COVID-19 Updates & Information

In an effort to manage and organize the influx of information regarding our CoronaVirus response and communications to the Choices staff, we’ve created ChoicesAZ.com/corona. We want to keep this page for staff only, so please don’t share the website address with anyone outside of Choices.

You’ll notice that we have created links for easily accessible information that you may want to refer to regularly, such as “Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), etc. Underneath it, we will inventory all other staff communication regarding the CoronaVirus.

To expedite any questions or concerns that you might have, please use the button below that will be delivered to the Choices management team. We’ll respond as quickly as possible. You are also welcome to ask your supervisor.

Ask a Question

COVID-19 Updates & Information

In an effort to manage and organize the influx of information regarding our CoronaVirus response and communications to the Choices staff, we’ve created ChoicesAZ.com/corona. We want to keep this page for staff only, so please don’t share the website address with anyone outside of Choices.

You’ll notice that we have created links for easily accessible information that you may want to refer to regularly, such as “Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), etc. Underneath it, we will inventory all other staff communication regarding the CoronaVirus.

To expedite any questions or concerns that you might have, please use the button below that will be delivered to the Choices management team. We’ll respond as quickly as possible. You are also welcome to ask your supervisor.

Ask a Question

Links:

1/5/2022

See revised CDC Isolation and Quarantine Guidance

If a person is Covid positive they are to:

  • Isolate for 5 days
  • If no symptoms or symptoms are resolving (no fever X 24 hours) they may return to work, but they must wear a mask for 6-10 days.

If a person is exposed to Covid and:

  • Has been boosted
    Or
  • Completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine within the last 6 months
    Or
  • Completed the primary series of J&J vaccine within the last 2 months

Then:

  • Wear a mask around others for 10 days.
  • Test on day 5, if possible.
  • If you develop symptoms, get a test and stay home.

If exposed and:

  • Completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine over 6 months ago and are not boosted
    Or
  • Completed the primary series of J&J over 2 months ago and are not boosted
    Or
  • Are unvaccinated

Then:

  • Stay home for 5 days. After that continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.
  • If you can’t quarantine you must wear a mask for 10 days.
  • Test on day 5, if possible.
  • If you develop symptoms, get a test and stay home.

Please contact Michelle Tussing if there are any questions or concerns regarding a specific case.

10/13/2020

Effective Wednesday, October 14th, we’ll be implementing the following changes:

  1. No longer require the taking of client temperatures.
  2. Allow one guest with client for all client appointments.
  3. Boutique donations will no longer be quarantined. Fabric items may be placed in the boutique according to standard procedures.

These are the only three changes being implemented at this time. We’ll continue all existing client check-in and COVID protocols, and continue daily temperature taking of all staff, allowing us to facilitate a mask-free environment outside of client interaction.

Please contact your center director with any questions. Also, please see the Questions and Answers Regarding Choices and the CoronaVirus (COVID-19) document for complete client check-in protocols.

6/15/2020

As per updated CDC guidelines, the following changes in COVID-19 protocol are now in effect.

  1. The Glendale and Mesa lobbies are now open to clients who have passed our current health screening process.
  2. LifePath classes for individuals and couples may resume.
  3. Donations may be accepted as long as they can be wiped down.
  4. Boutiques are open for shoppers one at a time (or one couple at a time).

4/9/2020

Due to variabilities in environmental temperatures and physical activity, we are raising the screening temperature to 100.4. This temp is the standard from the CDC.

Thank you,
Michelle

4/3/2020

Following Dr. Fauci’s (NIAID Director/NIH) recommendations this morning we are
adding the following to the information below. The protocol for donning and doffing the
masks remains the same- so please review that procedure below.

Dr. Fauci stated this morning that his recommendation is to wear masks in public
spaces and when you are within 6 feet of others.

So for Choices, I recommend that:

  • all center staff should wear masks when are in public areas.
  • if you are alone in your office you don’t need to wear a mask.
  • center staff allocates enough cloth masks for every staff and volunteer you
    expect in the center.
  • we ask clients to wear a mask or bandana around their face while getting their
    temperature taken and while in the building.
  • if not -give them one of our leftover cloth or paper masks to keep.
  • screening temp is changed to 100.0 and above.

