COVID-19 updates

Dear Visitors and Families:

In March 2020, we were required to restrict visitation in our facility due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. Since May 2020, we have progressed through various stages of reopening based on federal recommendations. The approval and availability of the COVID-19 vaccines has greatly reduced the risk to our residents of transmission and serious illness due to COVID-19. On November 12, 2021 the federally mandated restrictions on visitation were lifted. We ask that you read this letter carefully so that you understand the potential risks that are involved if you choose to visit, as well as what is expected of those who visit.

Potential Risks of Visiting:

While risks of transmitting and contracting COVID-19 have been reduced by vaccines, the virus remains an active threat. The virus is highly contagious and can be spread even if an infected person has not developed symptoms. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) can cause severe illness and death. If you have risk factors for severe disease, or have not been vaccinated, we encourage you to consider the risks and benefits of an in-person visit.

Visitor Expectations

  • Please be patient and cooperate with our symptom screening process.
  • If you have a positive viral test, signs or symptoms of COVID-19, or have had close contact with someone who
    has COVID-19, please postpone your visit until you have been cleared by your physician.
  • Practice hand hygiene frequently while in the facility. There are handwashing stations and hand sanitizer
    dispensers for use throughout the facility.
  • Outdoor visitation is preferred.
  • If you are visiting in the resident’s room, please go directly there and limit your movement in the facility.
  • You must wear a face covering or a well-fitting mask when:
    • walking through common areas in the facility.
    • walking or visiting anywhere in the facility if you are unvaccinated or at risk of severe disease.
    • the community level of transmission is “substantial to high” according to the CDC (our staff will let
      you know if this is the case).
    • you are around other residents or staff.
    • you are visiting a resident who is on transmission-based precautions; and/or
    • the facility is conducting an outbreak investigation (our staff will let you know if this is the case).
  • You must maintain a physical distance of at least 6 feet when:
    • the facility is experiencing peak visiting hours whenever outside the resident’s room.
    • walking or visiting anywhere in the facility if you are unvaccinated or at risk of severe disease.
    • the community level of transmission is “substantial to high” according to the CDC (our staff will
      let you know if this is the case).
    • you are around other residents or staff.
    • you are visiting a resident who is on transmission-based precautions; and/or
      © 2001 MED-PASS, Inc. (Revised November 2021)
      the facility is conducting an outbreak investigation (our staff will let you know if this is the case).
  • If you are unwilling to adhere to these precautions, you may be denied visitation or be asked to leave.
  • Although it is not required for visitation, we strongly encourage vaccination.

Sincerely,

Alanté

    Core Principles of COVID-19 Infection Prevention

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have established “Core Principles” to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 in nursing facilities. We ask that our residents, families and visitors cooperate with these practices when in the facility.

    • Screening of all who enter the facility for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and denial of entry for those:
      • who have a positive viral test for COVID-19.
      • with signs or symptoms of COVID-19.
      • who meet the criteria for quarantine.
    • Performing frequent hand hygiene (use of alcohol-based hand rub is preferred).
    • Wearing face coverings or masks (covering mouth and nose), as recommended.
    • Practicing physical distancing (at least six feet between persons), as recommended.
    • Using specified entries, exits and routes to designated areas.
    • Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces in the facility.

    By adhering to and/or cooperating with these practices, you are helping us to keep our residents and staff safe.

    Links to COVID-19 Resources:

    CDC COVID Data Tracker: County View – this website provides a weekly update of the current Level of Community Transmission for each county in the US. Healthcare facilities use Transmission Levels to determine infection control interventions.

    Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care Facilities | CDC – this website provides the most current guidance for Long Term Care health facilities.

    Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) | Maricopa County, AZ – this website provides current COVID-19 Data and Statistics, and Care and Management Guidance for Maricopa County.

    Important Visitor, Family & Patient Updates Regarding COVID-19