Updated 3/18/2020
There are currently over 1,300 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in NYS. There are many types of human coronaviruses including some that commonly cause mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses. COVID-19 is a new disease, caused by a novel (or new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans.
All Healthcare Professionals are working together to keep our community safe and healthy. It is important to take all guidance from your healthcare professionals seriously, while remaining calm and level-headed.
As of 3/18/2020, Mountain Valley Hospice is continuing to take referrals and do admissions, but we are taking the following steps to take care of our patients, staff and the community:
What are we doing to protect our patients and staff?
- We are limiting in-person nursing visits and moving all non-essential in-person visits to phone calls (including volunteer, social work, and chaplains).
- We are screening our patients prior to admission and prior to any in-person visits to determine their possible exposure to COVID-19.
- We are suspending visitation to patients at the Nancy Dowd Hospice House, with the exception of visitors to patients imminently dying.
- We are limiting and screening visitors to our office.
- We are limiting the times that our staff are physically together to cut down on transmission potential.
- We are screening our staff daily for symptoms of respiratory illness.
- We have increased the rigor of cleaning and sanitizing
- We are working with Local, State, and Federal Authorities to be up to date as things continue to unfold.
How you can help protect yourself and your family?
- Limit visitors into your home (Hospice patients are a vulnerable population.)
- Limit time spent in groups of people of 10 or more.
- If possible, limit trips in public.
- Let your nurse know immediately if anyone in your family experiences the following: Fever, Cough, Chest Pressure, Congestion, Sore Throat, Shortness of breath.
- Continue practicing infection control: Hand washing with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub of 60-90%.
- Keep your home clean and sanitized.
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow or tissue, then throw the tissue into the trash and wash your hands.
- Avoid touching other people.
- Avoid touching your face.
What Symptoms should I look out for?
- Shortness of breath
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore Throat
- Heaviness in chest
- Signs of a respiratory illness
What should I do if I experience these symptoms?
If the Hospice patient, or anyone living in the homes, begins to experience these symptoms, you should call your RN Case Manager to report them, especially if you are experiencing a visit from the Hospice worker later in the day. Should you or your family experience these symptoms, your Hospice staff will advise you of the next steps.
If you would like additional information about COVID-19 please visit: Health.ny.gov or cdc.gov or https://cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov