COVID-19 Update
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KN COVID-19 Update May 1, 2020 An Update on Our Response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19): We continue to be vigilant at implementing precautions out of concern to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). We continue to implement additional precautions for the safety of those we serve based on recommendations from the Minnesota Department of Health. We will continue to review and assess our preparedness and take additional steps in all areas where we believe we can be more effective overall. Please know that we are taking every precaution possible to safeguard you and/or your loved one. While we have been aggressively implementing precautions, we are unable to completely control an infectious virus – the cause of this pandemic. We remain vigilant in our efforts to advocate for those we serve. To be transparent and keep you informed, we want to share that we have established a separate isolation unit to be able to serve individuals who contract the virus. We have done this out of concern to serve and care for residents locally throughout Knute Nelson’s continuum of care rather than being served elsewhere throughout the region. This isolated unit is self-contained and has a separate heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. There are several other HVAC systems at the Care Center that are disconnected to the HVAC system in the isolation unit. Each resident room has negative pressure to ensure adequate respiratory protection programs and environmental controls are in place for achieving an airborne isolation environment. The movement of air is used to help provide containment of infectious particles using filters. Any individual who requires care and has COVID-19 symptoms and/or a confirmed diagnosis will be admitted to the isolation unit. The isolation unit is accessed by a separate and designated outdoor entrance with controlled access. There will be no access to the isolation unit from within the Care Center. All staff who work in the isolation unit will utilize this same designated outdoor entrance. All laundry will be administered by Knute Nelson. Dining will occur within the isolation unit. There will not be any individuals allowed to leave the isolation unit at any time. We have been working closely with the Minnesota Department of Health and Alomere Health to ensure all precautions and clinical pathways are understood so that a high-level of care can be provided to the individual. We are in daily contact with both the Minnesota Department of Health and Alomere Health. We will continue to review and assess our preparedness and take additional steps in all areas where we believe we can be more effective overall. In the event of an outbreak, we will notify residents and families as soon as we become aware of a presumptive or positive case. We will follow all recommendations from the Minnesota Department of Health and other health agencies, including the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. On Thursday afternoon, Governor Tim Walz’s extended his “Stay At Home” order until May 18, 2020, we will continue to enforce visitor restrictions for the foreseeable future. The Centers for Disease Control reminds us all to implement preventive actions that can help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses: • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty. • Avoid close contact with people who are sick. • Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care. • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue. • Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily (e.g., tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, and cabinet handles) using a regular household detergent and water. The Minnesota Department of Health, has set up a free hotline for anyone who has questions about Coronavirus (COVID-19). Call the MDH hotline at: 1-651-201-3920. We will continue to provide updates to you to keep you informed of our ongoing work. Please note: This is a fluid situation and updates are in continuous development. Help us keep family and loved ones informed by visiting our website: https://www.knutenelson.org/covid-19-coronavirus-updates The health and safety of those we serve as well as our staff are our highest priority. We recognize the amazing ways our staff are providing care to those we serve every day. They are on the front lines working diligently to provide the same loving care they did prior to the spread of COVID- 19. This will only continue. They are committed, creative, and courageous and we are grateful for all of their efforts. Thank you for your continued support and prayer. *Health agencies providing recommendations to us include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, local medical advisors and public health advisors among others. .