Coronavirus
Dr. Ida Rolf Institute, Coronavirus Covid-19 Response Plan (2.26.2020)
RESOURCES
Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases Interactive Map, by Johns Hopkins University
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
World Health Organization (WHO)
March 26, 2020
Dear DPOS School,
As you know, the Governor issued a Stay At Home order yesterday for all of Colorado. This means all schools must cease in-person instruction immediately. The Department has issued further guidance today.
Updated Public Health Order issued 3/26/20: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GjiohfHn3BP10UxifTQLfgfdw0Twrut_/view
The updated guidance (3/26/20) is now linked from our COVID site here: https://highered.colorado.gov/Higher_Ed_COVID_Guidanc_03262020.pdf
For further details: https://covid19.colorado.gov/public-health-executive-orders-explained
1600 Broadway, Suite 2200, Denver, CO 80202
http://highered.colorado.gov/DPOS/
March 23, 2020
Recommendations on Working with Clients
This is a follow up to our email last week concerning the Institute’s recommendation on continuing to work with clients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since sending that letter, all fifty states have issued work limitations and/or closures on nonessential businesses, and in many cases have issued “Shelter in place” mandates that prohibit anyone not serving an “essential function” from leaving their home. Each municipality is responding to COVID-19 with different emergency measures and where you practice may have less or more stringent guidelines than DIRI. While DIRI Board of Directors cannot mandate that you cease operations, DIRI is strongly recommending at this time that all practitioners, in accordance with local, state and federal regulations, cease offering Rolfing® SI until otherwise notified by your local county public health and state governmental agencies.
We recognize the impact to each of you as small business owners. The Institute is developing a list of resources on small business grants and loans—both at the federal and state levels- and will be sending out information in the next couple of weeks as it becomes available. We are also developing a letter “To Whom it May Concern” on the Institute’s letterhead describing Rolfing® Structural Integration that you may use in applying for support from state and nonprofit foundations and agencies.
We encourage you to stay in virtual contact with your clients, all of whom are looking for ways to improve their health and wellness during these stressful times. In the resources at the end of this letter, we included helpful links you may want to share with your clients.
Coming Together-The Co-Video Project
Now more than ever we need to connect with other, we need to ConnectMembership. Towards this end, we would like to invite all Certified Advanced Rolfers™ and Institute Faculty to consider offering a one to three hour webinar which will be offered free of charge to all of our membership and the larger SI community. Your webinars will be recorded and then included in a free resource library on our website. We are calling this the CO-Video Project as a way of reminding ourselves that together we can co-create and support each other despite this challenging time. Consider doing a webinar/video on structural or functional work, on recent research on SI, on an embodiment or somatic practice, on client resources, on practice building skills like marketing or social media, or simply host a recorded discussion group on a topic of interest. The Institute will provide the zoom platform, a simple online “registration”, the rosters for your webinar, and support in using the technology. We will also compile all of the recorded meetings and post to a “FREE Webinars” resource library open to the public. The DIRI will suggest attendees give a donation to the Institute to cover the costs of the technology. A tax letter of donation of $150/per hour will be sent to all AT members and Faculty who offer a webinar.
More than ever, this is a time to share and connect with each other. Let’s use this time to meet virtually across the planet, to learn from each other, to compare insights, and to remind ourselves that we are in this together. If you would like to offer a webinar as part of the Co-Video Project please go to this online form and complete the information that will be used to post your class.
ConnectMembership
Thank you to all the members who joined us for our last ConnectMembership meeting Thursday night. There were 22 participants on the meeting including international members from New Zealand and Canada! Watch the recording on “Trademark Valuation” by Rich Ennis, here: Trademark Valuation recording
Please join us for the next ConnectMembership session on Thursday, April 16th 2020 6:00 PM MST. We invite you to send in questions ahead of time by clicking on the link “Submit questions” on the ConnectMembership page or simply join us on zoom.
Finally, we are excited about our evolving series “Why I Became a Rolfer” now featuring the stories of three of our Rolfers-- Rich, Lu and Sharon. See their stories HERE. More stories are coming!
Our intention is to continuing posting into the next year, so if you have a flair for writing and would like to share your story please click to complete the Story Form.
