Coronavirus Preparedness

Health & Wellness  |  February 28, 2020

News about the spread of coronavirus is everywhere. The situation is fluid and new information about the disease and its spread is changing daily. We understand the potential risk this disease presents and are taking proactive steps to protect residents and team members. While we don’t want to overreact to emotionally charged news stories, we know this situation is a cause for concern for many of residents and their family members, so we want to share with you what we know about the disease and initiatives we are taking to address concerns in our communities.

The World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control are responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in Wuhan, China. This disease, labeled coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has sickened thousands worldwide and has led to more than 2,000 deaths. (More information about the coronavirus can be found on the World Health Organization and/or Centers for Disease Control websites.)

Although the number of confirmed cases in the US is low, Christian Living Communities, Capella Living Solutions, and Rhythms Home Care are proactively working to prepare and protect residents, clients, and team members for this evolving situation. CLC-Capella conducts extensive yearly training for all team members in managing infections and preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Our protocols are multi-disciplinary and prescriptive to prevention, containment and how to stop the spread of the disease should it occur.

We have created coronavirus specific policies and procedures modeled after our very successful flu and norovirus protocols, including:

• Reinforcing good infection control practices such as proper handwashing techniques, not touching face and proper coughing and sneezing protocol. We are stressing the importance of team members staying home if they are sick.
• Educating all associates about the signs of coronavirus (fever, respiratory symptoms) to assure early detection and treatment.
• Current CDC recommendations for treating coronavirus are the same as norovirus, including isolation, cleaning protocol, and communication. We are reviewing the norovirus protocol found in the Noro notebook. The Noro Notebook is currently in all communities and is a step-by-step instruction and competency on what to do at the first signs of viral symptoms. Watch the video 
• Assuring that each community has an ample supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as masks, gowns, and gloves.
• Screening anyone (residents, families, associates, and vendors) who have traveled to China, or other CDC designated countries, or have been around anyone with the virus within the last 30 days. If so, we follow strict CDC guidelines.

In addition, we are preparing for nonessential team members to be able to work remotely, “self-quarantine” at home, in case that becomes a CDC recommendation.

The health and safety of residents, their loved ones, and team members are our top priority. We are continuing to monitor the situation and will update all applicable personnel, residents and families as CDC recommendations change and as more is understood about the virus, including treatment and prevention guidelines.

Read the most current CMS/CDC Directives and how our communities are affected.

If a family member would like more information, please contact your community’s Executive Director.

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