Midtown Travis Community

Hi all,
On Monday, March 23, 2020, units 423- 429 will be exterminated.

Notices go out the weekend before. Thank you!

Corona Virus Information

CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19)

INTRODUCTION
Coronaviruses have been identified since the 1960s. The virus infects humans and other vertebrates. Illness symptoms in humans include respiratory or gastrointestinal infections, however the disease can range from the common cold to more severe lower respiratory infections such as pneumonia. A broad range of coronaviruses are found in bats. COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. Specific symptoms of COVID-19 include: fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

PREVENTION PROCEDURES
There are simple everyday preventive actions that can be taken to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses like COVID-19. These actions include:
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Avoid touching your nose, eyes, mouth with unwashed hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap for at least 20 seconds. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers that contain at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Increase placement of alcohol-based hand sanitizer and surface cleaning materials throughout facility and offices.
• Disinfect frequently touched objects/surfaces using household cleaning sprays and wipes.
• Encourage self-administering of taking temperature to monitor for fever.
• If you have any respiratory symptoms, see a health care professional for screening.
Prevention procedures specific to U.S.VETS staff include the above list and the following:
• Staff who present with fever, cough, or shortness of breath will be advised to stay home and encouraged to seek and follow medical advice. They may be asked to present a doctor’s note upon return to work clearing them for duty as permitted by company policy and applicable regulations.
• Promote extensive handwashing among all site staff in accordance with CDC handwashing procedures.
• Use of wet wipes and alcohol-based hand sanitizers for outreach and community-based staff.

SURVEILLANCE PROTOCOL
U.S.VETS staff establishes baselines for veterans and families and those who regularly visit clients in program. Staff observe any notable signs of a new cough and fever, and intake staff ask incoming clients if they have traveled outside of the continental U.S.VETS, specifically to China. Identification of other travel areas is done during the intake assessment and areas traveled within the United States are cross checked with recent outbreak locations to determine the exposure potential.
Sites will post health and education resources on the COVID-19 in both client and staff common communication areas.
For veterans and families entering residential programs, U.S.VETS sites will work with their local VA to determine what screening protocols have been established prior to program entry and collaborate on protocols for clients displaying symptoms.

Client Care
For clients who present with symptoms:
• Thermometers will be provided for self-administering of taking temperature to monitor for fever.
• Clients will be referred for medical care and encourage and support in following medical advice.
• Safe room may be used in the event of any delays of obtaining medical screening or care or as otherwise needed

SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT
U.S.VETS sites will make every effort to make the following supplies and equipment available to staff and residential program participants in the event an outbreak:
• N95 respirator masks
• Thermometers:
• Food supplies will be stored in alignment with VA policy on emergency food storage (up to a 3-day supply for each veteran in the program)

Happy Friday, March 6 Everyone!!!
Welcome to our new Midtown Travis Community Page...