Remote Work for DIRI Staff
Thank you to all of our members, students and faculty for their continued support. While staff will be working remotely until April 17th, we continue to answer phones, check email and meet with members, students and faculty through zoom and personal phone calls. Please don’t hesitate to contact us. Stay safe everyone. We love you!
Resources for Clients
Quick links to the CDC
Know what to do if you are sick
Understand who is at highest risk
Learn how to protect yourself
See the latest travel guidance
Talking with Kids about COVID-19
Benefits of Mindfulness
Coronavirus Anxiety: Coping with Stress, Fear and Uncertainty
Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB)
MBLEx Study Guide
MBLEx Practice Exam
March 19, 2020
Dear Members,
On March 18, 2020 Colorado Gov. Jared Polis made an executive order to suspend all in-person learning through April 17th. In an effort comply with this order, as well as the continuance of social distance to help stop the spread of COVID-19, DIRI staff will continue working remotely through April 17th.
DIRI's office will remain open during this time and all staff members are available by email and will be returning voicemails.
Please contact the institute if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
DIRI Administrative Staff
March 16, 2020
Dear Members,
NOTICE ON COVID-19
The Institute has been sending out regular updates to all enrolled students, members and faculty regarding class schedules and state and federal information on COVID-19. For more information on our response to COVID-19, please continue to visit our Coronavirus website.
The staff is working remotely with the exception of Pat Heckmann, who is covering the phones and front office. Please do not hesitate to contact us via email or by phone at the Institute number, at pheckmann@rolf.org or my email chowe@rolf.org or my cell phone number 720-695-9465. We are here and ready to address any concerns.
Please abide by CDC recommendations on safe practices, if you decide to continue to work. We know these are difficult times for all, and Institute will continue to post information on our website as it becomes available.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP)
We wish you and your families health and well-being.
Sincerely,
Christina Howe
Executive Director
Issued March 16, 2020 by CDC:
The President's Coronavirus Guidelines for America: 15 Days to Slow the Spread
- Listen and follow the directions of your state and local authorities.
- If you feel sick, stay home. Do not go to work. Contact your medical provider.
- If your children are sick, keep them at home. Do not send them to school. Contact your medical provider.
- If someone in your household has tested positive for the coronavirus, keep the entire household at home. Do not go to work. Do not go to school. Contact your medical provider.
- If you are an older person, stay home and away from other people.
- If you are a person with a serious underlying health condition that can put you at increased risk (for example, a condition that impairs your lung or heart function or weakens your immune system), stay home and away from other people.
- Even if you are young, or otherwise healthy, you are at risk and your activities can increase the risk for others. It is critical that you do your part to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
- Work or engage in schooling from home whenever possible.
- If you work in a critical infrastructure industry, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security, such as healthcare services and pharmaceutical and food supply, you have a special responsibility to maintain your normal work schedule. You and your employers should follow CDC guidance to protect your health at work.
- Avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people.
- Avoid eating or drinking at bars, restaurants, and food courts - use drive-thru, pickup, or delivery options.
- Avoid discretionary travel, shopping trips, and social visits.
- Do not visit nursing homes or retirement or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical assistance.
- Practice good hygiene:
- Wash your hands, especially after touching any frequently used item or surface.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Sneeze or cough into a tissue, or the inside of your elbow.
- Disinfect frequently used items and surfaces as much as possible.
*School operations can accelerate the spread of the coronavirus. Governors of states with evidence of community transmission should close schools in affected and surrounding areas. Governors should close schools in communities that are near areas of community transmission, even if those areas are in neighboring states. In addition, state and local officials should close schools where coronavirus has been identified in the population associated with the school. States and localities that close schools need to address childcare needs of critical responders, as well as the nutritional needs of children.
**Older people are particularly at risk from the coronavirus. All states should follow Federal guidance and halt social visits to nursing homes and retirement and long-term care facilities.
***In states with evidence of community transmission, bars, restaurants, food courts, gyms, and other indoor and outdoor venues where groups of people congregate should be closed.
