Riverside Rest Home COVID-19 update 2024.12.15 MASK ON STATUS
Friday evening a recently admitted resident tested positive for COVID-19 on unit 2 during routine testing that is standard for all recent admissions. This resident was showing no symptoms and had tested negative on the day of admission. Saturday evening another resident of unit 2, who was showing symptoms of illness, also tested positive. It’s not known if there is any connection between the cases on Friday and Saturday as the residents are not near each other on the unit and had no known connection, however follow-up testing of residents on the unit this afternoon revealed a third positive resident whose room is in close proximity to the resident who tested positive on Saturday.
We additionally had a new positive employee case from the dietary department this morning, which is the second case in dietary this week. That employee did not have what would be considered high risk contact with any other employees, but dietary should be vigilant for new cases.
The facility remains mask-on. Positive residents are on COVID transmission based precautions, travel to unit 2 should be restricted to that which is essential. Employees are required to wear full PPE when caring for positive residents including N95 use; full PPE also includes gloves, gowns and eye protection. Infections of residents & staff have generally been mild, although severity is known to vary. Positive residents are being treated by our providers with antiviral medication as deemed appropriate.
Employees who call out sick should be screened for COVID-like symptoms when they call out with additional follow-up required if there is concern. A reminder for when employees don’t volunteer their reason for calling out that while they are not required to tell us what they have when they call out they are obligated to tell us what they do not have when it comes to symptoms that may jeopardize the facility, and points of contact are obligated to ascertain that from them, ie. Do you have any symptoms consistent with COVID such as respiratory illness (sore throat, cough, congestion), etc.
A reminder to all staff please do not come into work (and visitors do not come to visit) if you have new onset symptoms that could be the beginnings of COVID, especially respiratory symptoms that resemble cold symptoms, allergy exacerbation, sore throat, etc. or are feeling generally unwell or “off”. Keep in mind that even mild symptoms that are new onset and unusual, such as those that resemble the beginnings of a cold, can be very contagious and, in the case of COVID, infect a lot of people in a short amount of time. COVID tests cannot be used as a mean to rule-out COIVD in such situations as false negatives can happen early in infection and those people who test negative will still be infectious to others. Symptoms and/or test positivity may also not show up until several days after exposure. Home tests have also been made available outside of the nursing supervisor’s offices at all times for additional monitoring purposes that staff/visitors may take (no more than one per person please) but are meant as a tool and should never be relied on by themselves. If you have had close contact with a positive please let me know about it, especially if that person lives with you or if you have had extensive contact.
Current employee cases: 3
Current resident cases: 3
Thank you,
Chris Hamilton RN, BS-Computer Science/Business, a-IPC
Riverside Rest Home Infection Preventionist
chamilton@co.strafford.nh.us
Riverside Rest Home COVID-19 update 2024.11.01 MASK ON STATUS
I got off the phone with the Department of Health moments ago regarding our outbreak situation in the facility. At this time we have two units that are considered in outbreak, with the number of positive residents and staff increasing daily and with the number of contacts to positive residents and staff being too numerous to quantify at this point. The State recommends that we go mask on throughout the facility. Administration has been updated of this recommendation and agree with it. We will be mask on until further notice.
Thank you,
Chris Hamilton RN, BS-Computer Science/Business, a-IPC
Riverside Rest Home Infection Preventionist
chamilton@co.strafford.nh.us
Riverside Rest Home COVID-19 update 2024.10.30
This morning on 11-7 shift a resident who was noted to be displaying symptoms of illness tested positive for COVID-19 on unit 2. Testing of unit 2 residents on 7-3 shift revealed no new positive cases thereafter. Unit 2 is now mask-on status in addition to unit 1. The positive resident has been placed on COVID transmission based precautions. Caregivers of the positive resident from the prior 48 hours have been identified, those who are floats should mask for seven days from the date of contact while in the facility, monitor for symptoms and call out if they present, as should those who have been on unit 1. An additional resident of unit 1 tested positive this afternoon after symptoms were noted, she has also received antiviral medication recommendation from the provider. Testing will continue for both units in the days ahead.
Current COVID cases:
Staff: 5
Residents: 12
Thank you,
Chris Hamilton RN, BS-Computer Science/Business, a-IPC
Riverside Rest Home Infection Preventionist
chamilton@co.strafford.nh.us
Riverside Rest Home COVID-19 update 2024.10.29
Last night an employee of unit 1 reported that she tested positive for COVID-19 at home with symptom onset reported as starting earlier in the day.
The residents of unit 1 were tested this morning. The results of testing have revealed 10 new positive cases among the unit 1 residents. A staff member also tested positive and was sent home.
