Top Banner
From: Lorenz, Paul E Subject: COVID-19 Update - April 27, 2020 Date: Monday, April 27, 2020 4:30:01 PM Attachments: Bright Horizons Flyer 042120.pdf Childcare letter to Childcare Interest EEs April 23.pdf Asymptomatic HCW Testing Policy 4.27.20.pdf Dear Staff and Physicians, We have some very important information and updates regarding COVID-19. Please take the time to read the following on Testing of Asymptomatic Healthcare Workers, Elective Surgeries, Planning Groups, Child Care Options, and a COVID-19 Employee Survey. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our volunteers during Volunteer Appreciation Week. While most volunteer services have been suspended during the COVID-19 crisis, we hope to bring our wonderful volunteers back soon, as they are critically important to our mission and success. This month is also National Occupational Therapy Month. Please take a moment to recognize the hard-working and dedicated Occupational Therapy staff that care for patients throughout our health care system. Testing for Asymptomatic Healthcare Workers As we have expanded capacity, we are pleased to offer PCR (swab) and antibody (blood) testing to all healthcare workers, including those who are asymptomatic . Expanded testing will improve our ability to help protect vulnerable groups and allow us to better understand the spread of COVID-19 in our hospitals and clinics, and in our community. Our goal, which is consistent with guidance from the CDC, CDPH, and the County Public Health Department, is to offer testing to asymptomatic healthcare workers at our hospitals and clinics over the next few weeks in a phased approach based on exposure risk. Please see the attached policy for more information. Testing of symptomatic healthcare workers will continue pursuant to existing guidelines, as posted on the Communications Hub: https://www.scvmc.org/COVID19/covid-19-update.html . Testing for asymptomatic individuals in the initial priority group will begin tomorrow afternoon, and you will receive further information on the process for obtaining the tests. Please be patient as we implement new workflows and processes to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to be tested. Elective Surgeries As I mentioned last week, we are actively preparing to resume elective surgery and procedures on May 4, 2020 with a gradual phased approach throughout our system. The safety of our patients and our staff remains our highest priority and will continue to be our focus as we move forward with refining existing workflows, establishing pre-operative COVID-19 testing procedures, prioritizing procedures during the initial phase, and educating and training staff. Planning Groups As we continue to respond to the COVID-19 crisis, we are also looking to the future of our healthcare delivery system, including expanding primary and specialty care, and moving forward with service line planning and implementation. In order to facilitate these efforts, we have formed the following workgroups: Hospital Based Service Lines; Primary Care; VMC Behavioral Health (Acute and Primary Care Behavioral Health); Valley Specialty Services; Specialty Service Lines (other than Valley Specialty Services); Homeless Healthcare Program; Financial; Data/Dashboards; Communications; and Prime/QIP/EPP. These groups will be working hard, along with each of you, in the coming weeks to recover and expand our services to our patients and the community. Please stay tuned for further information on this exciting work!
2

volunteers Testing for Asymptomatic Healthcare Workers COVID-19 Update.pdf · 27/04/2020  · Attachments: Bright Horizons Flyer 042120.pdf Childcare letter to Childcare Interest

Aug 25, 2020

Download

Documents

dariahiddleston
Welcome message from author
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
  • From: Lorenz, Paul ESubject: COVID-19 Update - April 27, 2020Date: Monday, April 27, 2020 4:30:01 PMAttachments: Bright Horizons Flyer 042120.pdf

    Childcare letter to Childcare Interest EEs April 23.pdfAsymptomatic HCW Testing Policy 4.27.20.pdf

    Dear Staff and Physicians, We have some very important information and updates regarding COVID-19. Please take the timeto read the following on Testing of Asymptomatic Healthcare Workers, Elective Surgeries, PlanningGroups, Child Care Options, and a COVID-19 Employee Survey.

    I would like to take this opportunity to thank our volunteers during Volunteer Appreciation Week. While most volunteer services have been suspended during the COVID-19 crisis, we hope to bringour wonderful volunteers back soon, as they are critically important to our mission and success.

    This month is also National Occupational Therapy Month. Please take a moment to recognize thehard-working and dedicated Occupational Therapy staff that care for patients throughout our healthcare system.

