Coronavirus – Our Plan

The health and safety of our patients and personnel is our utmost priority. Throughout this pandemic, our agency has followed a specific protocol to control the spread of the coronavirus. Our COVID-19 protocol complies with state and federal guidelines, and we deploy additional sanitizing measures on an ongoing basis. Our infection control measures are regularly updated and monitored within the agency.

Visitation – This agency, as well as CMS and CDC, recognizes the importance of visiting with your relatives as part of staying healthy. Outdoor visitation poses a lower risk of transmission; therefore, if you have guests, visits may be held outdoors whenever practicable.  Indoor visitation is also allowed in almost all circumstances but, if any potential visitor has not been feeling well or has been exposed to someone who is ill, they should defer the visit to another time.  It is very important that during visits we wear a mask, wash our hands, and watch our distance. We hope that if we are careful and mindful of the Core Principles of COVID-19 Infection Prevention, we can return to pre-pandemic visitation practices soon. Core Principles of Infection Prevention are listed below.  We know how important it is for families to communicate with their loved ones. We recommend families consider virtual visitations via Facetime, Zoom or telephone when you cannot visit in person. 

Vaccination – This agency offers each patient and staff education on COVID-19 and information on the risks, to include side effects and benefits of vaccination. The vaccine is offered by this to any staff or patient who wishes to receive it. CMS believes that vaccinations will help protect those who are most at risk of severe infection or death from COVID-19; therefore, we recommend that all patients and staff receive the vaccine unless contraindicated

Screening and testing – All employees submit to daily temperature checks and must complete a daily questionnaire for early detection of symptoms and exposure.  In addition, employees are tested according to state guidelines, which is influenced by the level of community transmission as well as new cases being identified. Our staff is trained to detect the early onset of respiratory symptoms.

What you can do at home – Everyone in the community also plays a very important role in protecting our patients. Get immunized as soon as the COVID-19 vaccine is available for you. Now and until advised otherwise, continue to wear a mask, practice social distancing, and wash your hands frequently. While elderly people and those with a compromised immune system are especially vulnerable, no one is totally immune from the virus. Taking safety precautions protects everyone.  Research about the transmission of the virus is ongoing. Recent studies suggest that people who are asymptomatic (showing no outward signs of illness) may nonetheless be contagious, making it more important than ever for everyone to take precautions.

To learn more about the symptoms of COVID-19 and how to protect yourself and your family, visit the CDC website.

Core Principles of COVID-19 Infection Prevention

  • Screening of all who enter the agency for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g., temperature checks, questions about and observations of signs or symptoms), and denial of entry of those with signs or symptoms or those who have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 infection in the prior 14 days (regardless of the visitor’s vaccination status).
  • Hand hygiene before and after visits and as needed when touching surfaces or people (use of alcohol-based hand rub is preferred).
  • Well-fitting face mask that covers mouth and nose.
  • Social distancing of at least six feet between persons.
  • Education for patients and families on COVID-19 signs and symptoms, infection control precautions, other applicable practices (e.g., use of face mask, hand hygiene), etc.
  • Cleaning and disinfecting high frequency touched surfaces often.
  • Appropriate staff use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Patient and staff testing conducted as required.