Unit 1 is considered in outbreak status. Masks are required on the unit, and any staff who have been on the unit in the past week should also be mask-on, especially float personnel, to avoid the potential of outbreak spread to other units and departments.
Positive residents are on COVID transmission based precautions, travel to and from unit 1 should be restricted to that which is essential. Employees are required to wear full PPE when caring for positive residents including N95 use. Positive residents are being treated by our providers with antiviral medication as deemed appropriate. Routine testing of unit 1 residents will continue this week as will contact tracing of positive cases.
Employees who call out sick should be screened for COVID-like symptoms when they call out with additional follow-up required if there is concern. A reminder for when employees don’t volunteer their reason for calling out that while they are not required to tell us what they have when they call out they are obligated to tell us what they do not have when it comes to symptoms that may jeopardize the facility, and we are obligated to ascertain from them, especially during outbreaks; ie. Do you have any symptoms consistent with COVID such as respiratory illness (sore throat, cough, congestion), etc.
COVID cases appear to be rising. A reminder to all staff please do not come into work (and visitors do not come to visit) if you have new onset symptoms that could be the beginnings of COVID, especially respiratory symptoms that resemble cold symptoms, allergy exacerbation, sore throat, etc. or are feeling generally unwell or “off.”. Keep in mind that even mild symptoms that are new onset and unusual, such as those that resemble the beginnings of a cold, can be very contagious and, in the case of COVID, infect a lot of people in a short amount of time. COVID tests cannot be used as a mean to rule-out COIVD in such situations as false negatives can happen early in infection and those people who test negative will still be infectious to others. Symptoms and/or test positivity may also not show up until several days after exposure. Home tests have also been made available outside of the nursing supervisor’s offices at all times for additional monitoring purposes that staff/visitors may take (no more than one per person please) but are meant as a tool and should never be relied on by themselves. If you have had close contact with a positive please let me know about it, especially if that person lives with you or if you have had extensive contact.
Current COVID cases:
Staff: 4
Residents: 10
Thank you,
Chris Hamilton RN, BS-Computer Science/Business, a-IPC
Riverside Rest Home Infection Preventionist
chamilton@co.strafford.nh.us
Riverside Rest Home COVID-19 update 2024.09.30
Unit 4 remains in outbreak with mask-on status throughout the unit. Positive residents are on COVID transmission based precautions, travel to and from unit 4 should be restricted to that which is essential. Positive residents are being treated by our providers with antiviral medication as deemed appropriate. Routine testing of unit 4 residents will continue this week as will contact tracing of positive staff with testing as deemed appropriate. Staff who float from unit 4 should mask while on other units to avoid the potential of outbreak spread to other units. Employees who call out sick should be screened for COVID-like symptoms when they call out with additional follow-up required if there is concern.
COVID cases appear to be rising. A reminder to all staff please do not come into work (and visitors do not come to visit) if you have new onset symptoms that could be the beginnings of COVID, especially respiratory symptoms that resemble cold symptoms, allergy exacerbation, sore throat, etc. or are feeling generally unwell or “off.”. Keep in mind that even mild symptoms that are new onset and unusual, such as those that resemble the beginnings of a cold, can be very contagious and, in the case of COVID, infect a lot of people in a short amount of time. COVID tests cannot be used as a mean to rule-out COIVD in such situations as false negatives can happen early in infection and those people who test negative will still be infectious to others. Symptoms and/or test positivity may also not show up until several days after exposure. Home tests have also been made available outside of the nursing supervisor’s offices at all times for additional monitoring purposes that staff/visitors may take (no more than one per person please) but are meant as a tool and should never be relied on by themselves. If you have had close contact with a positive please let me know about it, especially if that person lives with you or if you have had extensive contact.
Current COVID cases:
Staff: 4
Residents: 9
Thank you,
Chris Hamilton RN, BS-Computer Science/Business, a-IPC
Riverside Rest Home Infection Preventionist
chamilton@co.strafford.nh.us
Riverside Rest Home COVID-19 update 2024.09.22
This morning a resident of unit 4 tested positive for COVID-19 after demonstrating a low grade fever. A unit 4 employee additionally tested positive prior to her 3-11 shift this afternoon. Unit 4 is considered in outbreak with mask-on status throughout. Positive residents are on COVID transmission based precautions, travel to and from unit 4 should be restricted to that which is essential. Positive residents are being treated by our providers with antiviral medication as deemed appropriate. Routine testing of unit 4 residents will continue this week as will contact tracing of positive staff with testing as deemed appropriate. Staff who float from unit 4 should mask while on other units to avoid the potential of outbreak spread to other units. Employees who call out sick should be screened for COVID-like symptoms when they call out with additional follow-up required if there is concern.
