As many know, the recent spread of the coronavirus around the world is justifying significant concern among the public and health professionals. Pegasus Senior Living’s commitment never wavers when it comes to the health and safety of our residents, and we are actively monitoring any developments of the new strain of coronavirus or COVID-19.
We are taking all appropriate steps to minimize the risk of coronavirus at our communities. Note: portions of this post are based on communication from the American Seniors Housing Association and HansonBridgett law firm to senior living operators.
The Steps We Are Taking
At this point, we have no knowledge of any cases of coronavirus at our communities. Although some spread is possible before symptoms manifest, infected individuals are thought to be most contagious when they are symptomatic. Given the highly transmissible nature of the coronavirus, prevention is a senior living community’s first line of defense. Accordingly, we are undertaking a comprehensive effort to educate and train associates, residents, visitors and volunteers and ensuring all adhere to our safety protocol. Among the topics we are covering in our training include:
- Hand hygiene (frequent washing, use of gloves and hand sanitizer)
- Respiratory hygiene / cough and sneeze etiquette
- Environmental cleaning, including diligence on wiping down surfaces with antibacterial / virucide cleansers
- Observing waste disposal best practices to protect residents and associates
- Continuous training of associates and volunteers on sources of exposure, prevention and recognition of symptoms
- Procurement of additional water, food, infection control supplies, and medications
Additionally, hand sanitizers with 60% alcohol content are readily available to residents, associates and visitors. We are also posting signs in our communities notifying residents, associates and visitors to report any experienced or observed respiratory symptoms to management. We are extending vetting protocols as well to all outside health care groups such as home health care agencies who may have employees entering our communities.
Another form of commitment to our residents’ health is in the shape of our Health Directors and robust nursing team at our communities. Our excellent in-house associates, whose entire role is maintaining our residents’ safety and health, is invaluable and provides peace of mind to our families.
We are also complying with the Department of State and CDC travel advisories. These advisories are evolving day by day but as of February 29, 2020, the CDC recommends avoiding nonessential travel to China and South Korea and recommends practicing enhanced precautions for those traveling from Italy, Japan and Iran.
We take the health and security of all residents and employees as our highest priority. Our team will post updates should any occur as we continuously monitor any more developments.
Additional Resources
Other COVID-19 CDC Links: