Alta Centers response to COVID-19

As a healthcare provider, more so, as an American we understand these are scary times and we’re seeing something we’ve never seen before in this country. As the executive director, part of my job includes risk assessment and emergency preparedness. We wanted to give you all an update on how Alta Centers manages the risks of our facility and how we are handling COVID-19 First and foremost, As a preemptive measure, Alta Centers follows guidelines of the CDC and develops measures to properly look at risks associated with any pandemic situation. As of March 12^th , 2020, All Prescreening will include questions regarding travel to China, Asia, and Europe, flu-like symptoms and if the individual has come in contact with anyone who has COVID-19. These individuals will be monitored and referred out if flu-like symptoms occur. Alta Centers have trained staff on proper handwashing and prevention methods to prepare for potential issues if the virus is to spread. This will go into effect until the CDC declares COVID-19 as no longer a threat to the American public.

The Following Questions have been added to the pre-screening assessment

Have you traveled to Asia or Europe since the winter of 2019?

If yes, what countries or parts of countries have you visited?

Have you or any family members been exposed to Coronavirus?

Are you at risk for exposure to coronavirus?

Are you experiencing shortness of breath, coughing, fever, or other symptoms of Coronavirus and/or a flu?

If Yes, have you been tested for the Coronavirus or are you willing to be tested?

If anyone is experiencing these symptoms and/or has traveled the staff will have the client reviewed by a healthcare provider to check for COVID-19 prior to admission. These results will be documented in client file and will be accessible to staff to review.  At this time, all visitors to the facility will be cancelled until further notice unless deemed absolutely necessary. Visitors if necessary, will be asked about recent exposure to COVID-19 and any health risks they may have.

Patient safety is highly important of which posters will be placed at the front of the office to us as well as the safety of our program and our staff with information on COVID-19 and addressing hand washing as well as hygiene and cleanliness. We’ve also identified another risk area in our direct and indirect care staff, at this time the executive team has enabled an emergency preparedness plan to ensure those who are sick will have paid sick leave and an email has gone out to all staff regarding changes to company policy on sick leave to further help the containment of COVID-19.

• all staff have received information and training on COVID-19 as well as preventative and containment measures, they can consider.
• Employees who have symptoms of acute respiratory illness are recommended to stay home and not come to work until they are free of fever (100.4° F [37.8° C] or greater using an oral thermometer), signs of a fever, and any other symptoms for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicines (e.g. cough suppressants). Employees should notify their supervisor and stay home if they are sick.
• Employees who are well but who have a sick family member at home with COVID-19 should notify their supervisor

All executive level employees will continue to follow all local, state, and federal responses to ensure policy changes represent all enforcement