COVID cases appear to be rising. A reminder to all staff please do not come into work (and visitors do not come to visit) if you have new onset symptoms that could be the beginnings of COVID, especially respiratory symptoms that resemble cold symptoms, allergy exacerbation, sore throat, etc. or are feeling generally unwell or “off.”. Keep in mind that even mild symptoms that are new onset and unusual, such as those that resemble the beginnings of a cold, can be very contagious and, in the case of COVID, infect a lot of people in a short amount of time. COVID tests cannot be used as a mean to rule-out COIVD in such situations as false negatives can happen early in infection and those people who test negative will still be infectious to others. Symptoms and/or test positivity may also not show up until several days after exposure. Home tests have also been made available outside of the nursing supervisor’s offices at all times for additional monitoring purposes that staff/visitors may take (no more than one per person please) but are meant as a tool and should never be relied on by themselves. If you have had close contact with a positive please let me know about it, especially if that person lives with you or if you have had extensive contact.
Current COVID cases:
Staff: 5
Residents: 4
Thank you,
Chris Hamilton RN, BS-Computer Science/Business, a-IPC
Riverside Rest Home Infection Preventionist
chamilton@co.strafford.nh.us
Riverside Rest Home COVID-19 update 2024.09.16
Please note that a resident on unit 4 has tested positive for COVID tonight following two unit 4 staff members who also did during the evening shift. Unit 4 is now considered in outbreak and mask use is required at this time. Further resident testing will be conducted today, and in the coming days, and I will update accordingly. Thank you.
Chris Hamilton RN, BS-Computer Science/Business, a-IPC
Riverside Rest Home Infection Preventionist
chamilton@co.strafford.nh.us
Riverside Rest Home COVID-19 update 2024.08.25
The resident of unit 4 has completed her time on transmission based precautions and the unit is now considered clear. We are however now up to 3 Riverside staff cases (and 1 at Hyder), 1 who recently worked on unit 2. The others did not work during their infectiousness period. Unit 2 is now on watch and will have testing done in the coming days, though it at least appears her direct contact with residents was limited. Staff whom she had close contact with are asked to test prior to shift through Wednesday, monitor for symptoms & utilize surgical masks for source control during that period.
COVID cases appear to be rising. A reminder to all staff please do not come into work (and visitors do not come to visit) if you have new onset symptoms that could be the beginnings of COVID, especially respiratory symptoms that resemble cold symptoms, allergy exacerbation, sore throat, etc. or are feeling generally unwell or “off.”. Keep in mind that even mild symptoms that are new onset and unusual, such as those that resemble the beginnings of a cold, can be very contagious and, in the case of COVID, infect a lot of people in a short amount of time. COVID tests cannot be used as a mean to rule-out COIVD in such situations as false negatives can happen early in infection and those people who test negative will still be infectious to others. Symptoms and/or test positivity may also not show up until several days after exposure. Home tests have also been made available outside of the nursing supervisor’s offices at all times for additional monitoring purposes that staff/visitors may take (no more than one per person please) but are meant as a tool and should never be relied on by themselves. If you have had close contact with a positive please let me know about it, especially if that person lives with you or if you have had extensive contact.
Current COVID cases:
Staff: 4
Residents: 0
Thank you,
Chris Hamilton RN, BS-Computer Science/Business, a-IPC
Riverside Rest Home Infection Preventionist
chamilton@co.strafford.nh.us
Riverside Rest Home COVID-19 update 2024.08.21
The resident of unit 1 has completed her period on transmission-based precautions and may now be removed from it. No other residents nor staff of unit 1 have shown positive in the aftermath of her infection and thus unit 1’s mask-on status can be lifted at this time.
The positive unit 4 resident remains on transmission-based precautions and the unit will remain mask-on until her period on precautions is completed provided that there are no further positives on the unit among residents or staff.
A reminder to all staff please do not come into work (and visitors do not come to visit) if you have new onset symptoms that could be the beginning of COVID-19, especially respiratory symptoms that resemble cold symptoms, allergy exacerbation, sore throat (said to be the most common symptom of current variants), etc. or are feeling generally unwell or “off.” Keep in mind that even mild symptoms that are new onset and unusual, such as those that resemble the beginnings of a cold, can be very contagious and, in the case of COVID, infect a lot of people in a short amount of time. COVID tests cannot be used as a mean to rule-out COVID in such situations as false negatives can happen early in infection and those people who test negative will still be infectious to others. Symptoms and/or test positivity may also not show up until several days after exposure. Home tests have also been made available outside of the nursing supervisor’s offices at all times for additional monitoring purposes that staff/visitors may take (no more than one per person please) but are meant as a tool and should never be relied on by themselves. If you have had close contact with a positive please let me know about it, especially if that person lives with you or if you have had extensive contact.
