Last updated July 20, 2022
The following documents include guidance for shelter providers, outreach teams, and hospitals on how to handle COVID-19 referrals for residents of shelters and those who are unsheltered, including for those in need of isolation shelters upon discharge from emergency departments and inpatient units. The Coalition will continue to post updated guidance and workflows as DHS shares them.
June 23, 2022: Code Red Policy and Medical Director’s Letter to Hospital Partners
January 4, 2022: DHS Policy for Distributing Rapid At-Home Tests
January 4, 2022: DHS Clarification of Isolation and Quarantine Policy
January 4, 2022: DHS Quarantine Overview
November 3, 2021: Code Blue Policy and Medical Director’s Letter to Hospital Partners
May 25, 2021: Code Red Policy and Medical Director’s Letter to Hospital Partners
May 24, 2021: Updated COVID Isolation Guidance for DHS Sites
March 29, 2021: COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility for Families with Children
March 19, 2021: Interim Guidelines for placing clients in single or double rooms during the COVID-19 Emergency
December 16, 2020: Quarantine Letter for Adult Families
December 15, 2020: Quarantine Letter for Families with Children
December 15, 2020: Quarantine Letter for Single Adults
December 1, 2020: Face Coverings in Commons Spaces in DHS Shelters
July 31, 2020: COVID-19 Best Cooling Practices for DHS Shelters
July 31, 2020: Heat Sensitivity Fact Sheet and Reasonable Accommodation Request Form
July 31, 2020: Help Prevent Heat-Related Illness and Death Among Heat-Vulnerable Clients During the COVID-19 Pandemic
July 24, 2020: DHS COVID-19 Isolation Site Process, Responsibilities, and Best Practices
June 22, 2020: COVID-19 Testing for DHS Clients and Staff procedure
June 3, 2020: DHS COVID-19 Isolation Site Referral form
May 22, 2020: DHS Referral Guidance for Healthcare Facilities
May 20, 2020: Overview of New Guidance on Isolation from DOHMH
April 28, 2020: COVID-19 Isolation Plan and Best Practices for DHS Shelters
April 28, 2020: Shelter Provider COVID-19 FAQs
April 21, 2020: DHS COVID-19 Protocol For Isolation and Discharge to Shelter
March 27, 2020: COVID-19 DHS Shelter Guidance
March 27, 2020: Street Homeless Outreach Response COVID-19
COVID-19 Best Practices for DHS Shelters (undated)
COVID-19 Facts and Tips (undated)
Face Mask Guidance (undated)
Isolation Advisory Letter to Client (undated)
Isolation Discharge Criteria (undated)
SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Testing Information Sheet and Consent (undated)
Virtual Buprenorphine Clinic flyer (undated)
COVID-19 & Isolation (undated)
Visit the Western New York Law Center for additional COVID-19-related materials prepared by government and non-profit agencies.