March 12, 2020
Dear Students, Faculty, Members, and Staff,
Governor Jared Polis (https://www.facebook.com/jaredpolis/) had declared a state of emergency for the state of Colorado. All higher education schools in the state will be closing their campuses and moving to virtual classrooms, with CU Boulder moving to virtual classes Monday, March 16th.
https://www.denverpost.com/2020/03/11/colorado-schools-closed-coronavirus/
In order to ensure the safety of our students, the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute will be postponing the UB2.20 and UC3.20 classes until July and September.
The new dates are as follows:
- UB2.20 7/13-9/3/2020
- UC3.20 9/21-11/13/2020 (with the Assessment Panel from 11/16-11/18/2020)
Any student who needs to withdraw from classes will receive a tuition refund. Otherwise, any tuition paid will be applied toward the rescheduled class. Please note because this is a national emergency the Institute cannot reimburse housing or travel costs.
After careful consultation with the faculty, the AT3.19 Jan Sultan class in Los Angeles is canceled and will be rescheduled for fall 2020 or early 2021. We will let students know of the new dates asap.
Students enrolled in all other continuing education classes for March and April will need to contact the faculty offering the class regarding possible cancellations.
As of this date, the RM1.20 class is still scheduled to start 5/4-5/15. Students will be notified one week prior to the start date if there are any changes.
Additional information:
The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) current information on Covid-19 virus in Colorado. CDPHE is opening the state’s first drive up center at 8100 E. Lowry Boulevard in Denver.
Boulder County Public Health
Mitigation Guidance for schools and Higher Education
Sincerely,
Christina M. Howe
Executive Director/Chief Academic Officer
The Dr. Ida Rolf Institute
5055 Chaparral Court, Suite 103
Boulder, CO 80301
Office Phone: 303-449-5903
Cell Phone: 720-695-9465
Chowe@rolf.org
March 10, 2020
Dear Students, Faculty, Members, and Staff,
Colorado State of Emergency- What it means
Today, Governor Jared Polis declared a state of emergency for the state of Colorado. In particular, this will open up access to additional resources and give the state legal flexibility to take proactive steps to contain the spread of Coronavirus.
It does not necessarily signal a significant change in the situation. At this time Boulder County still does not have a confirmed case of Coronavirus. We continue, with our partners in public health, to monitor the situation and are prepared to take action, if warranted. Our work is informed by our continuity plan, factual information and the best guidance from our experts. This situation will likely change quickly. If confirmed cases of community transmission are identified in the Denver metro area, we are prepared to take additional actions to reduce nonessential travel, events, and activities.
Please continue to visit our Coronavirus website for updated information.
At this time, classes at the Institute and travel within the state will continue. Students traveling within the state are not at risk of being quarantined at a location far from home and family. If, however, you are not comfortable as a student traveling internationally or across the country, please contact the Institute.
Board of Education passes Coronavirus resolution
The Dr. Ida Rolf Institute follows the Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) school closings. This evening the Boulder Valley School District Board of Education passed a resolution that helps to prepare the ground for next steps, in the event that the Coronavirus (COVID-19) becomes a pandemic in our area.
The resolution was approved unanimously and included this statement:
“BVSD Board of Education recognizes its role in protecting public health and urges our broader community to take action to be informed, to protect ourselves, to stay healthy, and to treat others with kindness during this challenging time.”
Here are some specifics from the resolution:
Learning to continue. If you are sick, stay home
Staff and students who have symptoms should stay home. While schools are open, BVSD/DIRI encourages noncontagious students and staff to continue learning and working.
Learning during an extended school or district closure
In the event the DIRI campus is closed for more than two weeks, the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute may implement a portion of course work as “E-Learning Days” and “Distance Learning Days”.
These days are defined as instruction delivered digitally or through written materials, by DIRI instructional staff, and aligned with coursework standards. Such instruction may include:
- Lessons and materials made available through CANVAS
- Online learning tools ( videos, live zoom meetings, digital demonstrations, etc.)
- Video conferencing available through DIRI provided resources (zoom)
- Instructional telephone calls
- Homework packets, group projects on CANVAS
- Email communications
Student attendance will be recorded and calculated by minimum lesson/unit completion requirements.
Be kind to others
The Dr. Ida Rolf Institute reaffirmed its commitment to protecting all students from the harmful effects of harassment based on race and national origin, including bullying and harassment that arises due to fear about possible exposure to disease.
