Our Main Purpose and Goal
Keeping the focus on limiting entry and rigorous screening should be able to answer most questions about how to implement. Getting caught up with all the subtle differences in descriptions, examples and definitions misses the main purpose and goal, which is to
protect the health and welfare of our residents
.
Who is included in “all”?
The virus does not discriminate by types of people entering or reasons for entering. So, "all” means any human being.
What is considered “necessary” or who needs to enter?
This is going to be an individual facility/community decision based on the risk/benefit on a case by case basis. However, given the high case fatality rate among the elderly (estimated at 15-20% currently), we should lean toward an abundance of caution and discourage visitors unless it is absolutely necessary. We encourage providers to explain this to families to help them understand that entry is being limited to protect their loved ones (see our template letters and video messages on our
website
).
Clearly, we can’t have a complete ban on people entering. For example, there will be circumstances where a spouse, son/daughter, or close friend needs to enter, or a vendor may need access to help install medical equipment.
Screening Process
To further achieve our goal, we should as much as possible,
screen all those who must enter
by
asking them questions
to see if they have any respiratory symptoms and if they have a high-risk exposure to COVID-19. How to screen and what questions to ask will vary and change as we learn more. Try to follow CDC guidance, but local health department or state guidance may vary. Set up a process that considers the purpose of screening and avoid “analysis paralysis.”
The screening process must apply to ANY INDIVIDUAL who needs to enter, including staff, surveyors, government officials, contractors, consultants, family members and friends. It may not be possible to screen 100% of people entering given the building design, staffing, etc. So, direct back to the purpose, which is to limit people from entering the building as much as possible to lower the chance of COVID-19 infecting any of the residents.
In terms of staff, they should also be screened as much as possible. Your screening process must balance the risk with having workforce available to care for the residents and the physical layout of the building. Educate your staff on the screening process and encourage them to stay home if they do not meet ANY of the screening criteria.
Ind
ividuals Entering the Building
Also, any individual who does come into the building should be washing their hands or using an alcohol-based hand rub to help reduce the chance of spread. While in the building, they should follow social distancing and not shake hands and hug.
Keeping this main purpose in mind and properly communicating that with all stakeholders will hopefully help resolve questions about various guidance.