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Address: 223 S. Winnebago Street Rockford, IL 61102
Phone: 815-489-8500
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A quality home is the foundation of society & community
In his State of the Union speech on February 7, President Joe Biden made it clear that the Administration is moving into the next phase of the COVID-19 pandemic—one in which the threats of disease and death are considerably diminished, and therefore no longer require the resources and urgent allocation of funds that the previous two years have. “While the virus is not gone…we have broken COVID’s grip on us,” Biden said.
But health experts say now is not the time to let down our collective guard on SARS-CoV-2. “I don’t believe the virus has gotten the memo that the pandemic is winding down,” says Dr. Jeffrey Glenn, director of the Stanford Biosecurity and Pandemic Preparedness Initiative.
Here’s what health experts told TIME News about the federal government’s recent moves distancing the U.S. from the pandemic.
“There is a disconnect between the broad perception that the pandemic is behind us, and focusing on getting back to life as it was pre-pandemic. But the reality is that we still continue to have substantial transmission and deaths due to COVID in the U.S., and we are in a situation where the virus will be with us for a long time.” says Wafaa El-Sadr, founder and director of ICAP at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health
This message is aimed to have the public understand we should not put COVID-19 completely behind us, but to move forward armed with the lessons we’ve learned from our experience. RHA will continue to listen, learn, and comply with the State of Illinois and the Federal HUD regulations regarding COVID-19 and our community. Everyone stay safe and healthy.
The COVID-19 vaccines continue to work very well at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. The updated vaccines now available from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna help protect against the Omicron variant, which is causing most new COVID infections.
Every vaccinated person 5 or older should get an updated vaccine.
It’s especially important for the following people to get an updated vaccine because they are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID:
No matter which COVID vaccine you got (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Novavax, Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen) for your primary vaccination series or how many boosters you’ve already gotten, you should get your updated COVID vaccine 2 months after your last dose.
If you recently had COVID, you should wait 3 months from when you got sick to get your updated vaccine.
Yes. Just like other vaccinations, your arm might feel sore after you get your shot. You might also experience flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headaches, body aches, and tiredness.
These are normal signs that your immune system is responding to the vaccine. Although these side effects may be unpleasant, you’re not actually sick. And they last a few days at most.
Serious side effects from any vaccine, including the COVID-19 vaccines, are very rare.
Vaccines are available from pharmacies, doctors’ offices, community health centers, and many more locations. Most people live within 5 miles of a vaccination site.
You have 3 ways to find free vaccines near you:
Remember to bring your CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record card when you go for your updated vaccine.
You’re best protected when you’re up to date with your COVID vaccines. That means you’ve gotten all recommended doses for people your age.
To maximize protection from highly contagious variants and prevent possibly spreading COVID to others, both vaccinated and unvaccinated people should wear a mask inside public places when the COVID risk to your community is high.
Vaccinated and unvaccinated people must also follow federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial laws, rules, and regulations. That includes safety precautions for:
Workplaces
For more information about COVID-19, including the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines, see our Facts About COVID-19 and the Vaccines.
Fatigue may be more closely associated with Omicron infections currently, but it’s still a hallmark clue for any COVID-19 infection — and should be discussed with your healthcare provider since it may be mistaken for a common cold or occasions like suffering through a hangover.
CDC officers have told Americans that more data are needed to know if “Omicron infections… cause more severe illness or death than infection with other variants.” The most common symptoms for COVID-19 infections, including those caused by Omicron, as listed by CDC officials are below:
Any of these symptoms — in any order — may appear within two to 14 days after being exposed to SARS-CoV-2. They may be all equally severe or present different severities depending on the symptom.
The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 (including an Omicron-induced infection!) and severe symptoms or death remains receiving a full vaccination. Those who have been vaccinated earlier in 2021 are likely now qualified to receive a booster dose now, which is proving to be a crucial defense, according to early research. Additional doses of the COVID-19 vaccine is reported to provide enough antibodies to block even Omicron variants, according to a Washington Post report on data released by Pfizer and BioNTech.
Both this disease and the vaccine are new. We do not know how long protection lasts for those who get infected or those who are vaccinated. Experts are working to learn more about both natural immunity and vaccine-induced immunity. CDC will keep the public informed as new evidence becomes available.