Protocol for wearing a surgical mask at Choices.

  1. Wash hands and or use hand sanitizer before touching, removing or applying
    your mask. Every time.
  2. When not needed, after washing hands, carefully remove your mask. Using ear
    elastic fold the mask once outside/in. So the client-facing side is folded together.
  3. Place your mask in a paper bag with your name on it. Leave the bag open to the
    air.
  4. Wash your hands before and after reapplying your mask

Surgical masks or homemade masks should be used to prevent staff and volunteers from large particles or splashes. They are not protective in regards to very small particles that can be transmitted through coughs etc.

As a reminder, our clients are being carefully screened before entering our facility regarding any symptoms, travel, and exposure.

The FDA states that when properly worn, surgical masks are “meant to help block large-particle droplets, splashes, sprays or splatter that may contain germs (viruses and bacteria), keeping it from reaching your mouth and nose.”

The FDA added, however, that a surgical mask “by design, does not filter or block very small particles in the air that may be transmitted by coughs, sneezes, or certain medical procedures.”

The CDC has said its recommendation that doctors can use surgical masks instead of N95 masks is based on “local and regional situational analysis of [protective equipment] supplies.”

The CDC says you can wear a bandana or scarf in the place of a mask–for large particles or splashes.

4/2/2020

Team,

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation continues to impact our country and the environment we operate in remains very fluid. Many organizations, including Choices, are faced with being very agile, and at times making difficult decisions. As you know, one of these decisions was to temporarily close the Phoenix and Tempe Centers on March 23, 2020. We took steps to consolidate our workforce into our Glendale and Mesa Centers so that we could continue to provide the “essential services” defined by Arizona Governor Doug Ducey, to clients on the East and West side of the Valley.

Information from our Federal and State leaders continues to be modified to take the necessary precautions to keep our communities safe – and they are tightening these precautions with every day that passes. We are continuing to proactively monitor these developments.

Phoenix and Tempe Centers

At this time, our Phoenix and Tempe Centers will remain closed through the end of April. At that time we will reevaluate the situation, our position as an organization, and our path forward.

Individuals Who Want to Return to Work

As we have communicated from the start, we want staff to make the decisions that are right for their personal situation in regards to the COVID-19 situation. As a result, Choices provided an extension of up to two weeks of Personal Time Off (PTO) for all employees (based on your normal accrual). As individuals who have been out on PTO are now reassessing their personal situation, we have employees that are inquiring about coming back to work.

For any employee who has been out on PTO over the past two weeks and now wants to return, our heart is to potentially offer positions in Glendale or Mesa if the need exists. The following process should be followed for those individuals seeking to return to work:

  • Contact Martha Gasewicz, Human Resources, at mgasewicz@cpcphoenix.org or call 602-508-3340. Let her know of your desire to return.
  • The needs of Choices will be assessed in regard to available positions with appropriate management.
  • Martha will then contact the individual who wants to return to let them know what potential position is available and discuss their potential availability.
  • All decisions regarding returning to work will need to have the final approval of Choices’ President Marc Burmich.
  • Once Marc has approved, the Center Director of the location where the position is being offered will work with Martha to provide appropriate paperwork to the individual. The Center Director will then contact the individual to discuss the start date and other details.

Please keep in mind the following:

  • Since our labor needs continue to fluctuate within our open Centers, we reserve the right to offer a position at the Center where the need is greatest.
  • There is no guarantee that a position will be available upon return, therefore, the individual may be offered a different position.
  • If the individual accepts the position they will report to the Director of the Center where they have been assigned.
  • We have implemented a variety of new processes and procedures to protect our staff, clients, and community. The returning employee will need to undergo some additional training on Day One of their return.
  • If they are unable to return to work or to take a position at one of our open Centers, we will no longer be able to offer employment at Choices if their available PTO
  • and vacation time have expired or government benefits under The Families First Coronavirus Response Act have expired or don’t apply to the situation.

As we continue to navigate through these uncharted waters, please understand the need for understanding, patience, and flexibility. Thank you! We continue to wait expectantly for how God is shaping us as individuals and as an organization.

