Serenity House Assisted Living is adhering to all guidance from the CDC and local Health Departments regarding COVID-19 infection prevention and optimal functioning during the pandemic. We are committed to continuing to provide high quality assisted living services and responding to the emotional needs of our residents during this challenging time.
COVID-19 BACKGROUND INFORMATION
BACKGROUND: COVID-19 is the abbreviated name for novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 that first emerged in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person through respiratory droplets. The situation with this outbreak is evolving rapidly with new information being learned daily. The CDC is working closely with federal, state, and local health departments. We will issue additional guidance as it becomes available.
HOW IT SPREADS: The coronavirus (COVID-19) is thought to spread mainly from person to person, between people who are in close contact with each other (defined as within about six feet), through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the eyes, mouth or nose of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. The virus can also be transmitted when an individual touches a surface with the virus and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth. Although it is possible that a person can be infected with COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or their eyes, however this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
SYMPTOMS: The main symptoms are fever, coughing, and shortness of breath, just like the flu. Additionally, changes in vital signs (BP, Resp. Rate, and Heart Rate), diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, low pulse ox, and altered mental status from baseline and loss of the sense of taste or smell may also be considered signs of infection. Currently, CDC believes that symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. There is no reliable way to distinguish coronavirus symptoms from symptoms caused by the common flu, as both diseases can cause fever, coughs, and pneumonia in severe cases.
TREATMENT: Currently, there are no vaccines or antiviral medications to prevent or cure COVID-19; however scientists are currently working on both. Comfort measures should be provided to help relieve symptoms.
STEPS TO PREVENT A COVID-19 INFECTION
- Face Mask:
- Wear a face mask over your nose and mouth
- Handwashing:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
- Follow cough, sneeze etiquette: Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. This makes it more difficult for the virus to get from a surface to you. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then dispose of it immediately in a trash can, preferably one with a touchless lid opener.
- Physical Distancing:
- Maintain at least a 6 ft. distance between yourself and others.
- Self-Quarantine:
- If you are COVID-19 positive or have other signs and symptoms of a COVID-19 infection or other respiratory infection, please stay at home.
- Wait until you are at least 14 days past signs and symptoms of a COVID-19 infection or positive COVID-19 test and have no fever without fever-reducing medications.