Coronavirus – Protecting Staff, Residents, and the Community
What you need to know!
2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Additional cases have been identified in a growing number of other  international locations , including  the United States .  Since family members of residents may have traveled internationally as well as staff or their family members, we recommend that members stay on alert for individuals who have traveled to China, AND have symptoms (fever, cough, and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath). Facilities should report such individuals to their local or state health department.  

Right now, this virus is not spreading in the community in the United States and the vast majority of Americans have a low risk of exposure. At some point, 2019-nCoV may start spreading in the United States among people without international travel. 

Long-term and post-acute care centers should act now to help reduce the potential for spread, which will also help with influenza and other circulating viruses that can impact our residents.  The 2019-nCoV spreads from person-to-person through droplets suspended in the air very similar to how influenza spreads. Centers should review their infection prevention and control policies and procedures for droplet precautions among residents and staff. 

The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) has reported that two (2) Maryland residents have met the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) criteria for testing for 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Both of these individuals have tested negative.
Currently there is no vaccine to prevent Coronavirus infection. The best method to prevent the infection is using standard, contact, and airborne precautions, including the use of eye protection . 

This includes:
  • proper hand hygiene practices and/or the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol avoid touching the face,
  • avoid close contact with people who are sick and stay home when you are sick,
  • cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze,
  • clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Centers should educate families and visitors on signs and symptoms of respiratory illness and encourage them to visit with loved ones through alternative means when they are ill, such as telephone, Skype, or wearing a mask during visits.

Centers should ensure that they have a properly trained infection preventionist who can take the lead on facility risk assessment for this and other infections. Through the Infection Prevention Control Officer (IPCO) training course, individuals will be specially trained to effectively implement and manage an infection prevention and control program in their nursing center or assisted living community. It addresses both clinical and organizational systems, processes and cultural aspects of infection prevention and control which are fundamental to effectively leading and administering a center’s infection prevention and control program. 
HFAM will continue to monitor and collaborate with state and national leaders relative to this outbreak and keep members informed.
Continue to follow your infection prevention and control procedures.