COVID-19 Update for Cedar Crest & Cedar Home Health

March 9, 2020

Dear Cedars Community,

As we reported to you last week, at The Cedars our greatest concern is ensuring that our residents, patients, and staff are in the safest and healthiest environment possible. Currently, we remain free of any COVID-19 (the new coronavirus). Our administrative staff has actively participated in two teleconference meetings with medical professionals at the RI Department of Health and most nursing homes in RI. The following are practices that have been mandated to safeguard our frail population.

1. Anyone including employees entering the building must be screened for symptoms of illness including obtaining and recording a temperature. Any positive survey answers or a temperature of 100.4 or higher will be asked to return home and contact their medical provider. Everyone must enter through the front door when coming in for work.

2. Visiting hours are limited to 1:00pm – 4:00pm daily.

3. Anyone including employees involved in international travel will not be allowed into the
   building for a minimum of 14 days upon their return.

4. Sick employees, visitors, and other interested parties should stay home. We
   request that you stay home if you have any symptoms of respiratory illness. Those symptoms include: cough, fever, and/or shortness of breath.

5. Notify us if you develop respiratory symptoms while at work. These symptoms include cough, fever, and/or shortness of breath.

6. Practice proper hand washing hygiene. All employees should clean their hands before and after interaction with residents and their environment with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60-95% alcohol or wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Soap and water should be used preferentially if hands are visibly dirty.

7. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Please review the CDC’s information on coughing and sneezing etiquette.

8. Perform routine environmental cleaning. Routinely clean all frequently touched surfaces in the workplace, such as workstations, countertops, and doorknobs. Use the cleaning agents that are usually used in these areas and follow the directions on the label. No special cleaning is necessary for COVID-19.
   We thank you for your diligence and will continue to keep you informed

   
   Sincerely,
   Gina DiRaimo, RN
   Gdiraimo@cedarsliving.com
   401-944-8500 x150
   Infection Control Preventionist