An outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus that was first detected in China and has now been detected in 60 locations internationally, including the United States, has hit close to home. As of March 26, there were 68,440 confirmed cases in the US. While long term care facilities practice quality infection control procedures, the coronavirus (COVID-19) has heightened focus on infection prevention and control. We are providing resources to assist long term care facilities with issues surrounding the COVID-19 and this rapidly evolving situation.
The Governor of Utah issued an edict on March 13th instructing all Long Term Care Facilities to restrict all non-medically essential visitors. He also instructed to limit mass gatherings of 100 people or more, as well as anyone 60 or older or who have a compromised immune system to limit gatherings of 20 people or more.
If you are a health care provider evaluating a patient for suspected novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection, pleaes contacc the Utah Department of Health immediately at 888-374-8824
The Return to Work for Healthcare Personnel with Confirmed or Suspected COVID-19 document provides guidance on when healthcare workers with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 can return to work, and includes options for basing this decision on test-based criteria and non-test-based criteria. There is additional guidance on what precautions these healthcare workers need to take when they return to work.
The AHCA/NCAL webinar presented by officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on March 3 was recorded. You can access the recording here.
The CDC Webinar regarding COVID-19 presented on March 5 was recorded. You can access the recording and slides here.
Utah State Department of Health is providing resources and information here. Their public hotline number is 1-800-456-7707.
The Utah Department of Health has provided a LTC Guidance Resource and LTC Talking Points
The Utah Deparment of Health has a COVID-19 Incident Action Plan here
The Utah Department of Health has COVID-19 testing guidance here
The Utah Department of Health has a COVID-19 testing evalution form here
Utah Regional Healthcare Coalition Map and Contacts
CMS guidelines for limitations including visitors, and communal dining
CDC Strategy for Optimizing the Supply of PPE
CMS guidance for use of Industrial Respirators
Testing Sites for COVID-19 in the US
CDC Commercial Establishment Guidelines
The American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) is providing online resources. Click here to access their information.
AHCA/NCAL Interim Guidance: Accepting Admissions from Hospitals During COVID-19 Pandemic
AHCA/NCAL What to do when COVID-19 gets in your LTC facility
The professional team at Consonus Health has created a physician/NP provider decision-making tool for SNF, AL, and residential care setting. Click here for the protocol.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is providing a list of disinfectants to fight COVID-19.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone practice effective handwashing and to stay at home if you have any symptoms of illness. Click here for CDC resources for preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the general public.
The CDC is providing information and resources specific to Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in LTC Facilities.
The CDC has provided a guidance on implementing home care. Click here to access this guidance.
The CDC is providing information on Strategies for Optimizing the Supply of N95 Respirators.
The CDC is providing information on Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Confirmed COVID-19 or Persons Under Investigations for COVID-19 in Healthcare Settings.
The CDC has Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to COVID-19.
The CDC does not currently recommend the general public to use face masks. Centers should educate families and visitors on signs and symptoms of respiratory illness and encourage them to visit with loved ones through alternative means when they are ill, such as telephone, Skype, or wearing a mask during visits.
The CDC has issued Interim Guidance for Public Health Professionals Managing People with COVID-19 in Home Care and Isolation Who Have Pets or Other Animals.
You can keep up with the facts provided by the CDC here.
Utah COVID-19 Frequently asked questions
CDC guidance for limiting visitors
The World Health Organization (WHO) is also providing insight and resources around COVID-19. Even if you are not seeing the illness in your community, WHO recommends Critical Steps you can take now.
- Business Continuity Planning – 5 steps to prepare your business and employees for pandemic outbreaks: https://www.ajg.com/us/pandemic-preparedness/
Confronting the Crisis: How Hospitals can prepare for the Coronavirus: https://www.ajg.com/us/news-and-insights/2020/feb/confronting-the-crisis/
See locations below for drive up COVID-19 Testing
Intermountain Healthcare (IHC)
As of 3/17/20, IHC labs have the capacity to test for COVID-19. IHC has asked that patients call ahead to 844-442-5224 before going to an IHC provider for a COVID-19 test.
IHC is setting up or has functional curbside testing locations at the following InstaCares and Family Medicine Clinics
- Salt Lake Area
- Alta View InstaCare
- Southridge InstaCare
- Salt Lake Clinic InstaCare
- Taylorsville InstaCare
- Cottonwood InstaCare
- Lehi InstaCare
- Layton Parkway InstaCare
- North Ogden InstaCare
- Park City InstaCare
- North Cache Valley InstaCare
- Bear River Clinic
- Cassia Family Practice and WorkMed (Burley, ID)
- Southern Utah
- River Road InstaCare (St. George)
- Cedar City InstaCare
- Springville InstaCare
- Rural Areas
- Sevier Valley Clinic
- Fillmore Clinic
- Ephraim Clinic
Steward Health
Steward health has 3 drive-up testing locations. The website states that these locations will be open from Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm. The website says “Please note, in order to secure a test, all patients must first contact their primary care provider (PCP) prior to coming to any of the hospital testing locations. If all of the screening protocols are met, the PCP will write a physician order for the COVID-19 test. Any patient who arrives without one will be sent to the Emergency Department.
For any additional questions please contact Jodi DeJong, 801-647-0477.”
- Davis Hospital in Layton
- Jordan Valley Medical Center in West Jordan
- Mountain Point Medical Center in Lehi
University of Utah Health Clinics (U of U)
The U of U health system is operating 3 drive-up clinics at the following locations. From the website “We respectfully ask that before traveling to the hospital or one of our health centers for symptoms such as high fever or cough, please contact us first at 801-587-0712 or Toll Free: 844-745-9325. Experts at U of U health can discuss your symptoms with you and address many concerns over the phone to determine if a visit, or further testing, is necessary.”
- U of U Health - South Jordan
- U of U Health - Farmington
- U of U Health - Sugarhouse
Not confirmed but I believe also add: U of U Redwood, U of U Park City
A patient must present with symptoms and a provider order.