Current COVID cases:
Staff: 1
Residents: 1
Thank you,
Chris Hamilton RN, BS-Computer Science/Business, a-IPC
Riverside Rest Home Infection Preventionist
chamilton@co.strafford.nh.us
Riverside Rest Home COVID-19 update 2024.08.16
This afternoon a resident on unit 4 tested positive for COVID after c/o cold like symptoms and having a mildly elevated temperature. This resident had no contact to any known prior positives. The resident and her roommate are now on COVID Transmission Based precautions and the unit itself is now in mask-on status. No other residents are showing new onset symptoms at this time, and all other residents tested have been negative thus far. Further COVID testing of the unit will be conducted in the coming days. The resident is on COVID transmission based precautions. Residents on unit 4 can still leave the unit and go downstairs so long as they are without symptoms and have a surgical mask on.
Unit 4 is in mask on status. Caregivers of the resident from the past 48 hours need to test with the nursing supervisor prior to their shifts for the next 5 days. Floats who have provided care must mask when they are on other units additionally. All staff members are asked to monitor themselves for symptoms over the next 5 days, call out sick if new onset symptoms present and test prior to return.
COVID cases appear to be rising. A reminder to all staff please do not come into work (and visitors do not come to visit) if you have new onset symptoms that could be the beginnings of COVID, especially respiratory symptoms that resemble cold symptoms, allergy exacerbation, sore throat, etc. or are feeling generally unwell or “off.”. Keep in mind that even mild symptoms that are new onset and unusual, such as those that resemble the beginnings of a cold, can be very contagious and, in the case of COVID, infect a lot of people in a short amount of time. COVID tests cannot be used as a mean to rule-out COIVD in such situations as false negatives can happen early in infection and those people who test negative will still be infectious to others. Symptoms and/or test positivity may also not show up until several days after exposure. Home tests have also been made available outside of the nursing supervisor’s offices at all times for additional monitoring purposes that staff/visitors may take (no more than one per person please) but are meant as a tool and should never be relied on by themselves. If you have had close contact with a positive please let me know about it, especially if that person lives with you or if you have had extensive contact.
Current COVID cases:
Staff: 2
Residents: 2
Thank you,
Chris Hamilton RN, BS-Computer Science/Business, a-IPC
Riverside Rest Home Infection Preventionist
chamilton@co.strafford.nh.us
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24230
The NH Department of Health vaccine education outreach team shared this instructional video
Covid-19 Information and Updates
Riverside Rest Home New Visiting Guidelines
Resident visits no longer need to be scheduled.
Visitors must still wear required PPE.
All visitors do need to be screened prior to entering the building.
Visitors should not visit if they are sick, have had contact with someone with COVID-19 or are suspected of having COVID-19.
Visitors must continue to adhere to core principles of Covid-19 infection prevention including hand hygiene and social distancing (most visits to continue to take place in residents’ rooms).
We continue to ask that you don’t socialize throughout the unit/building.
Residents outings
Riverside Rest Home
Re-Opening Guidance for LTCF
Effective December 2, 2021
This policy is to be instituted and maintained for the entirety of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
02/21/2021 BHB Page 1 of 2
Updated 12/01/2021 BHB
Screening:
Screen 100% of all persons entering the facility.
Each person will have their temperature taken and recorded. Each person will print name, sign, and
answer truthfully, all screening questions. Screening questions consist of travel, symptoms, and contact/exposure.
Any employee answering affirmative/yes to the screening questions will NOT be permitted entry until further assessment can be completed.
Screen 100% of residents for symptoms at least daily.
Documented temperature, oxygen saturation level, absence or presence of COVID-19 symptoms.
Visitation:
Please see Visitation Policy effective December 2, 2021.
Non-essential personnel:
Hairdresser, Volunteers, Music Entertainment, etc. are permitted. These individuals are asked to coordinate with RRH Activities Director and/or Volunteer Coordinator.
Trips outside the facility:
Permitted:
medically necessary trips
resident outings (see visitation policy)
individual or small group trips e.g., roommates, residents from the same unit that usually spend time together
trips where the location allows for social distancing and mask use
Not Permitted:
Group trips that have residents from multiple units
Group gathering locations e.g., concerts
Group dining. We request that all dining trips continue to be postponed at this time as social distancing and mask use cannot adequately be maintained.
Consulting Medical Professionals i.e., ophthalmologist, optometrist, podiatrist, etc.:
Permitted, must provide a copy of a negative COVID-19 test obtained within 48 hours prior to visit. PCR preferred. If unable to obtain a PCR result, medical professional is to coordinate with facility to have a Rapid Antigen test performed prior to entry.
PPE must be changed between residents.
Residents are to remain on their units for the visit.
Communal dining:
Limited communal dining is permitted.
Social distancing, 6ft or greater, must be adhered to.
