simple steps to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses. May be posted in offices and public areas.
March 15, 2020 – Staff Memo #2
After much consideration and discussion this weekend, the regional staff and I have decided to act decisively to the threat of the COVID-19 virus. All offices will be closed to the public, on site staffing will be cut to minimum levels, and personal contact will be limited effective immediately.
March 13, 2020 – Staff Memo #1
Our first action item as a company is to establish a task force whose responsibility it will be to monitor the global situation, our community footprint, and to keep us informed. Initial recommendations on “stop the spread of germs” and how we will proactively prepare.
