The Coronavirus (COVID-19) respiratory disease is spreading globally with multiple cases now in the United States. I share your concern about safety and I assure you that we are well prepared for whatever lies ahead. All of our Jewish Home communities are following national strategies provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with an emphasis on prevention. Specifically, the CDC strategies are focused on halting the spread of COVID-19 in Long Term Care Facilities. COVID-19 can be detected and prevented similar to the spread of other respiratory viruses such as influenza.
Below are a sampling of steps we’ve put in place to ensure the highest levels of safety throughout our campus;
- Instructing guests not to visit if they have symptoms of respiratory infection.
- Employees staying home if they have symptoms of respiratory infection.
- Ensure all employees are cleaning their hands according to CDC guidelines.
- Assess resident’s symptoms of respiratory infection upon admission
- Implement appropriate infection prevention practices for incoming symptomatic residents
- Regularly monitor residents and employees for fever or respiratory symptoms.
- Restrict the movement of residents with fever or acute respiratory symptoms.
- All staff to follow CDC mandated protocols while giving care with proper protection.
- Ongoing monitoring and coordination with our local and state public health sources.
My commitment is to ensure the safety of all who come through our doors. My staff and I are working hard to identify and understand any potential COVID-19 activity in our community and remain committed to provide updates as the situation evolves. Please be assured we are taking every measure across the Jewish Home campus to prevent this virus from entering any of our buildings and protecting our residents, families and staff from exposure.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns to Michele Schirano, RN, Senior Vice President/Administrator, Jewish Home of Rochester at 784-6484. Thank you and together we can focus on prevention ensuring the safest environment for all.
Sincerely,
Dr. Marie Aydelotte, Vice President of Medical Services
For additional information, please visit the CDC’s Coronavirus Disease information page.