Coronavirus: News to Stay Informed

Memo

To:       All Field Staff

From:  Ed Miller, RN – Director of Nursing

Date:   3/2/20; revised 4/2/20

RE: COVID-19 Precaution Notification

The current situation regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) is changing quickly as the illness spreads across the globe. As Health Care professionals it is our responsibility to be informed and reliable sources of information for our patients and their families. I urge all to review up-to-date information on the Center for Disease Control website www.cdc.gov. Although much is still being learned about the illness it is first and foremost a highly contagious respiratory virus and the methods to prevent, treat, and contain it’s spread are the same as those used to fight the viruses that have effected our patients in the past.

It begins with HANDWASHING and ends with HANDWASHING! In between we can do the following:

1. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Discuss with your patient’s families about not taking your patient out unless it is important to do so.

2.  Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using cleaning spray or disinfecting wipes.

3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

4. Cover your cough or sneeze into a tissue and dispose of the tissue in the trash. If no tissue is available, sneeze or cough into the crook of your arm.

5. Stay home when you are sick

Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds using soap and water. If no soap is available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.  For your personal protection, the office currently has a supply of hand sanitizer, exam gloves, and face masks on hand by request.

What about face masks? The CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.  Face masks should be used by people who show symptoms to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.

For local area updates on this quick-moving situation:

• Visit the Philadelphia Department of Public Health’s COVID-19 resource page for the latest health information.
• For additional information regarding COVID-19 testing locations and resources, please visit the City’s COVID-19 homepage
• Text COVIDPHL to 888-777 to receive free alerts with important information about COVID-19 through ReadyPhiladelphia, the City of Philadelphia’s mass communication system

As a REMINDER:  Any and all symptoms that you experience must be reported to
Visiting Nurse Group as well!

Please reach out to the Clinical team with any questions and concerns. Be safe.