Statement from The Salvation Army Regarding COVID-19
ALEXANDRIA, VA (March 3, 2020) – The Salvation Army USA is working closely with federal and state authorities to prepare for the possibility of a COVID-19 outbreak. We are consistently providing updates to the Federal Emergency Management Agency on our National Preparedness & Response status. Across the country, trained Salvation Army Emergency Response staff are on standby to assist if requested. Additionally, we are supporting Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public health officers by providing snacks and hydration at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago.
Ensuring the safety of those who depend on The Salvation Army’s programs and services, along with the safety of staff and volunteers, is of utmost priority. We are closely tracking progress through the Center for Disease Control reporting and distributing prevention guidance to all staff, employees, volunteers, and program participants on proper hygiene/prevention Including:
- Proper handwashing technique and recommendations on when to wash hands
- Proper sneeze/cough technique (in elbow)
- Encouraging those with possible symptoms or exposure to stay home and reduce the risk of possible transmission
In addition to emergency response operations, we are concerned for other potential impacts such as:
- Significant economic repercussions that may present shortages on key commodities, which would impact service delivery
- An increase in the demand for social services that may occur as businesses temporarily close and air or other forms of travel are reduced
As the situation evolves, we will work in close partnership to prepare and respond in order to meet the needs of the 23 million individuals we serve each year, and the more than 63,000 employees of our organization.
For more information about COVID-19 and how to prevent it, visit the CDC website.
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps nearly 23 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter: @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood
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