Unit Solariums may be opened.
Facility main dining room remains closed at this time however is under review for opening.
Group Activities/Physical Therapy:
Limited, to ensure that social distancing can be maintain and residents are from the same unit.
No residents from different units in 1 group or room/area.
Masks must be worn by all staff and residents at all times.
Residents who cannot appropriately wear a mask are encouraged to social distance from others.
If residents (such as Unit 5) are not able to tolerate mask use, please have the activity occur on the unit.
Physical distancing, 6ft or greater, must be maintained as possible throughout.
No passing of items between residents, i.e., cards, bingo chips, balloons, paint brushes, etc.
Preferably activity will occur on the resident units.
If the activities room is utilized, residents may not travel through another unit/resident space.
Animals:
Permitted, must be leashed.
RRH does request that animals are not brought from resident to resident. If this does occur, the handler should assist the resident to sanitize hands before and after the visit. Handler should also be mindful that the resident does not touch their face or mask without sanitizing their hands first.
Testing:
Routine Surveillance testing is determined by surrounding community, facility status, and county positivity rates. Please see COVID-19 testing policy.
PPE:
Surgical/Procedure mask to be worn by all employees, visitors, volunteers, etc. while in the building or when outside with residents. Note: Unvaccinated employees are required to wear a KN95.
KN95s are more protective than a surgical mask however, easier to breathe through than a N95. The KN95s offer protection to the wearer and the individual they interact with. The KN95 can be used for 1 shift then discarded.
o KN95s are to be worn by unvaccinated employees. We do ask that unvaccinated visitors also wear the KN95 if vaccination status is disclosed at screening.
N95s must be worn during aerosol generating procedures i.e., nebulizer treatments. You may choose to wear a N95 instead of the KN95. These masks are to be worn for 2 shifts as previously instructed.
o Please wear a surgical mask over the N95 when performing splash activities, i.e. baths or showers. This offers protection of the N95 as the surgical mask can be easily discarded and replaced if soiled or wet.
Eye Protection must be worn when within 6 feet of anyone else when the community transmission level is in Substantial or High.
Gloves for direct resident contact.
Gowns are only required for rooms identified as on precautions.
Riverside Rest Home COVID-19 Update 06.22.22
Good
Afternoon,
Strafford County Community Transmission levels
continue to be high. Transmission levels are utilized for healthcare facilities
only. Community Levels for the general public are identified as medium. Please
continue to monitor yourself for symptoms and report if any start.
We were
notified that 3 employees tested positive from yesterday’s (6/21) routine
testing. Most cases have been attributed to community transmission sources
however, some sources are unknown. There is no identified link between the
active employee cases. Due to the increased testing, mask use, social
distancing and overall vigilant efforts by all employees, the risk of
transmission is minimal. Although minimal, the units that the employee worked
will undergo routine testing twice weekly out of precaution.
Employees
identified as close contact have been notified. These employees have been
instructed to test prior to each working shift. TESTING REQUIREMENTS for
employees is identified further down this e-mail.
Last known exposure/potential
exposure:
Unit 1B:
greater than 14 days ago
Unit 2:
6/21/22
Unit 3:
Right hall 6/21/22, left hall: greater than 14 days ago.
Unit 4:
greater than 14 days ago
Unit 5: 6/21
Hyder Unit:
6/16
Kitchen:
6/18 and 6/21
Cases since 3-7-2022:
Employees:
Active: 4
Recovered: 30
Total: 34
Residents:
Active: 0 –Last resident
case, 5-6-2022. With the Great work by all employees, there
was no transmission to other residents.
Recovered: 1
Total: 1
Screening upon entry to the building is
mandatory for every individual entering, regardless of role or duties in the
building. Symptoms include runny nose, cough, fever, body aches, chills,
sneeze with congestion, congestion, sore throat. Even if you feel “it is just a
cold” or “just allergies” report these symptoms to the screener. This is our
first line of defense to keep the facility safe.
Exclusion: fire and
police in the event of an emergency.
Required PPE use:
– surgical/procedure masks for
people up to date on all recommended COVID-19 vaccines.
– KN95 or greater for those not up to
date on all recommended COVID-19 vaccines.
– eye protection when within 6ft
of others.
Testing:
employees, volunteers, and contracted individuals
Up to date: not mandatory however, HIGHLY
recommended once weekly.
Mandatory as instructed if identified as close contact with a positive person.
Employees that worked the areas identified on the dates above mandatory
weekly.
Not up to date: mandatory twice weekly –
in the building more than 24hours in the week.
mandatory once weekly – in the building 24hours or less in the week.
Individuals with
household contact, close contact outside of work, travel, and/or other risk
factors will test at a frequency appropriate to their specific situation.