     Testing for Asymptomatic Healthcare WorkersAs we have expanded capacity, we are pleased to offer PCR (swab) and antibody (blood) testing toall healthcare workers, including those who are asymptomatic. Expanded testing will improve ourability to help protect vulnerable groups and allow us to better understand the spread of COVID-19in our hospitals and clinics, and in our community. Our goal, which is consistent with guidance fromthe CDC, CDPH, and the County Public Health Department, is to offer testing to asymptomatichealthcare workers at our hospitals and clinics over the next few weeks in a phased approach basedon exposure risk. Please see the attached policy for more information. Testing of symptomatichealthcare workers will continue pursuant to existing guidelines, as posted on the CommunicationsHub: https://www.scvmc.org/COVID19/covid-19-update.html. Testing for asymptomatic individuals in the initial priority group will begin tomorrow afternoon, andyou will receive further information on the process for obtaining the tests. Please be patient as weimplement new workflows and processes to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to be tested. Elective SurgeriesAs I mentioned last week, we are actively preparing to resume elective surgery and procedures onMay 4, 2020 with a gradual phased approach throughout our system. The safety of our patients andour staff remains our highest priority and will continue to be our focus as we move forward withrefining existing workflows, establishing pre-operative COVID-19 testing procedures, prioritizingprocedures during the initial phase, and educating and training staff.

    Planning Groups  As we continue to respond to the COVID-19 crisis, we are also looking to the future of ourhealthcare delivery system, including expanding primary and specialty care, and moving forwardwith service line planning and implementation. In order to facilitate these efforts, we have formedthe following workgroups: Hospital Based Service Lines; Primary Care; VMC Behavioral Health(Acute and Primary Care Behavioral Health); Valley Specialty Services; Specialty Service Lines (otherthan Valley Specialty Services); Homeless Healthcare Program; Financial; Data/Dashboards;Communications; and Prime/QIP/EPP. These groups will be working hard, along with each of you, inthe coming weeks to recover and expand our services to our patients and the community. Pleasestay tuned for further information on this exciting work!

    mailto:[email protected]://www.scvmc.org/COVID19/covid-19-update.html
  • SUPPORTED BY:

    CISCO LIFECONNECTIONS CHILDREN’S LEARNING CENTER 800 Barber Lane, Milpitas, CA 95035 408-853-2196

    Care is currently available through July 17. To inquire: email: [email protected] phone: 408-853-2196

    As a health care worker, you are on the frontlines of the fight against COVID-19 — and we know you are in need of care, too. High-quality, safe, and nurturing child care is essential so you can get to work and have the peace-of-mind to focus on your critical job. Cisco and Bright Horizons have partnered with #FirstRespondersFirst to open this special child care hub that can meet the needs of you and your child.

    The center will operate with special COVID-19 protocols in place, including limited capacity and small group sizes, enhanced teacher:child ratios, and intensive hygiene and cleaning practices. Care will be available at no cost to frontline healthcare workers who have limited access to quality child care.

    FREE CHILD CARE FOR FRONTLINE HEALTHCARE WORKERS

  • TO:   County of Santa Clara Essential Employees Who Indicated an Interest in Utilizing Emergency Childcare   Employees Identified as Essential Employees 

    FROM:   Leslie Crowell, Deputy County Executive  

    DATE:    April 23, 2020 

    SUBJECT:  No‐cost Childcare Offering Available Through June 5, 2020     YMCA Added in Morgan Hill 

    To support you during the school closure, the County has secured no‐cost childcare options, including for infants/toddlers, preschoolers, and school‐age children, with community providers. We know how important it is for you to have peace of mind regarding your children’s care.  We want you to be able to deliver essential services to the public with minimal worry about childcare concerns. Thank you for all you’re doing to support the County’s response to the COVID‐19 pandemic.   

    As of Monday, April 13, 2020, if you would like to be connected to a childcare provider during the school closure period, please use this link https://hkidsf.tfaforms.net/3, to fill out a childcare request.  After you have submitted the form, you will receive a confirmation email from the Healthier Kids Foundation. You will need your employee ID, as well as general information about you and your child(ren) as part of the process of signing up for childcare.  The form should take about 5 minutes to complete per child.  Information about the childcare providers is included following this introduction.   

    Enclosed is a copy of the health and safety protocols required of all childcare providers under County contract. 

    Here are key items to understand about the County’s no‐cost childcare program:  

    1. No‐cost childcare services will be provided on a first‐come, first‐served basis. There is no limit to the number of children you may enroll.  If you sign‐up and then decide not to use the service, please cancel by calling 1‐877‐427‐3631, so another County employee may use the service. 

    2. After you submit the online form, a member of the Healthier Kids Foundation will call you to confirm your placement within 24‐hours if the form is submitted Monday‐Friday. Forms submitted on the weekend will be answered on Monday morning. 