Thank you,
Marc

4/1/2020

Anyone working in the center (staff/volunteers/administration) must take their temperature and record it on the log in the center. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 may not work in the center. Also, a person should be aware of any sudden spikes. For example, If I normally have a low baseline and one day I get a reading of 99.4, I will stay home because I’m never that high.

Face mask recommendations from Director of Nursing, Michelle Tussing:

  • All staff and volunteers should be wearing masks while meeting with clients in closed counseling, doing pregnancy tests ultrasound rooms.
  • All other staff/volunteers can wear masks in the center if they feel more comfortable.
  • Masks should be stored in a paper bag with person name on it, when not in use.
  • Paper masks should be disposed of at the end of the day.
  • Cloth masks need to be taken home and washed. Warm water and soap are sufficient to kill the virus.
  • Before donning the mask, hands should be washed. Be doffing (taking off) the mask hands should be washed.
  • Carefully remove the mask trying to touch only the inside of the mask and fold it in on itself. Facing out portions touching–Place in bag and wash hands again!

3/31/2020

Team,

As we all are aware, the environment that we continue to operate in with COVID-19 is very fluid and new information is released rapidly. I want you to know that we are proactively monitoring the information coming from Washington, including the FFCRA (Families First Coronavirus Response Act) that recently passed, going into effect April 1, 2020.

Below is new information regarding Paid Sick and Family Leave Time, as well as additional information that you need to familiarize yourself with.

Please see the Employee Rights poster that contains the current Federal guidelines for COVID-19 related absences, which will be posted in all centers.

It’s imperative if you will be using Paid Sick or Family Leave time, that the updated Absence Request Form is completed in its entirety, along with the necessary documentation.

There is an additional form (E-FMLA Request COVID-19) that needs to be completed if you are requesting time under the E-FMLA portion. Of equal importance is that ADP is appropriately completed on a weekly basis and that the correct Sick/PTO or FMLA option on the drop-down is utilized.

Below is a list of all new and updated forms. These are all in PDF format and can be downloaded at any time:

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Martha Gasewicz, our Human Resources specialist, by phone at 602-508-3340, or on her cell at 602-689-9809, or by email.

PLEASE NOTE: The sooner we are aware of your intention of using leave under the Act, the better-prepared Choices can be in serving our clients. Please let your supervisor know ASAP regarding your thoughts.

Team,

I wanted to pass along our revised donation criteria during this time.

We don’t want to discourage anyone from blessing our ministry, but we need to operate within new safety protocols and guidelines.

At this time, Choices should only be accepting the following items:

  • Packages of Diapers (Preferably larger sizes 3 and up)
  • Baby Wipes
  • Baby Wash, Shampoo & Lotion
  • New in Package Bottles & Pacifiers
  • Formula and Baby Food

All items should be wiped down by a staff person as soon as possible using antibacterial wipes or antibacterial spray and paper towels before putting the items in stock. Should you have any questions or need additional clarification, please contact Becky Brown.

Thank you,
Marc

3/30/2020

Team,

The latest Executive Order issued today (3/30/2020) by Governor Doug Ducey ask Arizonian’s to limit their time away from their place of residence or property.

This new order still allows “Essential Services” to continue.

This list has not changed from when it was issued 3/23/2020. Therefore, as “Essential Services,” our heart is to continue to provide services at our Choices Pregnancy Centers and to demonstrate and share a Greater Love to our clients.

Lastly, at this time, no “driving permit” is required to commute to and from your place of business.

Thank you,
Marc

3/25/2020

NEW UPDATE 3.25.20: Check for New York travel

Inquire as to whether the client has recently traveled from another state. If they have traveled from NY, the White House is recommending self-quarantine for 14 days. We cannot admit a client into the center who has traveled to NY within the past 14 days. Please ask the client to reschedule after that time as long as she/he is confirmed to be in good health.

3/23/2020

Governor’s Office Provides Clarity in Regards to Essential Services

I’ve been asked several times in various conversations if Choices Pregnancy Centers would be deemed “essential services” during the COVID-19 situation. Yesterday, the Arizona Governor’s office issued an Executive Order to provide clarity in regards to this question. The answer seems to be a resounding YES. Click here to read the news release from the Governor’s office.

Thank you again for continuing to stand with us to demonstrate and share a GREATER LOVE with our clients. I’m hearing great stories from inside our centers that remain open that God is at work. I’m proud to serve with you!

