ATTENTION: NC SENIOR LIVING ASSOCIATION COVID-19 UPDATE
March 17, 2020
Below are recent developments regarding COVID-19:
- Yesterday, we informed providers of Governor Cooper's Executive Order 117 to close all K-12 schools until March 30th;
- In addition to closing schools, Executive Order 117 also mandates "that organizers of events that draw more than 100 people cancel, postpone or modify these events or offer online streaming services." However, the mandate has now been revised to gatherings of more than 50 people.
- As a result of the above Orders, NCSLA informed members today of two event cancellations - the Spring Conference and Golf Tournament that was scheduled in April and the Medication Training that was scheduled for next week.
- Today, the Governor issued another Executive Order to close restaurants and bars for dine-in service but allows takeout and delivery orders.
- Identified cases of COVID-19 continue to increase in our state and are now found in 16 counties:
- Brunswick - 1 case
- Onslow - 1 case
- Craven - 1 case
- Sampson - 1 case
- Wilson - 1 case
- Wayne - 1 case
- Johnston - 1 case
- Harnett - 1 case
- Chatham - 1 case
- Durham - 1 case
- Wake - 15 cases
- Cabarrus - 1 case
- Mecklenburg - 7 cases
- Iredell - 1 case
- Forsyth - 2 cases
- Watauga - 1 case
Fortunately, to our knowledge, there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in any adult care or family care homes and it is imperative that providers and staff continue to
practice proper infection control measures
such as restricting visitation
as outlined in
NCSLA's 3/14/20 COVID-19 Update ,
frequent (and thorough) hand washing, identifying staff and residents who may be experiencing signs and symptoms of cold or flu (i.e. elevated temperature, dry cough, etc.) and other measures designed to reduce the transmission of the virus.
The NCDHHS has developed a Health Care Coalition workgroup comprised of many different health care provider types and the Coalition convened its first conference call this morning. During the call, NCSLA asked questions regarding relaxing staffing requirements for adult care homes facing staffing shortages and availability of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The NCDHHS heard what we had to say and is reviewing the issues. It is important for homes to report to NCSLA what they are experiencing as it relates to staffing, supplies and challenges providing care during the current environment as outlined in yesterday's
NCSLA communication
.
In addition, it is recommended for providers to work with their
Health Departments
should they have questions or need assistance.
Reducing resident exposure to individuals who are potentially infected with COVID-19 is of paramount importance since our residents are among the highest risk group for infection and mortality from this virus. Thank you and your staff for all you are doing to provide care to our residents during this difficult time in what we all hope will be a temporary event.
If you have questions concerning any aspect of this document, please do not hesitate to contact me at (919) 787-2526 or
jeff@ncseniorliving.org
Jeff Horton, Executive Director
