Covid-19

EMPLOYEE SAFETY PROTOCOL AT AGENCY OFFICES: To limit the spread of COVID-19 at the agency’s office through personal contact and surfaces, all office personnel must adhere to the following basic “Protective Measures”:

UPON ARRIVAL AT THE AGENCY’S OFFICE:

1. GREETINGS: No handshaking, use other non-contact methods of greeting employees.
2. HANDS: Wash them often (Before and throughout the entire shift).
3. ELBOW: Cough into your elbow should you need to cough or sneeze.
4. FACE: As much as possible, avoid touching your face (Keep your hands off your face at all times).
5. OBSERVE: Ensure that other employees are not exhibiting signs of the virus (coughing, excessive sneezing, and trouble breathing).
6. CLEAN: Disinfect the surfaces of your working area such as tables, chairs, and high-touch materials.
7. FEET: Stay more than three (3) feet apart from other employees.
8. FEEL: Sick? Stay at home (You should NOT come to work if you feel sick).
9. REPORT: If you are or another employee is exhibiting signs of the virus such as coughing, excessive sneezing, and difficulty in breathing, notify the Agency’s Administrator immediately and maintain a safe distance of 5 to 6 feet from the employee.

IF THE EMPLOYEE IS SICK AT HOME:

It is the policy of this agency in the event that an employee is sick with the virus at their own homes or other places aside from the agency’s office, it is important that all employees be trained and prepared in the proper course of action(s) through this policy. If you are sick at HOME with COVID-19 or think that you may be having it, you agree to follow the steps provided below to help protect other people in your home:

EMPLOYEE MUST:

1. Stay Home: Stay home except to get medical care. Conduct self-isolation and contact medical personnel. Under no circumstances should the employee leave their home unless advised by proper medical personnel.
2. Contact: Contact the Agency Administrator and inform them of the situation.
3. Get Better at Home: Employees who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to recover at home. Do not leave, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas.
4. Stay in Touch With Your Doctor: Call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you feel worse or if you think it is an emergency.
5. Avoid Public Transportation: Avoid using public transportation, ridesharing, or taxis.
6. Self-Isolation: Employees should separate themselves from other people in their home, this is known as the “home isolation”. You should restrict contact with pets and other animals as well.
7. Stay Away From Others: As much as possible, you should stay in a specific “sick room” and away from other people in your home. Use a separate bathroom as well, if available.

DOCUMENTATION OF A PANDEMIC EVENT: All Pandemic Events will be documented in the Agency’s Quality Management System with said event information:

1. The employee and patient information,
2. Patient’s or employee’s demographics,
3. Pandemic event details (dates, locations, and individuals involved),
4. Description of the pandemic event (virus and/or infection type),
5. The actions that were taken to immediately secure the patient’s and the agency employee’s well-being,
6. Measures to prevent future occurrences (if possible), and
7. Ensuring the Pandemic Event Report is signed, dated, and fully completed.

REQUIRED STAFF PANDEMIC EVENT EDUCATION: It is the policy of the agency that all employees read, understand, acknowledge, and fully agree to this Policy and Procedures as written as a condition of continued employment. If you feel you cannot adhere to this policy at any time, you must notify your immediate supervisor or the Agency’s President.

What Is a Novel Coronavirus? A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illnesses like the common cold. A diagnosis with coronavirus 229E, NL63, OC43, or HKU1 is not the same as a COVID-19 diagnosis. Clients with COVID-19 will be evaluated and cared for differently than clients with common coronavirus diagnosis.