Surgical masks or homemade masks can be used to prevent staff and volunteers from large particles or splashes. They are not protective in regards to very small particles that can be transmitted through coughs etc.

As a reminder, our clients are being carefully screened before entering our facility regarding any symptoms, travel, and exposure. The use of masks is not a recommendation from the CDC for well clinics such as Choices but is being made available to you as long as supplies last if you choose to wear one.

The FDA states that when properly worn, surgical masks are “meant to help block large-particle droplets, splashes, sprays or splatter that may contain germs (viruses and bacteria), keeping it from reaching your mouth and nose.”

The FDA added, however, that a surgical mask “by design, does not filter or block very small particles in the air that may be transmitted by coughs, sneezes, or certain medical procedures.”

The CDC has said its recommendation that doctors can use surgical masks instead of N95 masks is based on “local and regional situational analysis of [protective equipment] supplies.”

The CDC says you can wear a bandana or scarf in the place of a mask–for large particles or splashes.

Protocol for wearing a surgical mask at Choices.

  1. Wash hands and or use hand sanitizer before touching, removing or applying your mask. Every time.
  2. When not needed, after washing hands, carefully remove your mask. Using ear elastic fold the mask once outside/in. So the client-facing side is folded together.
  3. Place your mask in a paper bag with your name on it. Leave the bag open to air.
  4. Wash your hands before and after reapplying your mask

3/20/2020

NEW UPDATE 3.19.2020: Close the Lobby.

  • Lock the Lobby door
    • Place sign on the front door instructing clients to call the center to check-in. They will be asked for a cell number that can be texted when it is time for their appointment to begin.
    • Upon Client’s Arrival:
    • Inquire as to whether client has had a fever within the last 48 hours, a recent onset of cough or body aches, or been in contact with someone with COVID-19. If so, for the safety and wellbeing of the entire center, the client should be asked to reschedule the appointment. A person must be fever free without the use of fever-reducing medication. (If discovered mid-appointment that the client is ill, the service should be immediately halted and rescheduled.)
    • Inquire as to whether the client has recently been out of the country. In regards to the nature of Coronavirus, per the CDC guidelines, if a staff member discovers a client has recently been out of the country take the following steps:
      • Ask when they returned to the country. If it has been within 14 days.
      • Ask which country they visited.
      • If this country is listed by the CDC as having a Level 3 Travel Health Notice (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/after-travel-precautions.html):
      • Do not schedule an appointment at this time. Provide the information in the CDC Health Alert. Invite the caller to call back and schedule an appointment once he/she is confirmed to have good health.
      • If already at the center, the client appointment should be immediately halted and rescheduled for after the 2 week period. Verify prior to the appointment the client does not have any symptoms of illness. Encourage clients to follow recommendations per the CDC Health Alert.
    • The receptionist will write the client’s name and cell number on sign-in sheet.
    • For PTs: Intake will be done verbally over the phone and receptionist will input directly into Waycool. Limitations can be signed and the driver’s license scanned when the client is called in to start the appointment.)
    • For U/S: Client should wait in the car until the u/s room or exam room is available. Client will be escorted to that room to fill out paperwork.

NEW UPDATE 3.19.2020: No guests may accompany PT appointments.

NEW UPDATE 3.19.2020: Only 1 guest may accompany an U/S appointment and will wait outside until notified.

NEW UPDATE 3.19.2020: The only donations that may be received at this time are diapers and wipes or new, packaged items. All items must be disinfected. No clothing or used equipment may be accepted at this time.

NEW UPDATE 3.19.2020: Offer Telehealth appointments when possible. See P&P titled “Flow-Through for Tele-Health Appointments”.

3/19/2020

Team,

We continue to evaluate the current state of affairs surrounding the Coronavirus situation and the impact it is having on our Centers. Following is an important update regarding our centers:

Phoenix and Tempe Centers Closing

We have made the decision to temporarily close our Phoenix and Tempe Centers due to staffing/volunteer shortages. They will be closed starting Monday, March 23. Glendale and Mesa will remain open. Our goal is to consolidate the available workforce into the two centers and still be able to serve all our clients during this time of need in the east and west valleys.

Center staff at each of these locations will coordinate the rescheduling of any standing appointments into one of our open locations.