· The potential serious risk COVID-19 infection poses to them and their loved ones if they get the illness or spread it to others. Remind them of the potential for long-term health issues after recovery from COVID-19 disease.
· Scientists are still learning more about the virus that causes COVID-19. And it is not known whether getting COVID-19 disease will protect everyone against getting it again, or, if it does, how long that protection might last.
· The vaccine was tested in large clinical trials and what is currently known about its safety and effectiveness.
· The vaccine is not a perfect fix. You will still need to practice other precautions like wearing a mask, social distancing, handwashing, and other hygiene measures until public health officials say otherwise.
COVID-19 vaccines were tested in large clinical trials to make sure they meet safety standards. Many people were recruited to participate in these trials to see how the vaccines offers protection to people of different ages, races, and ethnicities, as well as those with different medical conditions.
· The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) carefully reviews all safety data from clinical trials and an authorizes emergency vaccine use only when the expected benefits outweigh potential risks.
· The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) reviews all safety data before recommending any COVID-19 vaccine for use.
· FDA and CDC will continue to monitor the safety of COVID-19 vaccines, to make sure even very rare side effects are identified.
According to the CDC, the COVID-19 vaccine will be given to U.S. citizens at no cost, Yacoub confirms. Some vaccine providers may decide to charge an additional fee for administering the shot, but this fee can be reimbursed by recipients’ insurance, or, if uninsured, the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Provider Relief Fund
Most people do not have serious problems after being vaccinated. We will understand more about mild side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine before we start to use it. However, your arm may be sore, red, or warm to the touch. These symptoms usually go away on their own within a week. Some people report getting a headache or fever when getting a vaccine. These side effects are a sign that your immune system is doing exactly what it is supposed to do. It is working and building up protection to disease.
· A fever is a potential side effect and when they should seek medical care.
· Symptoms typically go away on their own within a week. Also let them know when they should seek medical care if their symptoms don’t go away.
· The vaccine cannot give someone COVID-19.
· The side effects are a sign that the immune system is working.
COVID-19 vaccines are being tested in large clinical trials to assess their safety. However, it does take time, and more people getting vaccinated before we learn about very rare or long-term side effects. That is why safety monitoring will continue. CDC has an independent group of experts that reviews all the safety data as it comes in and provides regular safety updates. If a safety issue is detected, immediate action will take place to determine if the issue is related to the COVID-19 vaccine and determine the best course of action.
· The FDA and CDC are continuing to monitor safety, to make sure even long-term side effects are identified.
· COVID-19 vaccines will be continuously monitored for safety after authorization, and ACIP will take action to address any safety problems detected.
All but one of the COVID-19 vaccines currently in phase 3 clinical trials use two shots. The same vaccine brand must be used for both shots.
· Nearly all COVID-19 vaccines being studied in the United States require two shots. The first shot starts building protection, but everyone has to come back a few weeks later for the second one to get the most protection the vaccine can offer.
· Two shots are generally needed to provide the best protection against COVID-19 and that the shots are given several weeks apart. The first shot primes the immune system, helping it recognize the virus, and the second shot strengthens the immune response.
The two COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the United States do not contain eggs, preservatives, or latex.
For a full list of ingredients, please see each vaccine’s,
Fact Sheet for Recipients & Caregivers:
· Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccineexternal
· Moderna COVID-19 vaccineexternal
Notable Differences:
· Age minimum: The vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech is approved for people age 16 and older, and the vaccine developed by Moderna is approved for people age 18 and older
· Storage requirements: Moderna does not require ultra-cold storage [like Pfizer doses do], making it easier to store while the Moderna vaccine can be stored in a freezer or refrigerator, the Pfizer vaccine needs to be stored in a special container in very cold temperatures. This discrepancy won’t affect you directly but is more the concern of healthcare facilities.
Serious problems from vaccination can happen, but they are rare. CDC has learned of reports that some people have experienced severe allergic reactions—also known as anaphylaxis—after getting a COVID-19 vaccine. As an example, an allergic reaction is considered severe when a person needs to be treated with epinephrine or EpiPen© or if they must go to the hospital.
To protect yourself, follow these recommendations:
· Wear a mask over your nose and mouth.
· Stay at least 6 feet away from others.
· Avoid crowds.
· Avoid poorly ventilated spaces.
