COVID-19 Message

To our loyal patients, staff and community supporters.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, WPHHA has taken steps to protect the health and well-being of our administrative team, clinical staff and patients throughout the counties in which we serve. Safety is our number one priority and our team is working hard to ensure that valuable services are not interrupted. Thank you for your continued support.

For up-to-date information regarding COVID-19, we welcome you to visit the following resources:

How you can help today.

How WPHHA is preparing:

WPHHA is constantly screening for symptoms of coronavirus, working closely with clinicians, patients, Pennsylvania Homecare Association, and various government agencies receiving and providing updates on prevention and treatment.

We remain committed to our essential work, responsibility, and the importance of protecting those within our care and those within our healthcare workplace.

Our screening tool that we use for every patient prior to every visit:

• Since our last visit have you been in contact with someone known to have COVID-19?
• Have you been told by a public health official/nurse or family member that you may have been exposed to coronavirus also known as COVID-19?
• Since our last visit, have you been in contact with anyone showing COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, sore throat or muscle aches?
• Have you developed a new cough since our last visit?
• Do currently have a fever, sweating or chills?
  
• Are you experiencing new shortness of breath?
  
• Have you noticed any loss of taste or smell?
  
• Are you experiencing a new sore throat?
• Do you have any muscle aches?
  

Our Preparation (ways we remain prepared for what may happen):

• Stay informed about the local COVID-19 situation.
• Revise and review our emergency plans.
• Establish connections with key healthcare and public health partners in the community.
• Remain alert for anyone who may be showing symptoms such as cough, fever, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing.
• Clinicians will wash their hands, maintain clean bag technique and follow standard universal precautions when treating patients.
• Have alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water readily available for use by all with whom we interact, additional supplies are stocked and ready for clinical staff at all times.
• Take continual inventory for critical supplies for all services, including PPE.
• Educate patients and patient caregiver to ensure back-up support, including ensuring patients have the necessary supplies for safe and effective care.
• Office staff has continued environmental cleaning, which will help decrease the spread of infection for clinical staff visiting the office.
• We have advised that all clinical staff call in advance of visits for community-based services to ensure no one in the house we visit has respiratory illness, fever or has traveled to affected areas.
• Encourage anyone we visit through community based services to monitor for symptoms and assist them with seeking additional support through their PCPs and/or county support resources.
• E-mail and circulate the latest information about prevention.
• Take precautions for healthcare staff who show symptoms to call off sick (self quarantine guidelines)and, before returning to work, receive clearance from their PCP.
• WPHHA clinicians will properly sanitize all equipment before and after use including, but not limited to; B/P cuff, stethoscope, temporal thermometer, weights, therapy equipment, etc.
• WPHHA clinicians are required to wear masks when treating patients, and utilize proper PPE guidelines.
• WPHHA clinical staff will conduct COVID-19 phone screening prior to every visit.

Our Response (what we will do in case of infection):

IF we suspect anyone either clinical staff of HHA patient fits the criteria for COVID-19 we will:

• Work with Allegheny County Health Dept to test for suspected viral infection.
• Assist the staff or patient with finding proper placement and treatment in an efficient and effective manner.
• Coordinate transportation for patients to be taken to the hospital or facility for treatment.
• Assist Health Dept with tracking any contact between an infected person and those with whom they may have interacted.
• Work with hospital to track the patients or infected clinical staff results and progress.
• Ensure that patient has the proper food supply , support and supplies in the case of quarantine.
• Coordinate with Allegheny County Health Department, and follow their direction and protocols.

IF there is one confirmed case of COVID-19 within WPHHA, we will immediately:

• Assist and coordinate with patient, patient’s family or caregiver to isolate the infected person or clinical staff member and receive the necessary healthcare services in a timely manner.
• Contact the Allegheny County Health Department and patient’s PCP immediately.
• Notify patient's current PCP, or in the absence of a PCP, assist patient in finding and coordinating services with a care provider.

IF, in the highly unlikely event of an outbreak of multiple cases of coronavirus, we will:

• Take instruction from the health department in protocol for quarantine, hospital transfer, or ongoing home care for patients who need services.
• Reach out to health coalition and neighboring home health and homecare partner organizations for assistance for services, supplies and food if needed.

What you can do to prevent the spread of disease:

CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
• CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
• Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water when hands are visibly dirty.

For questions or concerns about how WPHHA continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, please feel free to contact us 412.421.0909 or e-mail us at Info@wphha.com.

WPHHA also has the ability to test for Covid-19 and Covid-19 antibodies from home. Contact us today to learn more!

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