COVID-19 Information
This will act as a central location to find any information we are posting about the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, starting with IPUL's current status.
News
IPUL and COVID-19
Our office is closed, but WE ARE STILL WORKING! The best method to reach us is through our website request form:
https://ipulidaho.org/
We are still monitoring our intake phone line several times a day, and will try to respond to any request there within 24 hours.
Please be aware that messages left directly on our personal extensions looking for new assistance will have a delayed response - new requests for assistance should go through the above methods.
For questions that are not about something in our scope of work, you can still leave a phone message as above, or send us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - this account will be monitored daily, but is not as heavily monitored as the main intake systems.
Thanks for your understanding and patience.
As our monthly workshop is primarily virtual it will proceed as planned. (but 100% virtual now)
Idaho State Board of Education Orders Four-Week 'soft closure'
The State Board of Education has ordered a four-week public school closure — and the shutdown could run longer.
During what the board called a “soft closure,” schools will be closed to students. At least for now, the shutdown runs through April 20.
The shutdown is designed to provide some guidance for school administrators, as a global pandemic shakes the foundation of Idaho education.
Read the entire article at this link.
COVID-19 Letter for Parents
COVID-19 Letter for Parents from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Children's DD Program
March 16, 2020
Dear Parent:
As you have heard, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has now been diagnosed in individuals in Idaho. As we learn more about this virus, we want to assure you that The Department is taking steps to prevent the spread of this virus while considering your child’s well-being.
To encourage social distancing during this time, the Children’s Developmental Disabilities Program is making the following accommodations:
- All Family Centered Planning meetings will be conducted over the phone through March 31, 2020 or until further notice to help reduce the threat of continuing spread of the virus. If you feel you need to meet face to face with your Case Manager please call them to discuss the need.
- Your child’s Case Manager will be available by phone to answer any questions regarding access and services. Local offices will remain open during this time.
- All Family Directed Guide meetings will be suspended until further notice.
- If you have questions about the virus, it is important to obtain information from a trusted source such as https://coronavirus.idaho.gov/ or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Please consider obtaining information on how to prepare your household for possible exposure to the virus.
Here are a few steps you can immediately begin taking to help prevent the spread of this virus. For prevention measures, the CDC recommends that everyone follow the normal precautions for avoiding the flu and other respiratory diseases:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in public; going to the bathroom, before eating after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least
- 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
Sincerely,
Susan Stumph
Children’s DD Program
Family and Community Services