Resources
Unfortunately, we are hearing that rumors are being spread in Boulder County about Coronavirus. We encourage everyone to continue to check these websites for the latest factual information:
Colorado Public Health and Environment
CDPHE COVID-19 Cases: Fast Facts
Centers for Disease Control
Boulder County Public Health
Broomfield Public Health and Environment
Sincerely,
Christina M. Howe
Executive Director/Chief Academic Officer
Chowe@rolf.org
March 2, 2020
Dear Students, Faculty, Members, and Staff,
As we shared earlier this week, the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute ® has been working closely with our local public health agencies as we monitor the global outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Our highest priority is the safety of our students and staff.
To date, there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Colorado.
It is important to know that during an outbreak we would follow the health department’s lead on any quarantines, closures, or other health measures needed. Our focus has been on how to ensure the safety of students and staff, and how education can continue, including through online options.
What is DIRI doing?
- DIRI has a pandemic plan, which has been developed in cooperation with our local health departments. We have also been working across the organization to review and evaluate the protocols we have in place and adjust as needed.
- You can continue to find updated information about what the Institute is doing on our website:
- Our staff is also increasing the frequency of cleaning high touch surfaces across our campus and having staff remind students regularly about handwashing and the prevention of spreading germs. We have hung CDC posters around our buildings to serve as a reminder to our staff and students.
International Travel
We have gotten a number of questions regarding students that have recently traveled internationally or plan to travel internationally soon.
- As of today, there are no restrictions for travel in the United States. We will keep you updated if any restrictions or recommendations are issued by the US or state of Colorado.
- As for privately scheduled international trips (staff and students/families), be aware that you may be asked or required by the CDC to quarantine upon return or not be allowed to return from the country you have visited. At this time, State and local officials are not recommending quarantine or exclusion of individuals returning from countries other than China and Italy. We will continue to follow official guidelines regarding students traveling from other impacted countries.
What families and individuals can do to prevent the spread and prepare for an outbreak
Our partners at Boulder Counties have provided this list of helpful tips:
Getting ready for widespread disease is largely about preparing for possible shortages. Here are some things you can do:
- Try to get an extra months’ worth of prescription medications, if possible, in case there are supply chain disruptions.
- Slowly start to stock up on enough non-perishable food to last your household through two weeks of staying at home if there is a wave of transmission in the community.
- Think about how you will continue to work if you’re the Institute is closed or if your child’s school is closed.
- Understand that large gatherings you plan to attend may be canceled.
- Think through how you will take care of sick family members while trying not to get infected.
- Make plans for childcare if you become sick, or when your child is sick.
- Start practicing not touching your face now. This can greatly reduce the frequency of potential spread. (You can even try a buddy system, where you and a friend remind each other when someone scratches their eyelid or rubs their nose.)
- Replace handshakes with elbow-bumps.
- Start building healthy habits like pushing elevator buttons with a knuckle instead of a fingertip.
- Avoid sharing water bottles, drinks, etc.
- Increase regular cleaning of commonly touched surfaces (e.g. cellphones, doorknobs, faucet handles, toilet handles etc.)
Feeling Sick? Stay Home!
Whether staff or student, we ask that you don’t come to classes or work sick. We encourage anyone who is feeling ill to stay home, especially if they are experiencing the symptoms listed in our Too Sick For School? guidelines.
February 26, 2020
Dear Students, Faculty, Members, and Staff,
The Dr. Ida Rolf Institute® has been working closely with our local public health agencies as we monitor the global outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) (Go to CDC.gov for information.)
It appears that the virus originated in China, before spreading internationally. It has been detected in 37 locations internationally and there are currently 53 confirmed cases in the United States (14 of those are cases diagnosed in the United States and 39 are travelers that have been evacuated to the United States).
To date, there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Colorado.
That being said, on Tuesday top U.S. public health officials encouraged Americans to prepare for the spread of the coronavirus in communities across the country.
NBC NEWS: Americans should prepare for coronavirus crisis in U.S., CDC says
New York Times: C.D.C. Officials Warn of Coronavirus Outbreaks in the U.S.
CNN: February 25 coronavirus news
What is DIRI Doing?
