Introductory Note:
At Brooklyn Community Services, the safety and well-being of our staff and the neighbors we serve remain our top priorities. While the height of the COVID-19 pandemic is behind us, the lessons we learned about caring for one another have become a permanent part of how we operate.
This page serves as a resource for our current health guidelines, ensuring that our 50+ locations remain safe, healthy, and supportive environments for everyone.
Instead of "Reopening Protocols," we now focus on "Community Wellness":
Stay Home When Sick: To protect our colleagues and clients, we encourage staff to stay home if they are feeling unwell or experiencing symptoms of any respiratory illness (COVID-19, flu, or RSV).
A Culture of Respect: While many mandates have lifted, we fully support any staff member or visitor who chooses to wear a mask for their own protection or the protection of their loved ones. Masking remains a personal choice that we respect across all our sites.
Hand Hygiene & Sanitization: We continue to maintain high standards for cleanliness. Hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies remain available at all locations to ensure a healthy shared workspace.
Vaccinations: BCS continues to follow New York City and State guidance regarding vaccinations. We encourage all staff to stay up-to-date with boosters to protect themselves and the Brooklyn community.
Testing Resources: If you have been exposed to a virus or are feeling symptomatic, please consult your site supervisor or HR for the most current guidance on testing and return-to-work procedures.
Our experience during the pandemic reminded us that we are stronger together. Beyond physical health, we are committed to your mental and emotional well-being.
Need support? Please visit our [Employee Assistance Program (EAP)] page for mental health resources and counseling services.
Have a concern? If you notice a safety issue at your specific site, please speak with your supervisor or contact the Facilities Team.
As the world changes, so do our needs. If there is a health or safety resource you think is missing from this Hub, or if you have suggestions on how we can better support your well-being at your location, please let us know.
Contact us: BCSResourceHub@wearebcs.org
Public Transit COVID 19 Safety
CDC:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/using-transportation.html#PublicTransit
Consumer Reports:
https://www.consumerreports.org/coronavirus/stay-safe-from-coronavirus-while-on-the-go/
Bloomberg City Lab:
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-05-27/trains-planes-and-buses-how-to-avoid-coronavirus
Masks
CDC recommendation (and how to make a mask):
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover.html
How to wear a mask (video):
Johns Hopkins: How to Care for your Mask:
CDC: How to Select, Wear and Clean your mask:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html
Here are a few pointers for putting on and taking off a cloth mask (Johns Hopkins):
1. Place your mask over your mouth and nose.
2. Tie it behind your head or use ear loops and make sure it's snug.
3. Don't touch your mask while wearing it.
4. If you accidentally touch your mask, wash or sanitize your hands.
5. Remove the mask by untying it or lifting off the ear loops without touching the front of the mask or your face.
6. Wash your hands immediately after removing your mask.
7. Regularly wash your mask with soap and water in the washing machine. It's fine to launder it with other clothes.
COVID testing information and locations:
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/coronavirus/get-tested/covid-19-testing.page
BCS Safety Compliance:
BCS has many different locations and each building may have some additional safety protocols.
In the event you witness non-compliance with these guidelines, or have any questions or safety
concerns about how BCS is working to prevent COVID-19 in the workplace, please contact
Human Resources or complete and submit the following form anonymously:
https://forms.gle/v92GVnV9ciFuexuV7
The following files contain BCS' return to work handbook and telecommute policy: