**We are not aware of anyone associated with NextStep Orlando who has contracted the virus, and we remain diligent to protect your health and safety. Please check our social media feeds to stay updated with our facility.**

Why is COVID-19 a concern for our clients?

"For individuals with spinal cord injury at any age, immunosuppression or the way your body responds to bacteria and viruses is not as strong. This is because after a spinal cord injury messages, about viruses and bacteria may not be transmitted to the brain correctly for the body to initiate and early response.” This places our clients in a higher-risk population during these uncertain times.

We also have to remember that there are secondary concerns that are associated with spinal cord injury and paralysis that also put our clients at risk. A few examples of these include:

- Reduced lung capacity

- Diabetes

- UTI

- Self Catheterization (risk of virus/bacteria entry into the sterile urinary system)

- Pressure sores

These secondary conditions impact and weaken an individuals immune system and this is why we are determined to maintain the health of our clients at NextStep Orlando.

What does this mean for NextStep Orlando?

We will be closed for 15 days as recommended by the CDC and will return to work next Wednesday April 1st. [We will continue to monitor the news for any Government or CDC updates, such as the Stay- at- Home order issued for Orange County yesterday. We hope to know exactly what this means for NextStep Orlando soon.]

We will continue to take precautions in order to maintain a safe environment for our clients. As always, the health of out clients is our main concern and we will maintain the following measures as we open next week:

1. All staff will be wearing gloves

2. All equipment will be sanitized before and after each client

3. We ask that all clients bring their own water bottles to their sessions

4. Caregivers/Family Members are kindly asked to help promote these precautions

5. If possible, large groups of visitors will be discouraged.

Information taken from: https://www.christopherreeve.org/blog/daily-dose/the-coronavirus-and-spinal-cord-injury

NextStep Orlando is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit organization and we rely heavily on our community. We would GREATLY appreciate donations of masks, gloves and cleaning supplies for the facility. Monetary donations can be made here.

Please stay home. Stay active. Stay healthy. And stay safe!!!