· Wash your hands often.
Get more information about these and other steps you can take to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
Yes. Due to the severe health risks associated with COVID-19 and the fact that reinfection with COVID-19 is possible, you should be vaccinated regardless of whether you already had COVID-19 infection. If you were treated for COVID-19 symptoms with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma, you should wait 90 days before getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure what treatments you received or if you have more questions about getting a COVID-19 vaccine.
· Experts do not yet know how long someone is protected from getting sick again after recovering from COVID-19. The immunity someone gains from having an infection, called “natural immunity,” varies from person to person. It is rare for someone who has had COVID-19 to get infected again. It also is uncommon for people who do get COVID-19 again to get it within 90 days of when they recovered from their first infection. We won’t know how long immunity produced by vaccination lasts until we have more data on how well the vaccines work.
· Both natural immunity and vaccine-induced immunity are important aspects of COVID-19 that experts are working to learn more about, and CDC will keep the public informed as new evidence becomes available.
People who are pregnant and part of a group recommended to receive the COVID-19 vaccine may choose to be vaccinated. If you have questions about getting vaccinated, talking with a healthcare provider may might help you make an informed decision. While breastfeeding is an important consideration, it is rarely a safety concern with vaccines.
· No data are available yet on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in lactating women or on the effects of mRNA vaccines on breastfed infants or on milk production/excretion. mRNA vaccines are not thought to be a risk to breastfeeding infants. People who are breastfeeding and are part of a group recommended to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, such as healthcare personnel, may choose to be vaccinated.
· To make sure that more information is gathered regarding the safety of these vaccines when administered during pregnancy, pregnant people are encouraged to enroll in v-safe, CDC’s new smartphone-based tool being used to check-in on people’s health after they receive a COVID-19 vaccine. If pregnant people report health events through v-safe after vaccination, someone from CDC may call to check on them and get more information. Additionally, pregnant people enrolled in v-safe will be contacted by CDC and asked to participate in a pregnancy registry that will monitor them through pregnancy and the first 3 months of infancy. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccination considerations for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding
People with underlying medical conditions can receive the FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccines provided they have not had an immediate or severe allergic reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine or to any of the ingredients in the vaccine. ·
Learn more about vaccination considerations for persons with underlying medical conditions. Vaccination is an important consideration for adults of any age with certain underlying medical conditions because they are at increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19.
If you get a COVID-19 vaccine and you think you might be having a severe allergic reaction after leaving the vaccination site, seek immediate medical care by calling 911.
You can report side effects and reactions using either v-safe or the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS.)
· V-safe is a new smartphone-based, after-vaccination health checker for people who receive COVID-19 vaccines. V-safe uses text messaging and web surveys from CDC to check in with vaccine recipients following COVID-19 vaccination. V-safe also provides second vaccine dose reminders if needed, and telephone follow up to anyone who reports medically significant (important) adverse events.
· Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS)external icon is the national system that collects reports from healthcare professionals, vaccine manufacturers, and the public of adverse events that happen after vaccination; reports of adverse events that are unexpected, appear to happen more often than expected, or have unusual patterns are followed up with specific studies. Reports to VAERS help CDC monitor the safety of vaccines. If experts detect an unexpected adverse event, they quickly study it further to assess whether it is a true safety concern. Experts then decide whether changes are needed in U.S. vaccine recommendations. This monitoring is critical to help ensure that the benefits continue to outweigh the risks for people who receive vaccines.
As soon as the first vaccine was approved and administered, internet scams taking advantage of the moment started to surface. Unfortunately, there have been reports of fraudulent scams due to the demand of the COVID vaccine, The FBI recently issued a public warning to be on the lookout for such schemes, including ones offering access to early vaccination in exchange for a fee, requests to put your name on a vaccine waiting list, and vaccine ads via social media, email, phone calls, or other sketchy sources.
· Best practice is to check your state’s health department website for up-to-date info on authorized vaccine distribution channels and then only obtain a vaccine through those channels.
· You can also always check the FDA and CDC websites or contact your doctor directly.
Please contact your state health department for more information your for COVID-19 vaccination.