The Phoenix and Tempe Center Directors will also be talking with their staff and volunteers in regards to their ability to fold into one of our two open centers.

Phoenix and Tempe Phones

The Center Directors will continue to answer calls into their center and offer support, encouragement, etc. by phone. The directors will schedule callers for services at appropriate centers.

Extended Paid Time Off Benefit

Effective immediately, we will extend our Paid Time Off (PTO) benefit for all full and part-time employees by two weeks based on normal work schedule accrual. We hope that this will help alleviate some of the pressure and give everyone time to evaluate the landscape that continues to change quickly. This extended PTO will be available through the end of 2020. This extended PTO cannot be carried over into 2021. If you request PTO time, the appropriate paperwork must be filled out and approved in advance.

Our hope is those who are able and willing to continue to work in our centers will do so at this critical time. Again, as we all would agree, our goal is to be a refuge of hope by keeping our centers open at a time in our country and continue to be here to demonstrate and share a Greater Love.

If you are unavailable to maintain normal working hours, please discuss your availability going forward with your Center Director.

Work From Home

Due to the nature of our business, work from home situations are very limited. Today, most of our center positions require our individuals to be physically available to serve our clients inside our locations. Job function, responsibilities, and organizational need will dictate individual situations.

Thanks for all you do and please continue to pray for each other and the entire Choices organization.

Marc Burmich
President & CEO

3/18/2020

Team,

It doesn’t seem adequate, but I want to say THANK YOU and let you know how much I appreciate your hard work during this unprecedented time in our country and organization!! I am humbled and proud by the selfless acts of “Greater Love” that are happening in all our centers.

Our heart is to continue to be a refuge of hope for women, men, and babies, demonstrating and sharing the Greater Love that is available only through Jesus. A story from one of our centers yesterday highlighted why we continue to do what we do:

The 24-year-old ABV client came into the clinic for her 5:30 p.m. appointment. With center staffing low, our volunteer advocate agreed to stay late to meet with her. The center director and advocate prayed that the client’s heart would be softened and that the right words would be said. Through the appointment, the advocate had the opportunity to share her story. As their time together drew to a close, the advocate offered the brochures that gave the facts regarding abortions to the young woman. She responded, “I don’t need that anymore. All I needed to hear today was that I can do this!” In her exit survey, the young woman rated her experience on a scale of 1 to 10 as an 11!

The safety and health of our staff and volunteers are paramount as we move forward. We continue to focus on the protocols and precautions that our medical team has established. Each of us has had to make hard decisions regarding our own situations, and we continue to honor and encourage staff and volunteers to do the right thing to keep themselves and their families safe. We know that they continue to stand with us in prayer as we move forward with our calling.

Thank you again for all that you are doing. We continue to be flexible and evaluate daily (ok, hourly) as information becomes available. God is our provider, and we will continue to focus our eyes on the creator of all life.

Proud to serve with you all.

Thank you,
Marc

3/17/2020

Message to be Added to Choices’ Phones Today to Highlight Center Precautions

All callers into our centers going forward will hear the following message before ringing inside our centers:

Choices Pregnancy Centers remain open during the Coronavirus situation to serve you. The health and safety of our clients and staff are our top priority. Therefore, we have asked all persons who have had a fever within the last 48 hours or a recent onset of cough or body aches to not enter our center. A person must be fever free without the use of fever-reducing medication. Also, please call us before you enter our clinic if you have traveled outside the U.S. within the last 14 days. Please stay on the line and we will be with you shortly.

Callers first hear this message then it will ring to the center, where either a live person will answer or the regular voicemail will play. This doesn’t replace you asking the same questions when answering the phone and making an appointment (it never hurts to reinforce this important message). We will be implementing this message from the corporate office so there is no need for you to do anything. We just want to make you aware. Thank you!

3/16/2020

Team,

In an effort to manage and organize the influx of information regarding our CoronaVirus response and communications to the Choices staff, we’ve created ChoicesAZ.com/corona. We want to keep this page for staff only, so please don’t share the website address with anyone outside of the organization.

When we update information on this page you’ll receive an email asking you to visit for more details.

It will also be a place that we can receive your questions, concerns or observations as we move forward.

