The news about the potential spread of this new disease (Coronavirus, COVID-19), and the risks it poses for those who become infected, is concerning to us all. Please know that maintaining the health, wellness and safety of your loved one is our number one priority. We are taking steps now to prevent this illness and be positioned to respond quickly and effectively should it impact someone in our setting.
“The health and wellness of our residents and the caregiving teams who support them is our number one priority,” said Roman Bloemke, COO, Welcome Home Health Care. “We are staying abreast of the latest information from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and we are working with state and local public health and emergency preparedness officials to strengthen our preparation for a possible outbreak of Coronavirus.”
We have emergency preparedness and infection prevention and control plans in place, which address how we prepare for and manage infectious disease outbreaks. We are incorporating new information on Coronavirus into those procedures as it becomes available. Our staff are trained in infection control practices and follow established protocols based on that training. This being flu season in Minnesota, staff already have a heightened awareness of the risks posed to our residents/tenants by respiratory illnesses and the vital importance of effective infection control practices. However, we have increased our training and retraining efforts in this area.
We are actively educating staff, residents and families on symptom awareness for Coronavirus and have clear protocols for staff to stay home and not come to work if they are ill or symptomatic.
“We also advise that visitors, vendors and others who may come in contact with our residents avoid visits to our community if they are feeling ill themselves or have come in contact with someone who is being screened for possible COVID-19 infection,” said Jacob Work, Director of Health and Wellness, Welcome Home Health Care. “These precautions are vital to helping us avoid and minimize the possible spread of this virus.”
We are closely monitoring the latest information from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and we are working with state and local public health and emergency preparedness officials to strengthen our preparation for a possible outbreak of Coronavirus.
We may need to postpone activities, screen visitors or limit visitor access. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause, but we will keep you informed every step of the way should these or other steps become necessary.
You are a key partner in keeping yourself and others healthy—wash your hands often; avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; and if you are feeling ill, we ask that you not visit at this time.
Communication is key, and we will continue to update you on important news or emerging issues. Please visit our website and our Facebook pages for regular updates.
And do not hesitate to contact any one of our communities with any questions or concerns you may have.