We continue to closely monitor COVID-19. We are scheduling outside visitation, by appointment. Please call us for more info.
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a coronavirus that causes respiratory illness that can spread from person-to-person. It was first identified during an outbreak in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.
How are we prepared for COVID-19?
We are committed to following the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s precautions and screening guidelines to care for our residents and visitors. We are a part of a multidisciplinary, systemwide task force across Covenant Health-member organizations that is carefully monitoring this situation and developing strategies to be prepared, along with local, state and federal officials.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Individuals with COVID-19 may have mild to severe respiratory illness, including symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, and new loss of taste or smell. Other less common symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea. Some people, usually the elderly or immunocompromised, may experience more severe complications, such as pneumonia.
What can I do to prevent the spread of COVID-19?
You can take basic precautions and practice good prevention practices, including:
- If you feel sick, stay home and avoid travel.
- Avoid close contact with individuals who are sick or have flu-like symptoms.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with your sleeve or a tissue. Then, discard the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently used objects and surfaces with a household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
Do I need a face mask?
Face masks should be used in social settings and when in public. Cloth face coverings should:
- fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
- be secured with ties or ear loops
- include multiple layers of fabric
- allow for breathing without restriction
- be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape
The use of face masks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility). Please do not hoard medical-grade face masks.
Is there treatment for COVID-19?
Treatments exist for more severe cases that lead to hospitalization, and these are available and used currently throughout our system’s hospitals.
What should I do if I think I am sick with COVID-19?
First, avoid visiting our patients, residents and public places. If you feel sick, have any of the above listed symptoms, and especially if you have shortness of breath, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Where can I get more information about COVID-19?
Here are some useful links from the CDC that we have curated to help answer your most common questions:
- 2019 Novel Coronavirus Home
- What You Need to Know About COVID-19: Fact Sheet
- What to Do If You Get Sick: Fact Sheet
For the most up-to-date information, please visit the CDC’s website.
About the COVID-19 Vaccine
A Message for Residents and Families
The COVID-19 vaccine provides us with a powerful tool to combat this deadly virus, and the goal is to vaccinate all who want to receive it. As the review and approval process progresses, more vaccine will be available, but for now, the supply is limited nationwide.
Residents of long-term care facilities are being prioritized in Phase 1 of vaccination program, with distribution likely to occur between now and February 2021. The federal government has contracted with Walgreens and CVS to go to all facilities during Phase 1 to vaccinate staff and residents. When the vaccine is available, residents will be scheduled for vaccination at the facility.