    3. If your child doesn’t show up for daycare for two sessions in a row, and you do not notify the Healthier Kids Foundation, your child could be dropped from the program and their space be offered to another family. Thank you for your understanding. 

    4. If the childcare slots currently under contract with the County have been filled, the Healthier Kids Foundation will contact you and provide you with your available options. 

  • Page 2 of 4  

    Some of the eligibility questions asked at that time will help us determine if you may qualify for state‐subsidized care. 

    5. Currently, childcare providers are not available to cover swing, night, or weekend shifts, as school closure impacts are the focus of this care provision. The earliest program begins at 6:30 a.m. 

    6. Employees may be able to exclude some or all of the value of this benefit from their taxable income, depending on their personal circumstances, and should consult a tax professional for advice. If you reserve a slot without cancellation, you will still be subject to applicable taxes. 

    7. You will agree to comply with the appropriate screening guidelines and regulations as stipulated by the childcare provider that you select.  Providers are required to follow Public Health Guidelines and Mitigation Measures for COVID‐19, including screening for symptoms, cleaning protocols, and social distancing. 

    8. You may opt out if you are dissatisfied with the provider. 

    9. If you have questions, the Healthier Kids Foundation will do their best to answer them for you. Their telephone number is 1‐877‐427‐3631. 

    Provider Information 

    Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley ‐ 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Monday‐Friday with lunch provided daily 

    Site  Address  Infant  Toddler  Preschool  School Age Levin Clubhouse  4955 Edenview Drive, San Jose, 95111  0  0  0  Y Smythe Clubhouse  2195 Cunningham Avenue, San Jose, 95122  0  0  0  Y 

    Program Description 

    Located at our Levin and Smythe Clubhouses, Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley will provide youth, ages 5 to 17, with a multi‐element youth development program that will feature small group and one‐to‐one mentoring with adult professionals; academic enrichment, arts, sports, fitness and recreational activities in a fun, safe and supportive environment. 

    Core program components will include: 

    Academic Enrichment: programs specifically strengthening  literacy skills, math and technology skills. 

    Arts: painting, printmaking, collage, mixed media, sculpture and more.  Sports and Fitness: activities that improve health and fitness while developing skills, teamwork 

    and sportsmanship.    Recreation: activities  that address  social‐emotional development by building  cooperation and 

    interpersonal communication skills.  Youth will be grouped  into age cohorts with programs scheduled cyclically. A typical day will consist of compulsory programming rotations and a lunch.  Youth‐to‐staff ratio will be a maximum of 10:1. 

  • Page 3 of 4  

       

    Kidango – 7:30 a.m. ‐ 5:30 p.m. Monday‐Friday  

    Site  Address  Infant  Toddler  Preschool  School Age Valley Medical Ctr.  730 Empey Wy., San Jose, 95128  0  Y  0 Chynoweth  5312 Terner Wy., San Jose, 95136  Y  Y  0 

    Program Description  

    For 40 years, Kidango has been providing access to high quality early learning for low‐income Bay Area children. Thousands of children have walked out of our doors and into kindergarten ready for the challenges that lay before them.  Our goal is to ensure that every child, regardless of socioeconomic status, is given the same chance to succeed. 

    We will maintain group sizes of 10 and a 1:3 teacher‐child ratio for infants and toddlers, and a 1:6 ratio for preschoolers.   

    Our curriculum for infants and toddlers consists of all and more of the following: practicing self‐regulation, promoting social interactions from imitating to labeling emotions, opportunities for developing language and math knowledge (e.g., counting and classification), and transitioning from early locomotor skills to coordinated gross and fine motor. 

    Our curriculum for preschools consists of all and more of the following: developing social and emotional understanding through relationships and interactions, building upon language and literacy skills (e.g., letter names, sounds, phonological awareness, vocabulary building), increasing experiences with concrete mathematical and scientific concepts (e.g., basic geometry, place values, sequencing), and promoting self‐care routines (e.g., fitness, healthy eating, practicing good hygiene habits).  

    All age levels will benefit from indoor and outdoor experiences, nutritious meals, and knowledgeable staff who welcome all families. 

    YMCA of Silicon Valley ‐ Monday – Friday, 6:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. 