Location: Hyder south side
Days: Monday, Tuesday, Friday
Times: 6:30am-10:00am and
1:30pm-3:15pm
Type of test,
PCR or Antigen, will vary depending on availability, time of collection, and
situation.
Up to date on
all recommended vaccines = you receive the booster/boosters when eligible.
Recommended
COVID-19 vaccines vary between age groups, medical situation, and type or
primary series. Please follow the link below to determine if you are up to
date.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html#recommendations
or use the
booster tool available from the CDC to determine if you’re eligible based on
your specific situation. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html#when-you-can-get-booster
Thank you,
Brianna Haskins-Belanger, RN, BSN
Strafford County COVID-19 Operations Coordinator
Riverside Rest Home, Strafford County
Riverside Rest Home
Policy and Procedure During COVID-19 Pandemic
Accepting Admission and Residents Who Leave the Facility
This policy is to be
instituted and maintained for the entirety of the COVID-19 Pandemic, unless
updated.
Updates
identified in orange.
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DEPARTMENT:
POLICY:
PURPOSE or INTENT:
PROCEDURE: Responsible Person(s): ALL
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All
During the COVID-19 pandemic all new admissions,
· · · · · ·
Procedure:
1. Follow a. Licensed b. All 2. Follow Residents Leaving the Facility(page4) in accordance with each individual’s a. Residents who b. Individuals Note: RRH cannot c.
Continued on
d. |
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Table 1: New Admissions, Readmissions, and
Return from the Hospital.
1. Documented
temperature, oxygen saturation level, absence or presence of COVID-19 symptoms
at minimum once daily.
2. Requires 14-day
Quarantine, admit to single occupancy room on the Hyder unit.
3. May be admitted
directly to the appropriate unit in the main building of Riverside Rest Home.
4. Place
in contact precautions per RRH contact precaution guidance based on new
Strategies to optimize PPE supplies.
5. Limit
contact with other residents as much as possible.
6. Limit
the number of different staff interacting with a resident as much as possible
and limit the number of times each staff enters a resident’s room.
7. As
the rooms on the Hyder unit are single occupancy rooms and bathrooms, this unit may
effectively manage individuals on Quarantine and those positive for COVID-19.
8. Place
on droplet precautions per RRH droplet precaution guidance based on new
Strategies to optimize PPE supplies. Requires isolation until discontinuation of transmission
based precautions is determined in collaboration with the Director of Resident
Services and Infection Control Nurse. Isolation for a minimum of 10 days past
the start of symptoms or positive test.
NOTE:
PPE requirements are subject to change due to the status of a unit, building,
or whole facility. Please be advised that MEMO’s or e-mails may indicate a
different level of precautions required, those are to be followed in lieu of
this policy when increased levels of PPE are identified.
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Resident is tested Resident overnight |
Resident COVID |
Resident tests |
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Facility Resident Returning · · · · · · · New admission · |
*as appropriate, with regards to the resident’s physical
safety
Residents
Leaving the Facility:
Medical
appointments:
·
Regular communication between the medical facility and the
nursing home is essential to help identify residents with potential exposures
or symptoms of COVID-19 before they enter the facility so that proper
precautions can be implemented.
·
Generally, does not require quarantine upon return unless
risk of exposure has been identified and the resident is not fully vaccinated.
·
Masks, Hand Hygiene, and Physical Distancing should be
practiced, as able, during transportation to and from the appointment as well as
during the appointment.
Community
Outings with Family or Friends less than 24 hours:
·
Masks, Hand Hygiene, and Physical Distancing should be
practiced, as able, during transportation to and from the visit/outing, as well
as during the outing.
·
Screening of resident/family or friend, to determine if
exposure of COVID-19 occurred.
·
RRH may consider quarantining the resident upon return
based on screening and risk of exposure determined when resident returns to the
facility.
Community
Outings with Family or Friends greater than 24hours (LOA):
·
Masks, Hand Hygiene, and Physical Distancing should be
practiced, as able, during transportation to and from the visit/outing, as well
as during the outing.
·
Screening of resident/family or friend, to determine if exposure
of COVID-19 occurred.
·
RRH may consider quarantining the resident upon return
based on screening and risk of exposure determined when resident returns to the
facility.
·
Residents leaving the facility greater than 24 hours will
be managed as described in Table 1.
Additional points to
remember:
·
At this time Strafford County has community
transmission of COVID-19 and individuals have been positive without any known
contact or travel.
·
Always refer to COVID-19 pandemic policies
specified for the duration of the pandemic
·
Any questions or if unsure contact the Director
of Resident Services.
·
Riverside Rest
Home highly encourages residents, that are not fully vaccinated, to remain in
the facility to ensure that they are in an environment that is controlled to
ensure infection control practices are adhered to.
