03/13/2020
March 12th, 2020
Re: COVID-19 Virus
Dear Family, Residents, and Friends:
On behalf of our entire team at Park Avenue Health and Rehabilitation Center, we want to thank you for allowing us to care for you or your loved one. We recognize the high level of trust that you place in us, and we are committed to continuing our 5-star rated tradition of excellence in 2020.
As you may have heard, there is a virus called COVID-19 spreading throughout the world that has received significant public attention.
Due to the recent COVID-19 activity in Maricopa and Pima Counties, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a directive to limit visitors in long-term care facilities at this time. This is being done in an effort to protect our residents from potential exposure to COVID-19. Here at Park Avenue, we want you to know we are continuing to be proactive regarding any infections that could impact our residents and community.
As a result, listed below are some of the changes that will be going into effect immediately at our facility:
• We will not be allowing visitors to enter into the facility at this time.
• Those allowed into the facility will be limited to staff members and medical providers.
• All who enter the building will be required to provide information about their recent travel history, contact with anyone diagnosed with COVID-19, health signs and symptoms, and current body temperature.
• We are educating all personnel to stay home if they are sick.
• We are verifying that all isolation procedures are appropriately implemented.
• We are verifying that all infection prevention signs are posted.
• We are continuing to monitor the CDC COVID-19 website for the latest information on prevention strategies, testing guidance, and recommendations for health care workers.
Our team is providing information to staff and families on what they can do to protect themselves from the risk of possible infection. Per the Center for Disease Control, this includes:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
• Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces.
• Stay at home and away from others if you are feeling ill.
• Provide reminders in the workplace about illness prevention steps
• The CDC does NOT currently recommend the general public to use facemasks.
Our team is also coordinating with the resident council around:
a. Cleaning and disinfecting measures in rooms and common areas.
b. Monitoring visitors to verify that no one with any signs or symptoms of illness is permitted in the building.
c. Alternate modes of visitation (e.g. phone, email, facetime).
d. Infection control and prevention procedures
Thank you for your continuing confidence in our facility, and for helping us in our attempts to keep our residents and staff safe.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions, concerns or requests for assistance. We will keep you updated as additional information becomes available.
Sincerely,
Ellen K. Cote
Chief Executive Officer