    Site  Address  Infant  Toddler  Preschool  School Age Morgan Hill  895 Barrett Avenue Morgan Hill CA 95037  N  N  Y  Y   Barrett Elementary School         

     

    Program Description  This YMCA Essential Workers Childcare program coordinates agencies for the establishment of a childcare program in the southern area of Santa Clara County with the primary purpose to provide a childcare service for medical personnel, first responders, and other essential workers. Ages served are 4‐16 years. This program is a cooperative project of the Morgan Hill Unified School District, as a result of consultation with the County of Santa Clara Public Health Department. Three meals per day will be provided by Morgan Hill Unified School District at no additional cost. Activities include time for students to complete school assignments, age‐specific small groups, arts and crafts, non ‐touch games and 

  • Page 4 of 4  

    activities, STEM applied activities, and outdoor play on Morgan Hill Unified School District Fields. Increased cleaning protocols and health screenings are in place during this pandemic, with additional staffing measures to support continued service capacity.  YWCA Silicon Valley ‐ Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. 

    Site  Address  Infant  Toddler  Preschool  School Age Davidson  375 S. 3rd Street, San Jose, CA 95112  Y  0  Y  0 West Valley  1774 Foxworthy Ave, San Jose, CA 95124  0  0  0  Y 

     

     Provider Background YWCA Silicon Valley Child Care creates a safe and socially just child‐centered environment where children learn to understand, value, and create a society where all people are treated equally. Each child’s individual needs, personality, cultural background, and families are valued and supported. Children’s learning is fostered through S.T.R.E.A.M (Science, Technology, Recreation, Engineering, Art & Math) based activities through daily opportunities for hands‐on, active exploration and discovery in a variety of learning and constructive play activities.  Delivering quality service at three locations throughout San Jose, YWCA is licensed to provide child development services through the State of California and is a California Preschool program provider to subsidized and low‐income families.  Increased cleaning protocols and health screenings are in place during this pandemic, with additional staffing measures to support continued service capacity. 

  • Hospital Command Center

    Employee Health (EH) RT-PCR and Serology (IgM/IgG antibody) Testing of Asymptomatic

    Healthcare Workers (HCW) for COVID-19 Our priority is to protect our healthcare workforce members (HCWs) to the greatest extent possible. HCWs include all employees, staff, physicians, and contract healthcare personnel working in the Hospitals and Clinics. The number of HCWs testing positive for COVID-19 in our workplace is relatively low and reflects the infection prevention measures that have been taken to date to protect our HCWs and slow the spread of the virus. These measures remain in effect pursuant to our current protocols and guidance. As communities move to rapidly expand COVID-19 testing across California, and as our own testing capacity expands, we are now supplementing our current infection prevention measures with RT-PCR testing (diagnostic) and Serology (antibody) testing for asymptomatic HCWs. Expanded testing will improve our ability to help protect vulnerable groups and allow us to better understand the spread of COVID-19 in our hospitals and clinics, and in our community. Our goal, which is consistent with guidance from the CDC, CDPH, and the Public Health Department, is to expand testing over the next few weeks to include asymptomatic HCWs in a phased approach based on exposure risk. Asymptomatic HCWs are those HCWs who do not currently have any COVID-19 symptoms (as defined in the Employee Health Testing of Symptomatic Healthcare Workers guidelines) and have not had any such symptoms within the past 14 days prior to the test collection. Employees who currently have COVID-19 symptoms or have had them in the 14 days prior to test collection will be tested pursuant to the Employee Health Testing of Symptomatic Healthcare Workers guidelines. Testing for asymptomatic HCWs pursuant to these guidelines is voluntary, but highly recommended. Testing for symptomatic HCWs is performed in accordance with the most current guidelines for Employee Health Testing of Symptomatic Healthcare Workers. Asymptomatic re-testing will not be considered until the testing for all HCW groups is completed. Exceptions may be made for specific situations or individuals as indicated in this policy, or by the Employee Health Department, Infection Prevention Department, or the Policy and Strategy Oversight Branch of the Hospital Command Center. TESTING PRIORITY COVID-19 RT-PCR (swab) and antibody testing (blood) of HCWs will occur over the next few weeks depending on testing capacity. A testing schedule will be established and HCWs will be notified as testing becomes available for their unit or work location. The notification to HCWs that their priority group is being scheduled for testing will include information regarding the process for obtaining the tests. HCWs may be tested outside of their priority group as deemed appropriate by the Employee Health Department, Infection Prevention Department, or the Policy and Strategy Oversight Branch of the Hospital Command Center.

