2019 Novel COVID-19 Information
CHI Health at Home is closely following the latest developments with coronavirus. We are constantly monitoring the latest developments and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and local health departments and are implementing their recommendations as we learn more about this disease. The safety of our clients, family members, caregivers, and employees remains our highest priority and we are taking steps to limit the spread of the virus and care for those who need it.
In an effort to protect our clients and their families, CHI Health at Home has made the following adjustments:
- Increased infection control practices
- Daily monitoring of all staff for any new signs of infection
- Increased use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize the spread of a virus
- All volunteer visits have been suspended and the use of phone and other methods of communication will be utilized to the extent possible
- Limiting of staff direct contact by utilizing teleconferencing technology for communication and meetings
- Temporarily suspending all community events
Information about the coronavirus
Coronavirus disease 2019 (abbreviated to COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. COVID-19 is now spreading in many parts of the United States. While most people are at low risk of contracting the virus, it can spread through close contact with someone who is already infected. Learn more about how coronavirus is spread on the CDC website.
Help prevent the spread of the virus
Certain behavior changes can help prevent the spread of coronavirus in our communities. Many states have implemented restrictions on large gatherings, and people are encouraged to practice “social distancing” by avoiding crowds and remaining 6 feet apart from each other while in public places.
Here are a few additional actions you can take to help prevent the spread of COVID-19:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.
w spreading in many parts of the United States. While most people are at low risk of contracting the virus, it can spread through close contact with someone who is already infected. Learn more about how coronavirus is spread on the CDC website.
What are the symptoms of coronavirus?
Patients with COVID-19 have mild to severe respiratory symptoms that can include fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath.
Where can I get more information about coronavirus?
We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. You can also find the latest on the CDC website as well as the website of your state health department.
For any additional questions or concerns related to COVID-19, CHI Health at Home wants to ensure that our clients and families have the following key resources available to reach out to.
For North Dakota residents, please refer to the following for questions related to COVID-19:
- contact the ND Department of Health Coronavirus Hotline 866-207-2880 Available 7 days a week 7am – 10pm
- Visit the ND Department of Health website at https://www.health.nd.gov/diseases-conditions/coronavirus
- For medical advice, please contact your provider
For Minnesota residents, please refer to the following for questions related to COVID-19:
- For questions related to COVID-19, contact the MN Department of Health Coronavirus Hotline 651-201-3920 from 7am – 7pm
- Visit the MN Department of Health website at https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html
- For medical advice, please contact your provider
Donations
We are so grateful for all of the support we’re receiving from our communities. Thank you for thinking of CHI Health at Home during these challenging times.
Monetary donations will help us respond to the current crisis. We are also still in need of N95 masks, standard medical masks and other personal protective equipment. We will accept the following donations:
- Outright cash gifts to CHI Health at Home will provide vital assistance to allow us to continue to provide high quality care to our clients, necessary resources to support our front line care givers during this unprecedented time, and other critical needs that may arise during this time
- Other in-kind donations such as hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, or other items may be dropped off at our agencies
- N95 masks that are new and contained in unused/unopened packaging are needed and may be donated at any of the sites listed below.
- Standard medical masks that are home sewn and meet clinically-designated criteria, are also needed. The efficacy of the mask is critically important to protect our staff from inhaling or transmitting the COVID-19 virus. Groups or individuals who are interested in assisting can download the instructions which include material requirements, or please call one of our agencies between 8a.m. and 4p.m., Monday through Friday for instructions.