The Garlands of Barrington is carefully monitoring the information issued by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) relative to the global outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Although we currently do not have any active cases of COVID-19 reported at our community, The Garlands is acting with an abundance of caution and taking proactive measures to safely address this public health concern.
The coronavirus is a family of viruses that generally causes mild common cold-like symptoms. Some types of coronaviruses have evolved and are now reclassified as a new human coronavirus. COVID-19, originally detected in Wuhan China, is one of these viruses.
The CDC is responding to an outbreak of the respiratory disease and learning as much as possible about this virus as it evolves. So far we know that COVID-19 is spread by person-to-person contact and can manifest itself anytime between two and fourteen days of exposure.
Symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Lower respiratory tract illness
Transmission of COVID-19 happens through/by:
- the air by coughing or sneezing.
- close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands.
- touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands, and
- fecal contamination (rarely)
There is no specific treatment (except to treat the symptoms) or vaccine for COVID-19. The CDC’s greatest concern at the moment is the potential for the rapid speed of transmission causing large numbers of people to become ill at the same time. Our best response is to reduce the risk of spreading this (and other diseases) with preventive measures.
It is up to each of us to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
We encourage you to visit the CDC website for up-to-date information and safety precaution tips: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. Highlights from the CDC and The Garlands of Barrington’s response follow:
Social Distancing
Per CDC guidelines, we ask that people refrain from visiting The Garlands. Only “essential visitors” for health care purposes or maintenance/repair will be allowed with prior approval. Examples of essential visitors are hospice employees or anyone providing dementia or psychosocial support to Members. These visitors will be required to complete the COVID-19 symptom questionnaire and have their temperature taken before they are allowed access.
All scheduled events that include outside guests (including Easter Brunch) are canceled or will be rescheduled.
We have suspended all group transportation, including regularly scheduled trips to the grocery store. We recommend that Garlands Members utilize online services and delivery options during this time. Please see the Concierge for information on Heinen’s, Amazon, Jewel, and other companies that offer grocery delivery services.
In addition, please be aware that all Team Members and Members who have traveled outside of the country or to areas of outbreak are required to self-quarantine for 14 days to assure no symptoms of COVID-19 are present. All Team Members and Members who have had a fever (100.0° F or higher), must remain in quarantine for 24 hours.
Standard Precautions
Our team practices “standard precautions,” an industry term for reducing germ transmission, every day. During this flu season, we are adding extra precautions per CDC recommendations to reduce exposure. We suggest that you do this as well.
For individuals the CDC recommends:
- Washing your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds (sing Happy Birthday two times)
- Using lotion after washing your hands to keep them soft and supple and to prevent cracks.
- Using hand sanitizer between washes
- Avoiding touching your face (eyes, nose, and mouth)
- Avoiding handshakes
- Getting your flu shot. It’s not too late!
- Getting enough rest (7-8 hours of sleep).
- Staying hydrated. Our bodies work better when we have good hydration.
- Smiling! Studies have shown laughter and joy support healthy immune systems.
If you or a family member are experiencing symptoms or are concerned that you may have been in contact with someone who has the virus, immediately notify your physician, the local health department and contact the CDC for guidance regarding appropriate measures.
As a community The Garlands is:
- Limiting all visitors from entering our community.
- Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces daily, including phones, doorknobs, toilet handles, sink handles, TV controls, banisters, elevator buttons and light switches.
- Encouraging staff and residents to wash hands often, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating and after nose-blowing, coughing or sneezing.
- Using and encouraging others to use “standard precautions” all the time.
We will continue to monitor the CDC website during this dynamic and evolving virus situation.
Thank you for helping keep The Garlands members and team members healthy.