For COVID-19 Vaccination Updates visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html
For more FAQs visit this link: https://getvaccineanswers.org/
A properly fitted mask can provide some added protection over a poorly fitting mask for both the wearer and other people. The primary intent of mask use is to suppress the spread of virus from the wearer to other people. Because COVID-19 can be spread by people who display characteristic symptoms and by those who do not exhibit any symptoms, broad mask use is encouraged to minimize the spread from those who are sick (or potentially sick) to others.
The mask, if worn properly and consistently, also helps protect healthy people from catching the disease when they are in close proximity to people who are sick. It may also provide protection to the wearer from aerosols that persist in poorly ventilated environments, such as an elevator.
Information about how long virus-carrying droplets can persist in the air is being updated regularly. Some research suggests that droplets can remain airborne for multiple hours. So do your part to protect yourself and others by wearing well-fitting, protective masks.
The simple answer is NO. Wearing a mask, in part, is meant to protect your respiratory system (your lungs, throat, and sinuses) from direct exposure to airborne droplets and particles that may contain the virus.
To do this, one must protect the primary entry points to your lungs and throat—your nose and mouth. Therefore, leaving your nose exposed will provide an easy pathway for airborne particles to enter your system (by inhaling through your nose) or for droplets to exit your system (by exhaling, sneezing, etc.), potentially endangering those around you.
Absolutely. Even with a mask, you should still make every effort to stay at least 6 feet away from people who don’t live with you. Masking is only one layer of protection, and it’s an imperfect one. Social distancing isn’t foolproof, either, but the more layers of protection you can employ, the safer you’ll make yourself and everyone else around you.
Venues and meeting spaces can resume. Multiple groups are permitted given facilities have space to appropriately social distance and can limit interaction between groups. This includes activities such as conferences and weddings
Revised guidelines to allow select indoor recreation facilities (e.g., bowling alleys, skating rinks), as well as clubhouses to reopen. Concessions permitted with restrictions.
Indoor dining can reopen with groups of 10 or less, with tables spaced 6-feet apart in seated areas and with standing areas at no more than 25% of capacity.
Can reopen with no more than 25% occupancy, and with interactive exhibits and rides closed; guided tours should be limited to 50 people or fewer per group; museums should have a plan to limit congregation via advance ticket sales and timed ticketing; concessions permitted with restrictions.
Can reopen with no more than 25% occupancy, and with interactive exhibits, indoor exhibits, and rides closed; guided tours should be limited to 50 people or fewer per group; zoos should have a plan to limit congregation via advance ticket sales and timed ticketing; concessions permitted with restrictions.
Indoor seated theaters, cinemas, and performing arts centers to allow admission of the lesser of up to 50 guests OR 50% of overall theater or performance space capacity (applies to each screening room); outdoor capacity limited to 20% of overall theater or performance space capacity; concessions permitted with restrictions.
Outdoor spectator sports can resume with no more than 20% of seating capacity; concessions permitted with restrictions.
Allow no more than 50% of sound stage or filming location capacity; crowd scenes should be limited to 50 people or fewer.
Revised guidelines allow competitive gameplay and tournaments; youth and recreational sports venues can operate at 50% of facility capacity, 20% seating capacity for spectators, and group sizes up to 50 with multiple groups permitted during practice and competitive games given venues have space to appropriately social distance and can limit interaction between groups; concessions permitted with restrictions.
Revised guidelines allow gyms to open at 50% capacity and allow group fitness classes of up to 50 people with new safety guidelines for indoors, with multiple groups permitted given facilities have space to appropriately social distance and can limit interaction between groups.
Water-based activities permitted in accordance with IDPH guidelines; no more than 50% of facility capacity with group size of no more than 15 participants in a group, unless participants changing weekly.
This outbreak has had far-reaching effects, including the public at large as well as on travel, supply chains, and economies locally as well as globally.
Some people in your family may need to take more steps to be better protected from COVID-19, including
Illinois officials say a state helpline has been set up to provide emotional support and quick answers to questions about the coronavirus pandemic. Illinoisans can text “TALK” to 55-2020 (or “HABLAR” for Spanish), and within 24 hours, they will receive a call from a counselor. Residents can also text keywords such aS “UNEMPLOYMENT,” “FOOD,” or “SHELTER,” to the same number to receive additional information about those topics
are safe and effective.Three COVID-19 vaccines are authorized or approved for use in the United States to prevent COVID-19. Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna (COVID-19 mRNA vaccines) are preferred. You may get Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine in some situations.
