Care Resource is committed to providing quality care and takes the health and safety of our patients and employees very seriously. In response to the spread of “COVID-19,” a respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus, the health center has developed COVID-19 Safety Protocols and Procedures as part of our efforts to educate and reduce the potential exposure to and spread of the coronavirus. This is based on information available from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”), and the State of Florida and is subject to change based on further guidance from these and other public health agencies. Our health center will monitor coronavirus-related guidance and will communicate any changes to these procedures.
We are counting on all patients, clients, and visitors to do their part to promote a healthy, safe environment. If you have any questions about the procedures, please email us at qualityassurance@careresource.org
1. Employee Health Screening Process
Care Resource has instituted the following health screening process for all employees reporting for work on-site at our facilities:
COVID-19 Monitoring
Employees will self-monitor for symptoms including fever (> 99.6ᵒ), new/worsening cough, dyspnea (difficult or labored breathing; shortness of breath), myalgia (muscle aches and pain).
If these or other symptoms develop, employees will self-quarantine and contact the Human Resource Department. In additions to the symptoms listed, Care Resource Provider will complete a full symptom assessment of the employee including but not limited to GI symptoms, loss of taste/smell, etc.
An employee exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 will be asked to immediately return home and not report to work until they are cleared of having COVID-19 and at least 72 hours after recovery from all symptoms.
COVID-19 Testing & Diagnosis
Any employee (vaccinated and unvaccinated) who tests positive for COVID-19 or is diagnosed by a healthcare provider with COVD-19 should not report to work but should immediately notify Supervisor and Human Resources Department.
Any employee (vaccinated and unvaccinated) who tests positive for or is diagnosed by a healthcare provider with COVID- 19 must stay out of the workplace for at least 3 days after illness onset (the date symptoms begin). We remind our employees they should stay home when they are sick. Additionally, when coughing or sneezing, employees are required to use proper etiquette, including turning away from other individuals and coughing/sneezing into their elbow.
- Read more Return to Work Criteria for Healthcare Personnel with SARS-CoV-2 Infection (Interim Guidance) at cdc.gov
2. Enhanced Cleaning & Disinfecting Protocols for the Workplace
The following enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols are in place until further notice:
- We are utilizing disinfectant products throughout our facilities. A list of United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved disinfectants effective against COVID-19 are located at all Care Resource facilities and have been provided to staff for use. Instruction & education for cleaning high touch surfaces during COVID-19 has been provided through Emergency Management and is posted in our protocols.
- It is necessary to clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces such as workstations, keyboards, telephones, handrails, and doorknobs.
- We have engaged our cleaning service to increase the frequency and depth of cleanings to ensure all areas of the workplace are thoroughly cleaned with additional regularity.
- Read more at cdc.gov
3. Enhanced Personal Hygiene Measures
Care Resource requires all employees to wash their hands with soap and water regularly and thoroughly, including at the beginning of each shift and upon returning from any break. When soap and water are not readily available and when hands are not visibly soiled, the use of hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol is acceptable. Cover all surfaces of the hands and rub them together until they feel dry. In addition:
- Employees and guests should wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after having been in a public place, or after blowing their nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- The health center has installed additional hand sanitizer stations throughout all facilities for employees, patients, and guests to use.
- The health center has provided tissues and no-touch disposal receptacles throughout each Care Resource for employees to use.
- The health center has dedicated workstations to individuals as much as possible. Wiping down keyboards between employee use or if contamination is suspected.
- Many resources are available for employees on our intranet regarding PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) guidelines and safety practices. These in print and video formats.
- We all should avoid touching our eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Read more at cdc.gov
4. Mask Requirements
Care Resource provides all employees, patients, and visitors the option to wear masks.
All are required to follow safety guidelines if deciding to wear face masks or coverings.
Masks Should:
- Be clean and in good condition and secure.
- Allow for breathing without restriction.
- Be on the wearer’s face.
Masks Should NOT:
- Have holes, tears or saturated.
- Masks should not be shared with others.
5. Visitor Restrictions
Our visitor policies reflect the best evidence-based information available, and we’re confident in our safety protocols and our ability to keep patients, visitors, and employees safe.
- Visitors opting to wear a mask are required to bring and wear their own face masks for the duration of their visit.
