Coronavirus – Our Plan

The health and safety of our patients and personnel is our utmost priority. Throughout this pandemic, our facility 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 facility.

Visitation – This facility, 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, outdoor visits are encouraged whenever practicable. In-person visitation is allowed at this facility, even during an outbreak. 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 avoid the spread of infectious diseases.  Core Principles are listed below.

We know how important it is for families to communicate with their loved ones. We recommend families work with our staff to schedule virtual visitations via Facetime, Zoom or telephone when you cannot be here in person. 

Entry screenings – Everyone who enters our facility must undergo a screening which includes a temperature check and a questionnaire. Any person who fails the screening shall be declined entry to the facility. We are providing this protective action in conjunction with the recommendations of the state health department, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), CMS and our Medical Director.

Vaccination – This facility offers each resident and staff education on COVID-19 and information on the risks, to include side effects and benefits of vaccination. The vaccine is offered at the facility to any staff or resident 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 residents 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. All residents are monitored for symptoms for early detection of COVID-19.  Residents who test positive are maintained with transmission based precautions. Our staff is trained to detect the early onset of respiratory symptoms.

Cleaning and disinfecting – Our facility takes additional steps to disinfect and clean our facility. These procedures go above and beyond what is required of us – they reflect our unwavering commitment to protecting our patients and personnel.

What you can do at home – Everyone in the community also plays a very important role in protecting our residents. Get vaccinated if your physician feels the COVID 19 vaccine is right for you.

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 facility 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 as indicated by the Community Transmission Level.
• Social distancing of at least six feet between persons.
• Instructional signage throughout the facility and proper visitor education on COVID-19 signs and symptoms, infection control precautions, other applicable facility practices, etc.
• Cleaning and disinfecting high frequency touched surfaces in the facility on a routine basis.
• Appropriate staff use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Effective co-horting of residents (e.g., separate areas dedicated to COVID-19 care when indicated).
• Resident and staff testing conducted as required.