Many of our members have expressed growing concerns related to the dwindling availability of PPE. HCANJ is working on requesting additional supplies however until such supplies are approved ALL long term care facilities must conserve the supplies on hand to be used when providing care for people under isolation. A CDC conference call on March 17, 2020 provided updated guidance on current use of and conservation of PPE. Updated CDC guidelines regarding PPE can be found here.
Several facilities are being impacted by COVID-19. Please refer to current CDC guidance regarding employee exposure risks listed here and here.
Please also see the following information that was just distributed today from NJDOH for LTC facilities with confirmed COVID-19:
Long-term Care Facilities who have a confirmed case of COVID-19 should consider the following immediate action to prevent further spread to their residents and staff:
Follow all current CMS guidance regarding the restriction of visitors and non-essential healthcare personnel, except in certain compassionate-care situations.
STOP current communal dining and all group activities such as internal and external group activities
Implement active screening of residents and staff for fever and respiratory symptoms. Remember that older adults may manifest symptoms of infection differently and that other symptomology should also be assessed at minimum, daily. Vital signs should include heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, pain and pulse oximetry. The facility staff should have a heightened awareness for any change in baseline in their residents.
Close the unit to new admissions except as needed to cohort ill individuals or staff.
Consider closure of the facility to new admissions.
Consider implementing universal use of facemask for HCP while in the facility
Encourage residents to remain in their room. If multiple cases are present restrict residents (to the extent possible) to their rooms except for medically necessary purposes.
Mask all residents (who can tolerate masks) who are symptomatic when providing direct care; if masks are limited or not tolerated use of a tissue to cover the nose and mouth is appropriate.
Adhere to internal environmental cleaning protocols to ensure appropriate measures are being taken to clean and disinfect where appropriate including high-touch surfaces and all shared medical equipment (e.g., lifts, blood pressure cuffs, medication carts). Consider increasing the frequency of cleaning in the facility.
Quarantine and monitor exposed contacts including healthcare workers and roommates.
Remember to report any new cases or persons suspected of COVID-19 to NJDOH and LHD.
For more information and ongoing updates please visit:
