PioneerCare administration and staff have been vigilant about tracking developments since the beginning of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
We’ve participated in weekly conference calls led by Minnesota Department of Health (DHS) that have included other healthcare providers in conversation and planning. In that time and going forward, we’re in continuous contact with the appropriate health agencies, continuously review our current infection control policies, and make any necessary updates based on any new information. We’re communicating with residents, family members, and staff as we learn more.
On every shift, we’re checking residents for fever, oxygen levels, and other indicators that might signal possible infection.
Our COVID-19 unit, set up several months ago, is designed to care for residents with confirmed positive COVID-19. This unit is can be expanded as needed, and isolated from other residents of the building and is staffed with a designated staff team.
We’re screening all who must enter the building – such as staff and suppliers – upon entering. For that purpose, we’re using a screening tool – essentially a short questionnaire – modeled after recommendations from the CDC and CMS. Temperatures are checked upon a person’s arrival. A drop point is designated for deliveries from suppliers.
Residents and staff are tested for infection at regular intervals. Staff who have tested positive are quarantined at home and will not be allowed to return to work until they have recovered from the virus and passed our return-to-work protocols.
As with any other widespread illness, PioneerCare staff follow CDC and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) guidelines regarding disinfecting frequently touched areas like countertops, doorknobs, light switches, elevator buttons, and railings. This is happening multiple times a day.