Since the beginning of the outbreak, DIRI has been collaborating with our public health partners. The Institute has a pandemic plan which is being reviewed by the DIRI Board of Directors and informed by these agencies, to ensure the continuity of learning throughout the situation.
It is important to know that during an outbreak we would follow the health department’s lead on any quarantines, closures, or other health measures needed. Our focus has been on how to ensure the safety of students and employees and how education can continue, including through online options.
We have gotten a number of questions regarding students or employees that have recently traveled internationally. As you may know, protocols have been put in place to evaluate and, in some cases, quarantine passengers as they return to the United States. Our public health partners are not recommending additional actions by the Institute at this time.
What is coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough and shortness of breath. These viruses spread through coughing or sneezing, much like the flu.
What can I do to stay healthy?
Again, the risk to the general public in the U.S. from this virus is considered low, but just as is recommended for other respiratory viruses, people can protect themselves and others by practicing everyday actions:
Practice good hand hygiene.
- Wash your hands frequently - remember to wash your hands after coughing or sneezing
- Wash with soap and water, or
- If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol to clean hands
Practice respiratory etiquette.
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- If you are ill, you should try to distance yourself from others so you do not spread your germs. Distancing includes staying home from work or school when possible.
Additionally, we have cleaning practices in place to help avoid disease transmission.
Feeling Sick? Stay Home!
As always, we encourage anyone who is feeling ill to stay home, especially if they are experiencing the symptoms listed in our Too Sick For School guidelines below:
Remember, the best way to prevent the spread of infection is through good hand washing.
Symptoms | Child must stay home? |
Diarrhea | Yes - if there are other symptoms along with the diarrhea (such as vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, jaundice, etc.), the diarrhea cannot be contained in the toilet, there is blood or mucous in the stool. Student or employee may return 24 hours after their last episode of diarrhea unless the diarrhea is caused by an illness that requires them to stay home longer. |
Fever |
|
“Flu-Like” Symptoms | Yes - for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone. |
Coughing | Yes - if the coughing is severe, uncontrolled, or the student or employee has wheezing, rapid or trouble breathing. Medical attention is needed for wheezing, rapid or trouble breathing. |
Mild Respiratory or Cold | No –Students and employees may go to school if they are able to take part in usual activities, but should stay home if the symptoms are severe. This includes fever and if a student or employee is not acting normally and/or has trouble breathing. |
Vomiting/Throwing Up | Yes – until 24 hours after throwing up stops or a doctor says it is not contagious. If a student or employee has a recent head injury, watch for other signs of illness and for dehydration. |
The following is a listing of illnesses that may require students and employees to stay home:
Illness | Student or Employee must stay home? |
Chicken Pox | Yes - until the blisters have dried and crusted (usually 6 days). |
Conjunctivitis (pink eye) | No –Students and employees do not need to stay home unless they have a fever or are not able to participate in usual activities. |
Croup (see Coughing) | Call your doctor for advice. Note: Students and employees may be able to go to school unless they are not well enough to take part in usual activities. |
Fifth’s Disease | No – the illness is no longer contagious once the rash appears. |
Hand Foot and Mouth Disease | No - unless the student or employee has mouth sores and is not able to take part in usual activities. |
Head Lice or Scabies | Yes – Student or employee may stay at school until the end of the day but cannot return until after they have had the first treatment. |
Hepatitis A | Yes - until 1 week after the illness starts and when the student or employee is able to take part in normal activities. |
Herpes | No - unless there are open sores that cannot be covered or there is nonstop drooling. |
Impetigo | Yes –adults needs to stay home until antibiotic treatment has started. |
Ringworm | Yes -Students and employees cannot return until after they have had the first treatment. Keep the area covered for the first 3 days if participating in sports with person to person contact. |
Roseola | No - unless there is a fever or behavior changes. |
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial | No –Students and Employee can go to school unless they are not well enough to take part in usual activities and/or they have trouble breathing. Call your doctor for advice. |
Strep Throat | Yes - for 12 hours after starting antibiotics unless the doctor says that it is okay to return to school sooner. Will need to be able to take part in usual activities. |
Please contact a member of the Administration if you have any questions.
Thank you.