(as of March 16, 2020)
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak continues to evolve rapidly, both globally and locally. In keeping with our mission and values, the quality of care we provide to our patients and the safety of our staff remain the two most important priorities at Nathan Adelson Hospice (NAH).
We are proceeding with an abundance of caution to protect our patients and their families, staff, and volunteers. Our approach is in line with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control, the Southern Nevada Health District, the Nevada Hospital Association and our own Emergency Management Plan.
The following new guidelines are now in effect as of March 16, 2020, at NAH:
Patient Care
NAH is following guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and has developed a comprehensive plan to maintain the safety of our staff while ensuring that we continue to provide the patients and their families with advanced illness care of the highest quality.
Visitation to Inpatient Units
Visitors will be screened before entering any of our inpatient units.
Meetings
On-site meetings with vendors and other guests are discontinued; internal meetings should be conducted by teleconference or virtually until further notice.
Chaplain, Grief Counselor and Social Worker Home and Facility Visits
In most cases, Chaplain, Grief Counselor and Social Worker visits will be conducted virtually.
If there is an urgent need for an on-site visit, caregivers should call 702-733-0320.
Grief Support Classes
Scheduled in-person support groups/workshops are suspended until further notice.
We will continue to provide individual grief support as needed. However, grief counseling services will take place via the telephone until further notice.
Volunteer Services
All in-person volunteer services are suspended until further notice.
Volunteers who make calls to home care patients will make the call from their own homes in accordance with HIPAA regulations and guidance from the Volunteer Program Manager.
Staying Informed
We are continuing to monitor this rapidly evolving situation, and we will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves. Please refer to CDC resources and the Frequently Asked Questions document for additional updates.
COVID-19 Resources
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is COVID-19?
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.
How does COVID-19 spread?
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person:
Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet), and through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby, or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in some affected geographic areas. Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19? Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:
- fever
- cough
- shortness of breath
What type of isolation precautions are required for COVID 19?
Airborne
If I am experiencing flu-like symptoms, should I stay home?
Yes, Quarantine for suspected COVID-19 is 14 days.
Older people and people of all ages with severe underlying health conditions (heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease) are at higher risk of developing serious COVID-19 illness.
Should I be mindful of cleaning my devices – phones, laptop, etc. - after handwashing?
A recent study in the Journal of Hospital Infection found, after swabbing the mobile devices of 250 hospital staff, that coronaviruses can survive on the kinds of smooth glass and plastic found in smartphones for up to nine days. Cleaning phones is an even more important anti-coronavirus measure than wearing face masks.
How long does the virus survive on surfaces?
It is not certain how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces, but it seems to behave like other coronaviruses. Studies suggest that coronaviruses (including preliminary information on the COVID-19 virus) may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. This may vary under different conditions (e.g., type of surface, temperature or humidity of the environment).
If you think a surface may be infected, clean it with simple disinfectant to kill the virus and protect yourself and others. Clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.
Are there any generally accepted treatments specific to COVID 19?
No
What is the interval between exposure and symptoms?
6 days
How viable is the virus on contaminated surfaces?
Hours to days
Is there a way to know one has COVID-19 without testing?
No
Does cough, fever differ from COVID-19 versus other infectious diseases?
No
If I think I have been exposed to COVID-19, what do I do?
Observe for symptoms of illness and avoid contact with other people for 6 days, particularly if you recently traveled to any of the affected areas, or have been on a cruise.
Can pets get the coronavirus?
The CDC has not reported any cases of pets or other animals becoming infected with COVID-19 in the United States. The most important thing to remember about animals and COVID-19 is that they cannot transfer COVID-19 to humans. However, people sick with COVID-19 should avoid contact with humans and pets.
How long is someone contagious after getting COVID-19?
It is not known at this time. 14 days is the longest incubation period seen for similar coronaviruses. Currently, the recommended isolation period after exposure is 14 days to avoid spreading the virus.
How long does it take to recover?
The infection period for the virus will vary from person to person. Mild symptoms in an otherwise healthy individual may resolve over just a few days. Similar to influenza, for an individual with other ongoing health issues, such as a respiratory condition, recovery may take weeks and in severe cases could be potentially fatal.
Where can I find more information and recommendations about COVID-19?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website has a page dedicated to COVID-19. Other sources of information are the World Health Organization and state and local health departments.
What are the recommended ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19?
- Wash your hands. Using soap and water for at least 20 seconds is recommended, but hand sanitizer with at least 60%-95% alcohol is also sufficient. Be sure to wash all surfaces of your hands.
- Stay home if you are sick. Individuals who have symptoms of acute respiratory illness are recommended to stay home and not come to work until they are free of fever (100.4° F [37.8° C] or greater using an oral thermometer), signs of a fever, and any other symptoms for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicines (e.g., cough suppressants).
- Practice respiratory hygiene. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Put your used tissue in a wastebasket. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
- Perform routine environmental cleaning. Routinely clean all frequently touched surfaces in the workplace, such as workstations, countertops, and doorknobs, using disposable wipes. Use the cleaning agents that are usually used in these areas and follow the directions on the label.
- Avoid close contact with other people who are sick.
Stay informed
The CDC has the most current information about the virus, including everything you need to know about how the virus spreads, how it’s treated, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you get sick. Stay on top of the latest by visiting the CDC website, which is being updated frequently.
You can also learn how the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH) is responding to the situation by visiting its website.
