Dear Residents, Families and Employees:
The COVID transmission rate in Philadelphia is currently Substantial.
I am very disappointed to share with you that one new case of COVID was identified in the health center; this is an asymptomatic resident who has been admitted within the past week, and their first test was negative, the second one positive.
As stated in the November 16 memo, more information regarding the CMS announcement regarding visitors would be provided. Please take time to read the attached items related to visiting in the health center. We will be applying the same practices for Personal Care residents, as well, as historically the Department of Human Services (DHS), adapts the same practices.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me directly at the email address slachman@wel.org or by phone at 267.348.3340.
Stay well,
Suzanne H. Lachman, LNHA
Executive Director
COVID-19 EDUCATIONAL QUICK SHEET
COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Most infected people will develop mild to moderate illness and recover without hospitalization. The CDC does not list different symptoms for the Delta variant or others.
Most common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Dry cough
- Tiredness
Less common symptoms:
- Aches and pains
- Sore throat
- Diarrhea
- Conjunctivitis
- Headache
- Loss of taste or smell
- A rash on skin, or discoloration of fingers or toes
Serious symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain or pressure
- Loss of speech of movement
Seek immediate medical attention if you have serious symptoms. Always call before visiting your doctor or health facility.
On average it takes 5–6 days from when someone is infected with the virus for symptoms to show, however it can take up to 14 days.
VISITING IN THE HEALTH CENTER
Visitors are allowed indoor visitation at all times, as permitted under regulations, without registering/scheduling a visit in advance, without limited length of visits and without limited number of visitors.
Visitors who are not fully vaccinated are encouraged to visit outdoors, if the resident’s medical condition health status allows for outdoor visits and weather permitted. Outdoor visits generally pose a lower risk of transmission due to increased space and airflow.
Visits may be conducted in residents’ rooms, with the following exceptions:
- If one resident is not fully vaccinated and the other resident is fully vaccinated, visits may not take place in the room.
- If one resident is immunocompromised, regardless of the vaccination status.
Core principles of COVID-19 infection prevention must be adhered to at all times. Visitors who are unable to adhere to the core principles of COVID-19 infection prevent will be asked to leave; and or, they will not be permitted to visit.
Core Principles of COVID-19 Infection Prevention:
- Visitors who have a positive viral test for COVID-19, symptoms of COVID-19, or current meet the criteria for quarantine should not enter the facility. All visitors who enter will be screened to determine visitation exclusions.
- Hand hygiene (use of ABHR [alcohol basked hand rub] is preferred).
- Face covering or mask (covering mouth and nose) and physical distancing at least six feet between people, in accordance with CDC guidance.
- Instructional signal throughout the facility and proper visitor education on COVID-19 signs and symptoms, infection control precautions, other applicable facility practices:
- Entrance and exit through main entrance only
- Hand hygiene and screening at entrance
- Visiting in designated areas only
- Do not enter other residents’ rooms; limit visits to your loved one only
- Cleaning and disinfecting high-frequency touched surface in the facility often, and designated visitation areas after each visit.
- Appropriate staff use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Effective cohorting of residents (e.g. separate areas dedicated to COVID-19 care)
- Resident and staff testing conducted as required by regulation.
COVID-19 Outbreak Investigation:
- It is safer for visitors not to enter the facility during an outbreak investigation; CMS has stated visitors must still be allowed in the facility.
- Visitors should be made aware of the potential risk of visiting during an outbreak investigation.
- During an outbreak investigation, visits will take place in resident’s rooms only with no common area visits, regardless of the vaccination status.
Vaccinations:
- CMS strongly encourages all visitors to become vaccinated.
- The facility strongly encourages all visitors to become vaccinated.
- This facility will assist you in setting up an appointment for a vaccination through Friendship Pharmacy, if you require assistance.
- Friendship Pharmacy contact information: 215.624.0440
