The Health Facilities Association of Maryland (HFAM) and the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) remain engaged in monitoring the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). According to the
Maryland Department of Health (MDH) and the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), two people have been tested and no cases have been confirmed in Maryland at this time. It is likely that cases will eventually be confirmed in Maryland and other parts of the United States.
According to the
CDC website, as of February 27, 2020, there have been 445 people tested and 14 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the United States. In recent weeks, additional cases have been confirmed in a growing number of international locations.
Prudent providers across all healthcare settings are currently reviewing historical experiences, state guidance, and operational plans relative to infection control and best practices relative to care, staffing, food, power, and medication. As the outbreak of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) further develops, we can expect additional federal and state guidance.
We recommend that members stay on alert for family members, staff, and other visitors who have recently traveled internationally AND have symptoms such as fever, cough, and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Facilities should report such individuals to their local or state health department.
Long-term and post-acute care centers should act now to help reduce the potential for spread, which will also minimize the spread of other circulating viruses that can impact residents and staff.
The
2019-nCoV spreads mainly between people who are in close contact with one another via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this with the coronavirus, but it is not thought to be the main way that the virus spreads. Centers should review their infection prevention and control policies and procedures to take precautions among residents and staff.
We will continue to monitor the outbreak and keep members informed with updates. Additional information for healthcare professionals can be found on the
CDC and on the
MDH websites.