·
Riverside Rest
Home highly encourages All residents that choose to leave the facility to only
go with family/friends/others that are also fully vaccinated.
Abbreviations:
AHCA: American
Health Care Association
NCAL: National
Center for Assisted Living
CDC: Centers for
Disease Control
CMS: Center for
Medicare and Medicaid Services
LTC: Long-term
care (Riverside Rest Home for purposes of this policy)
Riverside Rest Home
Policy and Procedure
Visitations
This policy is to be instituted and maintained for the entirety of the COVID-19 Pandemic, unless updated.
03/21/2021 BHB Page 1 of 3
Updated 6/25/2021 BHB
Updated 11/30/2021 BHB
Policy:
Riverside Rest Home (RRH) will allow in-person visitation in accordance with guidance provided by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
This policy outlines visitation at Riverside Rest Home. During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) RRH is required to have identified infection prevention measures in place for visitation.
Core Principles of COVID-19 Infection Prevention
Visitors who have a positive viral test for COVID-19, symptoms of COVID-19, or currently meet the criteria for quarantine, should not enter the facility.
Hand Hygiene
Masks (covering mouth and nose) and physical distancing at least six feet between people.
Appropriate use of PPE. If resident is on isolation due to COVID-19 infection, enhanced PPE will be required for the visitor. Staff to assist visitor with proper donning and doffing of PPE.
Visitations:
Indoor and Outdoor visits are permitted for all residents.
o The Core Principles of COVID-19 Infection Prevention continue to be required to reduce the risk of transmission.
o Due to screening requirements upon entry, suggested visitation is 10:00am-2:00pm and 3:30pm-7:00pm.
PPE requirements are dependent on facility COVID-19 status, individual resident COVID-19 status, and community positivity rates.
Visits should still be conducted using social distancing.
o The resident preference for social distancing between the resident and the visitor will be on an individualized resident and/or resident representative determination.
o Examples:
Resident vaccinated, visitor vaccinated, resident wants to be closer than 6 feet to visitor. Social distancing does not have to occur;
Resident unvaccinated, visitor vaccinated, resident and/or resident representative requests that visitor social distance or stay 6 feet or greater away from the resident. Social distancing does have to occur;
o Visitors are asked to social distance from other residents and employees.
o Resident and/or resident representatives may request that visits not occur in the room for the roommate. If requested RRH will assist at finding another location for visits to occur, for the roommate and the resident requesting.
Visitors must keep the mask in place for the entirety of the time within the building. Mask should cover the nose and mouth. Due to the continued transmission of COVID-19 in the community, visitors are not permitted to eat or drink in the facility at this time, as to allow for the mask to be worn properly for source control.
o End of life situations when a visitor is sitting vigil with the resident:
The resident does not have a roommate;
Resident is fully vaccinated;
Riverside Rest Home
Visitors may briefly remove the mask to eat or drink;
Visitors must have the mask in place when any staff enter the room.
Fully vaccinated residents who are not on quarantine or isolation may have a visitor assist them with eating their meal (ensure all other policies regarding assisting a resident to eat are followed).
o Individual assisting the resident to eat must:
Wear a well-fitting face mask covering the nose and mouth;
Perform hand hygiene before and after assisting with the meal;
Must maintain social distancing (6ft) from other residents and staff.
o While the community transmission level is at substantial or high, we request that unvaccinated visitors do not assist the resident with meals.
If both the resident and resident’s visitor are not able to wear a well-fitting facemask due to health related concerns, a full face shield is sufficient during the visit.
o If the resident is not vaccinated, we do ask that physical distancing be maintained during the visit.
Residents, who are safe to do so, are encouraged to wear a mask when they have visitors.
Physical contact is permitted, based on the resident and/or resident representative preferences. If physical contact does occur, please ensure that the visitor and the resident perform hand hygiene before and after the contact.
o Due to the length of the COVID-19 pandemic and nursing home restrictions on visitation, RRH presumes that all residents permit physical contact with their visitors. If the resident and/or resident representative choose not to permit physical contact, please notify the unit or social worker to ensure the proper plan of care is established.
o Physical contact can be allowed as long as both resident and visitor wear a well-fitting face mask and perform hand hygiene before and after contact. Regardless of resident or visitor vaccination status.
Residents and visitors may go on a walk together.
o The resident and visitor must wear a well-fitting mask at all times during the walk.
The following criteria must be met:
Facility Requirements:
RRH will provide PPE, we do ask that if a visitor has been supplied with eye protection that they please sanitize it and bring it to their next visit.
o The mask must cover the nose and mouth of all parties during the transit to and from the visit space as well as throughout the visit.
o PPE requirements are determined by facility issued memo’s. The requirements are subject to change often due to the community transmission rates, facility status, vaccination status, quarantine status, etc.
