Dear Personal Care Employees:
As concern around the COVID-19 virus have increased we want to reach out to you with an update.
If you have not reviewed the proper handwashing technique video please do so as soon as possible. Video HERE
All staff who have traveled internationally will need to notify the office immediately. We are asking all staff to let us know if you work another job. Many facilities are asking that we reduce the exposure of their residents by minimizing the number of people who enter their buildings. Personal Care is trying to get an idea of how many employees that we have that might work in multiple facilities.
Several facilities will be asking questions about recent travel, illness, or exposure prior to entering the building. Many of the buildings we work in will be limiting visitors, or not allowing visitors at all. Some might be taking your temperature prior to entering their facilities. We are asking that all clients self-isolate and avoid all group gatherings.
The CDC has recommended social distancing whenever possible. This includes maintaining 6-feet of space between yourself and another person, limiting outings that are greater than 250 people, and only going places that are essential. While we understand how difficult this is, containment is what is suggested to prevent widespread virus outbreaks. All group gatherings at Personal Care have been cancelled including our annual awards banquet and continuing education classes. All staff have been asked to practice social distancing and self-isolation outside of work hours.
HAND WASHING: Please wash your hands frequently. Hand washing should always be done when entering a client’s home, prior to and after meal preparation, and prior to eating. Use gloves when providing personal care to clients. Hand sanitizer is not as effective as proper hand washing!
The CDC recommends that you practice infection control like you would for any other virus. This includes:
- Staying home when you have a fever of 100.4 or greater and not returning to work until you are fever-free for 24-hours without the use of fever reducing medication
- Avoid touching your eye, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Cover you sneeze with a tissue and throw it away immediately, cough into your elbow not your hands
- Wash your hands for at least 20-seconds following the guidelines in the handwashing technique video. If soap is not available use hand sanitizer (70% or higher alcohol content)
- Clean and disinfect high touch areas and frequently touched objects
It is important that you encourage your clients to practice good hand-washing techniques as older adults often have more compromised immune systems. If you have any concerns about your clients and their risk for exposure to Covid-19 please contact us immediately.
If you have had any direct contact with anyone who has tested positive for Covid-19, or worked someplace with a presumptive positive Covid-19 testing please contact us immediately.
The health and safety of Personal Care employees and clients is our number one priority. We understand that the recent school closures may have impacted your ability to work. If you are unable to work due to childcare, we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible.
During these times of uncertainty, we want you to know that we are carefully monitoring the CDC and Department of Community Health websites. The health and welfare of frontline employees is a priority to Personal Care. As new information emerges, we will continue to update you and make all necessary adjustments. If you have questions or concerns please contact Danielle Grabol at 404-373-2727 or dagrabol@personalcare.net