COVID-19 by County: COVID-19 Community Levels are a new tool to help you and communities decide what prevention steps to take based on hospitalizations and cases.
Check your community level.
Strategies to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and maintain safe operations in schools, child care programs, and institutions of higher education.
Yes, our sites and main office are staffed. However, masks are stil required in RHA deveopments and offices
We ask that residents contact their Property Manager, Specialist or Caseworker via phone or email.
If an appointment is needed one will be scheduled.
NOTE— General Line: 815-489-8500
Yes, rent is due the 1st of each month and should be paid by the 5th in order to avoid late fees or future legal action.
Be sure to contact your Property Manager, Specialist or Caseworker. Provide documentation and/or information regarding the change in income per RHA staff instructions. Staff will then take the necessary actions to complete the rent adjustment.
Currently all inspections outside of initials and health/safety are currently on hold.
RHA will mail you an inspection appointment letter once inspections resume. Our pest control contractor has stated that they will continue to treat units as scheduled. As always, please report any issues to your property management office as soon as possible.
Yes, please continue to report any/all issues to your property management office. “Emergency and Health & Safety” issues are our priority.
NOTE: During normal working hours (M-F 8AM-5PM) contact management office. After hour issues, be sure to call 815-489-8585.
It’s your hands, anytime you enter your home from outside, after using the bathroom, and after sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose, wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Your next priority should be your phone. “At my house, we clean phones first because after you wash your hands you don’t want to be grabbing a dirty phone. Most phones can withstand a quick swipe with isopropyl alcohol or some kind of rubbing alcohol — the 70% alcohol you can get at the drugstore.”
—Paul Pottinger, MD, an infectious disease specialist in the department of medicine at the University of Washington in Seattle.
Wear disposable gloves to clean and disinfect. Clean the area or item with soap and water or another detergent if it is dirty. Then, use a household disinfectant. The virus dies with the application of one of many products approved by the EPA and good old-fashioned elbow grease to make sure that product gets into every little crack.
Here are links for information of the List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 Other COVID-19 Resources
This list includes products that meet EPA’s criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes the disease COVID-19.
The coronavirus outbreak is rapidly evolving. To stay informed, check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as our local health department for updates. Please see the many additional resources below.
The enemy we are facing is very good at what it does; we are not failing. We need everyone to hold the line as the epidemic inevitably gets worse with social distancing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) officials are suggesting to limit a person’s risk of exposure or of spreading the virus, which the CDC states that it is transmitted through droplets from coughs and sneezes between people who are up to six feet apart from one another —This is “social distancing.”
For Administrative needs, you may phone 815-489-8500.
You can also reach out via the RHA WEBSITE.
For any questions or concerns regarding the above practices, please call your program manager or Director.
In case of criminal or life-threatening emergency Please Dial 911
If you have any information or concerns to share with
security please call:
Confidential Hotline: 815-489-8549
Rockford Non-Emergency: 815-966-2900
As with all other agencies throughout our country, we are doing our best to navigate the uncharted territory of COVID-19. Your executive team continues to monitor this crisis and adjust our policies and practices where needed. Amid today’s challenges, our employee’s safety, health, and the well-being of our residents remain a top priority. As this situation evolves, we will continue to update you, and we encourage you to use all available resources to stay well educated on practical measures you can take to limit your exposure to this virus.
The majority of the population that we serve is one that is the most vulnerable to this virus. Therefore, we must remain in operation and be vigilant in our practices to maintain a safe and sanitary environment. We will continue to follow the methods that were put in place recently until further notice.
The Links below are compiled resources on how to prevent spreading the disease, help for vulnerable populations, and the most current information you may find useful.
CDC, “Interim Guidance for Homeless Shelters”Web guide researching drugs, alcohol, addiction, and recovery
To continue to create strategic partnerships with community stakeholders, design a diverse housing portfolio, leverage social service programming to unite and ensure residents are provided with safe and nurturing environments that lead to self-sufficiency, responsibility, and individual empowerment.
Within 5 years the RHA will re-establish itself as high performing agency that is a leader in housing and sustainable communities by developing additional, non-HUD revenue streams, increasing our asset base and offering state of the art resident initiatives.
