Our Fight Against COVID-19 Is Not Over
Our country is once again experiencing an increase in COVID-19 cases. As we head into the winter months, it is imperative that we act fast to disrupt the epidemiological transition by creating environments and facilitating behaviors to protect our most vulnerable senior population.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services renewed the national public health emergency declaration (PHE) through January 16, 2022. Explore the Resilience in Recovery Fact Sheet to learn more about our current situation and the protective measures you and your team can take to keep everyone in senior facilities safe.
For additional questions, please direct inquiries to seniorlivingadvocacy@directsupply.com
Our Fight Against COVID-19 Is Not Over
Proactively preparing and planning is critical as the surge of infections continues to mirror infections and trends recorded in 2020. Consider these preventative steps to take action against the spread of this deadly virus.
- Testing is critical to identify asymptomatic and mild cases among BOTH the vaccinated and unvaccinated to stop community spread.
- Vaccination alone won’t be enough to ensure against exposure and infection from new variants. An increased layer of protection is needed, including:
- masking indoors
- minimizing unmasked indoor gatherings
- proactive testing with isolation of those infected
- monitoring and protecting indoor air quality
- Pay special attention to break rooms and any location staff will be unmasked to increase layers of protection and limit occupancy.
- Vaccinated staff and residents may be asymptomatically infected and unknowingly spread the virus to others, including those without an effective/protective immune response who may be susceptible to severe diseases.
- Consider antibody tests and cohort those without immunity in an extra protection wing with increased regular testing.
For further recommendations for cohorting in long-term care facilities during a COVID-19 outbreak, please visit the CDC’s Infection Prevention and Control Program.
Resources
Your Story Matters.
The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected both seniors and the staff who care for them – spotlighting the vulnerability of this population and exposing the need for immediate legislative action to protect the senior living community.
Tell Our Stories showcases the stories and individuals directly affected by the legislative actions surrounding senior care. Lend your voice and tell us your story as we seek to amplify the support for funding and regulations surrounding senior care.
Join the conversation!
You play a direct role in preparing, preventing, and protecting our nation’s seniors in the face of rising infection cases across the United States. Shine a light on your courageous team members and tell us the challenges you continue to face a year and a half into the COVID-19 pandemic. Share your story today!