Thanks again for serving and helping to demonstrate and share a Greater LOVE.

Also, please note that our website has been updated to include updated COVID-19 center protocol. You’ll find verbiage on the Home, Appointment, and Acuity scheduling pages.

Thank you,
Marc

Hello!

In light of the White House advisory this morning to slow the spread of COVID-19, the decision has been made to suspend all LifePath classes for the next two weeks – through Friday, March 27.

We do not want to lose contact with our LifePath clients during this time! Through Brightcourse, we have the ability to text lessons. Please have your advocates call their clients and let them know they are able to text the week’s lesson to them and ask if they would like to receive it. If so, click the blue “Send ViaText” box, choose your center from the drop-down box, enter the client’s cell phone number and please allow only 3 days for the client to view it, then click the green “Send Text” button. We can pull a report that will show if it was viewed and completed. Any client that completely views a lesson will earn their Baby Bucks for the week!

You may notice there is also a button to e-mail the video link to the client. For the time being, please do not use this option.

This will probably not work perfectly. For instance, only 10 people can watch videos at a time, so you may hear from the 11th person that the link didn’t work. And, there is always a learning curve when trying something new. But I am excited to give this a try during this time to stay current with our clients!

I am here to help you and your LP Instructors, so please let me know if you have any questions!

Blessings!

Becky

The ChiocesAz.com has been updated to include updated COVID-19 center protocol. You’ll find verbiage on the Home, Appointment, and Acuity scheduling pages.

We are going to suspend STD testing going forward. However, the clients who already have appts this week will be seen. And they will be seen for their follow-ups next week.

Please do not make any new STD appointments going forward. And if you have any new appointments after this week (I think there is only 1), please call them and give the usual referrals.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

God is good.

Michelle

Team,

We are continuing to monitor the Coronavirus situation. I want to make certain to clearly communicate our position in keeping our centers open at this point. You should have received a message from me earlier in regards to Choices’ current status. We have made the decision to continue to operate at this time. However, our top priorities are for your safety and health. Therefore, please let your Center Director know if you have any concerns or health-related issues that prevent you from serving at Choices at this time. We encourage those of you with underlying health issues or in certain age ranges that have been identified to be at higher risk to stay home. We appreciate your heart in wanting to serve, but we cannot emphasize enough that you are our first consideration.

We go forward trusting God! Thank you for all you continue to do and please pray for the Choices team as we continue to navigate this fluid time.

Thank you,
Marc

Marc Burmich
President & CEO | CPC of Greater Phoenix

3/13/2020

Team,

I want to share an important update regarding the CoronaVirus (COVID-19). As an organization, we have been actively monitoring the situation and in contact with experts in the health industry. What we know today is that for most individuals catching the virus wouldn’t be much different than getting the flu. But we also know that there are those with underlying health issues or in certain age ranges that catching the virus could be detrimental to their health. Therefore we want to move forward responsibly.

We also know that Satan doesn’t take a break during times like these. In fact, fear and isolation are two of his greatest weapons. We want to move forward responsibly, not adding to or validating the panic that we find in the country today. Our response to this point has been to stay informed, follow the advice of medical experts to heighten awareness and ramp up our hygiene and cleaning protocols in our centers, with the safety of our staff, volunteers, and clients in mind. Most importantly, we want to keep our eyes focused on the author of life and bring our concerns and cares to Him.

Attached you will find a Questions and Answers page. Please reach out to your supervisor with any additional questions or concerns so that we can address them in an organized manner and add them to this Q&A for all staff to review.

This is a very fluid situation and we will continue to monitor it and take the necessary steps moving forward.

The Walk for Life. Today, we received word from ASU that due to the COVID-19 outbreak, our Walk for Life event has been postponed. However, we’re turning what may seem like a negative into what we believe will be something GREAT! Instead of gathering in one location at ASU Gammage, the initial site for the walk, we will scatter as small groups and individuals throughout the Greater Phoenix area to Walk for Life. We are “Taking IT to the Streets” to demonstrate and share a #GreaterLove4PHX. Nothing changes, the walk goes on! Get full details here.

Sincerely,

Marc Burmich
President and CEO

P.S. Please note the All Staff Meeting Schedule to be held in Glendale on March 19th has been canceled.