Staff must carry, or have available, alcohol-based hand sanitizer with them to the visitation, and everybody (staff, resident, visitors) must sanitize their hands before and after visitation.
Facility must maintain a log with contact information for all visitors to enable accurate public health contact tracing should there be a need.
Animals are permitted.
o All animals must be leashed throughout the visit.
Additional Information:
A resident who is suspected or confirmed to be infected with COVID-19 may have visitors.
o Visitors will be provided education on risk of transmission and provided appropriate PPE with staff assistance to properly donn and doff the PPE.
o Visitors will be provided education and required to sign that they understand the risks associated with the visit and will honor the state quarantine requirements after close contact with someone suspected or confirmed of COVID-19.
Residents who have recovered from infection (e.g. COVID-19) may be visited as long as they no longer require transmission-based precautions without additional PPE requirements or risk acknowledgements.
There is currently no limit on the number of visitors. RRH does request that if the amount of visitors, exceeds the ability for social distancing, that the visit be arranged ahead of time; to allow for a space to be arranged that can accommodate the number of visitors.
RRH requests that during this time, visitors are an age and/or with demeanor where the individual is able to wear a well-fitting face mask for the entire duration of the visit and does not “run/roam” around the building, unit, or rooms.
o Regardless of age the visitor must be able to wear a well-fitting face mask for the entirety of the visit.
Visitors are encouraged to disclose their vaccination status.
o Although encouraged, this is not a requirement for visitation.
o Vaccination status will be recorded along with screening questions.
Visitors are encouraged to participate in testing.
o A visitor will be asked about their last test date and result.
o If the visitor has not had a test for the SARS-CoV-2 in the 5 days leading up to a visit, the visitor will be offered and encouraged to have a Rapid Antigen test for COVID-19 performed at the facility.
If the visitor chooses to have a test at the facility, they will sign a testing consent form and results will be kept on file with their screening questions.
A visitor may request a copy of their results; the copy of results will be available 2 business days after the visit.
o Although encouraged, this is not a requirement for visitation.
o A positive test result in the 14 days leading up to visitation, the individual will not be permitted entry to the building and the visit will not occur, regardless of indoor or outdoor visitation.
- Good Afternoon,
Last week there were newly positive employees identified. Some employees had
been previously put out of work due to household contact which means the risk
of transmission to the building is non-existent. We have had 2 employees test
positive that did work the 48 hours prior to symptoms. At this time the
residents from the units they worked on remain free from COVID-19 related
symptoms.Although there is risk associated with the time frame that
the employees worked, the risk of transmission to these units is minimal. As
there is a risk to these units, we will proceed with testing the residents on
Unit 4 and Unit 5 tomorrow (Tuesday) morning. This does not change any
requirements regarding visitation, admission, dining, activities, etc.Any employee may participate in testing.
Testing will be based on community level of transmission,
which is HIGH at this time.Testing Requirements:
Resident Testing
Unit 4 and Unit 5 Tuesday 12/14 am.
Employee Testing
Tuesday Dec. 14th
6:30am-10:00am and 1:30pm-3:15pm
Friday Dec. 17th
6:30am-9:00am and 1:30pm-3:15pm
Mandatory for:
·
Employees notified that they were close contact
to the newly positive employees.·
Employees Not fully vaccinated. Reminder
that fully vaccinated is 14 days after the 2nd dose of Pfizer and/or
Moderna, and 14 days after the 1 dose of J&J.·
Not vaccinated employees must test on both
days. If the employee only works 1-2 days a week, they can test just one
day.Voluntary for:
- Fully vaccinated employees that would like to be
tested.
- Testing is optional for fully vaccinated employees,
unless identified as close contact to an individual positive for
COVID-19.
- Testing is optional for fully vaccinated employees,
Testing will continue for:
Anyone newly identified as close contacts, regardless of
place or person of contact, will continue to be tested and quarantined if
necessary.Anyone with new and unexplained signs or symptoms of
COVID-19.RRH
COVID-19 Cases since 9/14/2021Recovered
Active
CasesPassed/Deaths
Total
Employees
Fully
Vacc: 20Not
Vacc: 9Fully Vaccinated: 4
Not fully vaccinated: 2
(4 were not in the building
during the 48 hours prior to symptoms)0
35
Residents
7
0
2
All
fully Vacc.9
As the community continues to see a rise in COVID-19 cases,
we are all at risk for transmission and should continue to monitor ourselves
for symptoms.Thank you for your continued hard work.
Brianna Haskins-Belanger, RN, BSN
Strafford County Complex COVID-19 Operations Coordinator
Riverside Rest Home
276 County Farm Road
Dover, NH 03820December06
- Fully vaccinated employees that would like to be