03/09/2020
As many of you know there is a new emerging virus, called the Coronavirus or COVID 19, which has become a healthcare crisis throughout the world. Regency Pacific Management and our affiliated long term care assisted living facilities want to assure our residents, their families and our staff members that we have undertaken significant measures to protect their health and well-being, and to prevent exposure to this virus in our communities.
We believe that information is key, and we want to provide you with the best possible resources for the information you need to feel secure and comfortable about your own health and that of your family members.
Symptom of COVID 19 can range from mild, such as those similar to a cold, to severe respiratory symptoms such as pneumonia, requiring hospitalization. Health experts have determined it spreads following close contact with someone who has the virus; it may also spread as a result of possible exposure to contaminated surfaces. Elderly individuals who suffer from underlying medical conditions are the most vulnerable for having a more severe case of COVID-19, should they become infected.
According to infection control experts, the incubation period is likely two to fourteen days from contact with someone who is carrying the virus. The CDC is working to better understand its transmission. Regency Pacific clinical staff are working with state and federal health experts and advisors on a continuous basis to remain current on their recommendations, and to ensure we have taken the necessary precautions, including training and compliance with infection control techniques, to meet the challenges posed by this new virus.
Currently there is no vaccine or directed treatment, other than supportive treatment for symptoms. Symptoms can include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Because we know that you have questions and concerns about COVID 19 and the risks it poses, Regency Pacific is committed to sharing with you the steps we have taken to prevent the spread of this virus and to minimize risk to our residents and employees.
1. We are limiting visitation to each facility by anyone with symptoms or recent travel to any country with an outbreak, or identified by the government as a high risk area for the virus.
2. We have implemented enhanced cleaning measures of items that are frequently touched, following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control, and the state health departments.
3. Each facility maintains close contact with the public health department of their state and county.
4. We conduct daily monitoring of all announcements by public health official, both federal and state, to determine if changes or other measures need to be implemented in our procedures.
5. Our staff have been instructed that, if they exhibit any symptoms of the virus, or have had recent travel to other countries, they are to remain home and contact facility management to be properly monitored before being cleared to return to work.
6. We have reviewed with our staff proper hand-washing protocols to include use and proximity of hand sanitizers. We are monitoring compliance on a daily basis.
7. We have reviewed and posted education on handwashing, coughing and sneeze protocol throughout our communities.
8. We have encouraged increase hand washing by our residents and their visitors.
9. There will be ongoing monitoring of each facility’s needs to ensure continued vigilance on prevention and response to any concerns, and the company plans to communicate frequently with facilities.
10. We will frequently update family/residents of any changes in measures to minimize risk for spread of this virus.
11. As things change, we will be reviewing and/ or updating our policies.
The following link provides helpful information concerning the virus, and steps we can all take to make our own families safer:
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a virus (more specifically, a coronavirus) identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China.
