Doing Our Part - Update #5

The latest recommendations from the CDC, specifically their wording to people over 65 and their blanket encouragement to not go to work if you can, has left many of you with questions about what you should do regarding work.

First, we want to make clear that we consider the decision to work with your seniors a personal decision and you will have no negative performance impact from MSC, if you decide not to work.

Where things vary for our business vs the general CDC Coronavirus Guideline is in the separate instructions that apply to home care agencies.

“If you work in a critical infrastructure industry, such as healthcare services…you have a special responsibility to maintain your normal work schedule.”

We will continue caring for our seniors until told otherwise by the CDC or state

Screening Checklist for Employees

The American Health Care Association, in alignment with the Governor’s Executive Order 2020-7 regarding care facilities, has published a Screening Checklist for Employees entering a facility. We are requesting that you use these guidelines when determining whether you should come to work.

  • Do you have any of the following respiratory symptoms?

    • Fever

    • Sore throat

    • Cough

    • New shortness of breath

    • Do you have a fever?

    • Have you been to a location with recognized COVID-19 cases?

To answer this question regarding recognized cases, you can review the map below from Access Kent.

Map created by Scott Levin | slevin@mlive.com in CARTO

Change in Condition of your Senior

Please also use the above checklist to assess your senior when you first arrive. If any condition is present, please call the office immediately! Do not provide care until you talk with us. You are welcome to check with your senior prior to leaving for your shift to confirm their health and whether their apartment is open to health care providers.

Always practice Social Distancing – no hugs, no hand shakes, no personal contact greetings

Handwashing and clothing - there's more to it

Proper Handwashing

The best way to prevent the spread of a virus to your client is by immediately washing your hands when you come into your senior’s home.

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Wash your Apron

Additionally, make sure you wear a clean apron with every client. Do not wear your purple apron into another client’s home without washing it in hot water. The coronavirus can live on your clothes.

The World Health Organization says that it's not certain yet how long the coronavirus lives on surfaces, but preliminary information indicates that it may "persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days."

Harvard Health notes that the virus is more likely to survive on hard services than softer ones like clothing fabric. Still, doctors suggest removing shoes and changing into clean clothes to prevent outside germs from coming into your home.

Disinfecting surfaces

 Perform routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces with detergent/disinfectant solution/wipe at least daily or when visibly dirty.  Floors should be cleaned using a detergent solution.

Use of disinfection

 Use freshly made bleach solution and follow manufacturer’s instructions for appropriate dilution and use (see link below for recipe).  Wipe the area with bleach solution using disposable paper towels or a disposable cloth.  Dispose of gloves and mask in a leak proof plastic bag.  Wash hands well using soap and water and dry with disposable paper or single-use cloth towel. If water is unavailable, clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub.

Preparation of disinfectant solution

 Gloves should be worn when handling and preparing bleach solutions.  Protective eye wear should be worn in case of splashing.  Bleach solution should be:  made up daily  used mainly on hard, non-porous surfaces (it can damage textiles and metals).  Sufficient time is required to kill the virus, i.e., at least 10 minutes contact time

More information on Environmental cleaning and disinfection principles for COVID-19

Congratulations! You did it!

Employee Accomplishments of the Week

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Congratulations and thank you to the following employees who completed the Infection and Disease Prevention course this week. Anyone who has not yet completed the course was sent a new link to the course Monday morning. Please consider completing the short program this week.

Catherine Richardson Colleen OMalley Jim Elzerman Jamie Muir Cynthia Larson Laurie Capoferi