COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is becoming more widespread in the U.S. and around the world. We have been working diligently to ensure our team is prepared. Our main focus has and continues to be control and compliance – control by building barriers against the spread and compliance with policies and protocols. We are acting with an abundance of caution, reinforcing our policies and procedures for contagious illnesses, and implementing recommendations from CDC, local and state guidelines.
For the continued safety and wellbeing of our residents and team members, we have taken appropriate steps to minimize public access to our communities. We have canceled events inviting the public, cancelled large group meetings, and are controlling access of all vendors and healthcare partners.
Effective as of today’s date, we will no longer permit families and friends to visit in person for a period of at least the next thirty days. We encourage you to remain in contact with your loved ones via telephone and video calls. Our communities will make cell phones and other digital equipment available to residents who may not have cell phones. Team members will assist to schedule and help set up such calls, if needed.
Should an emergency situation arise requiring an in-person visit, our team will contact you immediately and coordinate your visit to ensure the wellbeing of our residents and team. Please do not hesitate to contact the executive director of the community if you have any questions or concerns. We regret the inconvenience this will cause. We will continue to provide you with periodic communication on new developments and welcome your questions.
Thank you for your understanding and support in helping us keep everyone healthy and safe during this time.
What is the coronavirus?
It is a family of viruses that generally cause mild common cold like symptoms. If you had a cold/flu, mild or strong in the past, you were likely exposed to a coronavirus. Some types of the coronaviruses evolve from animals and now make humans sick. When that happens, they are reclassified as a new human coronavirus. The 2019-nCoV, from Wuhan China, is one of these viruses. The CDC is learning as much as possible about this virus as it evolves.
The CDC’s greatest concern in the moment is the rapid speed of transmission causing large numbers of people to become ill at the same time. We have witnessed the impact this has on day to day business in China. Our best response is to reduce the risk of spreading this (and other diseases) with preventive measures.
Our team practices “standard precautions” an industry term for reducing germ transmission, every day. During this flu season we are adding extra precautions per CDC recommendations to reduce exposure and suggest you may do this as well.
For Individuals:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds (sing Happy Birthday 2X)
- Use lotion afterwards to keep them soft and supple preventing cracks.
- Avoid touching your face. (Eyes, nose, and mouth)
- Get your flu shot! It’s not too late.
- Get enough rest 7-8 hours of sleep.
- Stay hydrated. Our bodies work better when we have good hydration.
- Smile! Studies have shown laughter and joy support healthy immune systems.
If you or a family member are experiencing symptoms or are concerned you may have been in contact with someone who has the virus, immediately notify your physician, the local health department and contact the CDC for guidance regarding appropriate measures.
As a community we are:
- Front desk screening for all entering our communities – assessing general health and recent travel to known COVID-19 countries.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces daily.
For example: phones, doorknobs, toilet handles, sink handles, TV controls, banisters, elevator buttons and light switches. - Encouraging everyone, staff and residents, to wash hands often especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; after blowing your nose; coughing or sneezing.
- Use and encourage others to use “standard precautions” all the time.
If you have concerns related to your family member, let us know. We will continue to monitor the CDC website during this dynamic and evolving flu situation. Thank you for helping to keep our communities healthy.
Together we can make a positive difference in living a healthy lifestyle!
To learn more about what Pathway to Living® is doing to maintain health and safety and to stay updated with COVID-19 developments and resources, please visit CDC.gov and pathwaytoliving.com.
