02/08/2021
7/14/21
Dear Guardians and Family Members,
We continue to follow the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), NC Dept. of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) about visitation and quarantine for residential settings.
The visitation protocols include:
• Visits must be scheduled in advance and limited to 2 visitors at a time. This is to ensure appropriate space is available.
• Screening of visitors for any symptoms and questions about possible exposure to Covid-19 will be conducted upon arrival.
• There will be a designated area outside where social distancing can be practiced (6 feet apart) weather permitting or a designated area inside where social distancing can be practiced (6 feet apart). These areas will be cleaned prior to and following visits.
• Face mask are required to be worn during the visits.
Home and overnight visits may be allowed for residents based on an evaluation of each individual situation and the risk involved.
To schedule a time for a visit please contact the QP or Group Home Manager at the group home.
Please note that if a group home is quarantined due to Covid-19, visitation will not be allowed until the quarantine has been lifted.
We are continuing to follow the protocols that have been provided by the CDC, NC DHHS, and CMS to prevent the spread of the virus by using good hand washing hygiene, respiratory hygiene, cleaning frequently, and screening visitors.
We are asking visitors to postpone their visits if they have been exposed to Covid-19 or are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
Congestion or runny nose Headache Shortness of breath
Cough Sore Throat or difficulty breathing
New loss of taste or smell Diarrhea Fever or chills
Muscle pain Fatigue
any flu like signs or symptoms
Continuing to adhere to the core principles of the COVID-19 infection prevention is recommended by DHHS. This includes social distancing, wearing a face mask, and washing hands.
The following visitation guidelines are from the NC DHHS.
Fully Vaccinated Residents Unvaccinated or Partially Vaccinated Residents
Fully Vaccinated Visitors May choose to have close contact and not wear source control Physical distancing and source control recommended
Unvaccinated or Partially Vaccinated Visitors May choose to have close contact while both wearing source control Physical distancing and source control recommended
Please remember that our residential facilities have different guidelines than the general public that must be followed. The infection control measures continue to be followed such as social distancing, wearing face mask, washing hands, and increased cleaning. Per the NC DHHS latest updates, the quarantine requirements for our type of facilities are:
Residents that leave the facility for less than 24 hours and have not had close contact with anyone that has Covid-19 are not recommended to quarantine. If they have had contact with someone with Covid-19 quarantine is required.
Residents that are not fully vaccinated that leave the facility for 24 hours or longer will need to quarantine when they return.
Residents that are fully vaccinated that leave the facility for 24 hours or longer will not be required to quarantine unless they have been exposed to someone who has Covid-19. In that case they would need to quarantine upon return to the facility.
Residents that travel will need to follow the CDC travel guidance upon return to the facility.
Fully vaccinated residents that have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for Covid-19 will be in quarantine upon return to the facility.
When residents leave the facility for longer than 24 hours, a risk assessment will be completed to determine any possible exposures during the time away from the facility. This may lead to a quarantine upon return to the facility. Please remember to continue to adhere to the 3W’s while out in the community to reduce risk of Covid-19 transmission. It is important for those who have been fully vaccinated to continue to follow the 3 W’s (wear a face mask, wait 6 feet apart, and wash your hands).
Thank you,
Howell Support Services Management Team
