Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living
Member Alert
March 6, 2020

Coronavirus Update No. 4
 
WHCA staff will be available throughout the weekend to answer any questions and address any concerns. If you need our assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Robin Dale , Elena Madrid , or Vicki McNealley .

Valuable Resources for Your Facility and Your Staff

Over the last week we have provided you a great deal of information about how to deal with the threat of COVID-19. We wanted to make sure that you have some of the more useful information at your fingertips this weekend.

  1. WHCA has compiled an exhaustive list of up-to-date information on our COVID-19 Resources web page.
  2. An instructional PowerPoint on the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when treating patients with COVID-19.
  3. A PPE request form that is to be provided to your local health department if you run short of PPE.
  4. A comprehensive and informative PowerPoint from the King County Department of Public Health, including signage and links.
  5. Access to Washington State Department of Health and Department of Social and Health Services guidance and planning tool with recommendations to long term care facilities.
  6. A March 4, 2020, CMS memo addressing infection control, including visitation.
SCRUB-A-DUB-DUB! KEEPING THE ENVIRONMENT CLEAN
Infection control and prevention begins with routine cleaning and sanitizing. Environmental services staff (EVS) need to be aware of the facility’s policies and procedures. Be sure to check in with EVS to ensure they have appropriate supplies, cleansing agents, access to areas that need to be cleaned, and are utilizing proper personal protective equipment (PPE) throughout their working shift. 

Here are some tips to ensure that cleaning and sanitizing is effective.
  • The CDC has created FAQs about PPE that should be worn by EVS personnel. Take time to review it with your staff. King County Health Department has also provided Guidance for Janitorial Staff.
  • Routine cleaning and disinfection procedures are appropriate for SARS-CoV-21 in healthcare settings, including those patient-care areas in which aerosol-generating procedures are performed. King County Health Department has shared guidance on Sanitizing and Disinfecting and on Routine Cleaning. 
  • EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectants with an emerging viral pathogens claim are recommended for use against SARS-CoV-2. 
  • If there are no available EPA-registered products that have an approved emerging viral pathogen claim for COVID-19, products with label claims against human coronaviruses should be used according to label instructions. 
  • Management of laundry, food service utensils, and medical waste should also be performed in accordance with routine procedures. 
  • Ensure staff that they are a valued part of the team and remind them that if they are sick or symptomatic in any way, they need to stay home. Click here for CDC guidance for employers. 
  • Remind staff members that their personal wellness and safety is also important. Encourage them to reach out if they have questions or concerns. 
WHCA will continue to keep you informed through regular updates as events unfold. If you have questions, do not hesitate to contact Robin Dale , Elena Madrid or Vicki McNealley .