As we continue our journey through the COVID-19 Pandemic, it appears that we have hit another hurdle in our efforts to avoid the spread of the virus in our centers. The American Health Care Association/ National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) released a report in Provider magazine on 8-11-2020 that states “skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) experiencing an ‘alarming spike’ in …
The CDC recently compiled data from seven state or local health departments that conducted facility-wide testing in nursing homes. A total of 288 nursing homes conducted initial facility-wide testing during March 24-June 14 with turnaround times ranged from 1-7 days from testing until receipt of results. The study results were posted on August 14, 2020 and the discussion below summarizes …
Over the last month, many states have seen a surge of Coronavirus cases, particularly in states that have loosened social distancing requirements. Data shows that younger people make up a growing percentage of new Coronavirus cases in cities and states, and much recent media coverage has focused on the resurgence of the pandemic being driven by cases among younger adults. …
Lessons learned from previous epidemics include the importance of protecting health care workers from exposure and factors associated with shortfalls in the prevention of hospital-associated infections. In response to these shortfalls, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have outlined risk assessment and management post-exposure which includes categorization of risk level for infection. That …
The World Health Organization (WHO) announced they will be publishing their findings regarding the SARS-CoV-2 virus and how the virus may be spread. There is currently substantial controversy about the role played by SARS-CoV-2 however, in one recent study, air samples were collected in the room of two COVID-19 patients, one who had an active respiratory infection and a nasopharyngeal …
Respirators must be used in workplaces where employees may be exposed to hazardous airborne contaminants. When respiratory protection is required employers must have a respirator protection program as specified in OSHA’s Respiratory Protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134). Before wearing a respirator, workers must first be medically evaluated using the mandatory medical questionnaire or an equivalent method. Medical Evaluation and Questionnaire …
The following is a list of respirator models previously on the list of authorized respirators but no longer meet the EUA eligibility criteria and are no longer authorized. Date No Longer Authorized Manufacturer Respirator Model No Longer Authorized 6/6/2020 Fujian Kang Chen Daily Necessities C, Ltd. K0450, 57793 5/7/2020 AAB (China) Co., Ltd KN95 5/7/2020 Anshun Health and Medical Technology …
The results in a poll conducted by the Yahoo News/YouGov on July 28-30 show the lowest percentage of “yes” answers to the question “If and when a coronavirus vaccine becomes available, will you get vaccinated” since the poll started. In fact, the “yes” percentages went from: 55% in early May 50% in late May and 46% in early July. That …
On August 11, 2020, a report “Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Involving Residents Receiving Dialysis in a Nursing Home – Maryland, April 2020” was posted online as an MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report) Early Release. Residents of long-term care facilities have high COVID-19 associated morbidity and mortality. More information is needed about SARS-CoV-2 introduction and transmission in nursing homes. An investigation …
The World Health Organization (WHO) is preparing a scientific brief to address continually emerging evidence on transmission of COVID-19 and says that airborne transmission of the virus can occur in health care settings where specific medical procedures, called aerosol-generating procedures, generate very small droplets called aerosols. Some outbreak reports related to indoor crowded spaces have suggested the possibility of aerosol …