  • Employee Health (EH) RT-PCR and Serology (IgM/IgG antibody) Testing of Asymptomatic Healthcare Workers (HCW) for COVID-19

    Page 2 of 4 The initial priority group for testing includes physicians, nurses, postgraduate trainees and ancillary staff providing direct patient care or physically located in the following clinical care areas:

    • COVID-19 Units

    • Skilled Nursing Facilities, Long Term Care Facilities, and Other Congregate Living Facilities

    • Barbara Arons Pavilion and Emergency Psychiatric Services

    • Homeless Health Clinics and Sites

    • Emergency and Urgent Care Sites

    • Perioperative Services, including Labor & Delivery

    • Adult, Pediatric, and Neonatal Intensive Care Units

    • Oncology Infusion Center and Dialysis/Renal Care Center if working with immunocompromised patients

    Testing for HCWs in the initial priority group will begin as soon as possible. Once testing is completed for the initial priority group, HCWs in other priority groups will be scheduled for testing. TESTING PROCESS

    • HCWs will receive notification when their priority group will be scheduled for testing. The notification will include a process to follow for: (1) COVID-19 RT-PCR testing; (2) SARS-CoV-2 IgM/IgG antibody testing, which may not be conducted at the same time.

    • HCWs will be encouraged to receive both tests. o The HCW can choose to receive only the RT-PCR test but may not choose to only receive

    the antibody test. o The HCW with negative RT-PCR result and positive IgM only will have a second RT-PCR

    test to rule out false negative RT-PCR, to be completed within 24 hours.

    • Asymptomatic HCW may return to work with PPE and standard universal precautions per current guidelines while waiting for results.

    • Any asymptomatic HCW who develops symptoms for COVID-19 must not come to work, or if already at work must leave the workplace, and follow the Employee Health Testing of Symptomatic Healthcare Workers for COVID-19 policy, including notify Employee Health within one business day of when symptoms develop.

    NOTIFICATION OF RESULTS

    • Employee Health will contact the HCW with results and recommended follow up.

    • Employee Health will discuss the testing interpretations and next steps with the HCW as indicated below:

    o There is currently no CDC or Infection Prevention guidance on how to interpret a positive or negative COVID-19 serology result.

    o Results from serological testing should not be used as the sole basis to diagnose or exclude infection, or to inform infection status.

    o The true interpretations of the serological results are not known, and the interpretations in the following table are educated opinions based on current available information.

    o It is unknown whether the presence of antibodies means that the HCW is immune to future infections. It is recommended that regardless of the results of the test, HCWs should continue to follow hospital infection prevention measures.

  • Employee Health (EH) RT-PCR and Serology (IgM/IgG antibody) Testing of Asymptomatic Healthcare Workers (HCW) for COVID-19

    Page 3 of 4

    COVID-19 PCR and Antibody Testing Interpretation

    RT-PCR (NP swab)

    IgM (Blood)

    IgG (Blood)

    Interpretation Able to work

    Positive Neg Neg Probably early or asymptomatic infection. May be infectious to others.

    No. See clearance guideline below

    Neg Pos Probably late infection or early recovery. May be infectious to others.

    No. See clearance guideline below

    Pos Neg Probably

  • Employee Health (EH) RT-PCR and Serology (IgM/IgG antibody) Testing of Asymptomatic Healthcare Workers (HCW) for COVID-19

    Page 4 of 4

    Serology test is completed using the Diazyme SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG assays. This test has not been

    approved nor reviewed by the FDA. This test has been validated by the Santa Clara Valley Medical

    Center Laboratory.

    RETURN TO WORK FOLLOWING TEST RESULTS If Asymptomatic HCW is COVID-19 RT-PCR negative: continue to work regardless of serology result. If Asymptomatic HCW is COVID-19 RT-PCR positive and remains asymptomatic:

    a. Exclude from work until at least 14 days have passed since the collection date of the positive RT-PCR.

    b. HCW must call Employee Health on the 14th day for follow-up and work clearance as appropriate.

    If Asymptomatic HCW develops symptoms: Follow release to work guideline for symptomatic HCW (see Employee Health Testing of Symptomatic Healthcare Workers for COVID-19) Date: 4.27.20

    http://scvmc.org/COVID19/Other/Bright%20Horizons%20Flyer%20042120.pdfhttp://scvmc.org/COVID19/Other/Childcare%20letter%20to%20Childcare%20Interest%20EEs%20April%2023.pdfhttp://scvmc.org/COVID19/Other/Asymptomatic%20HCW%20Testing%20Policy.pdf

  • COVID-19 Survey  We will be circulating a short survey to all staff regarding experiences during the COVID-19pandemic. Your answers will be used to provide information and feedback to Senior Leadershipacross the system to help inform their decisions and response to the pandemic. Responses will beanonymous unless you request to be named or contacted. Please take a few moments to respondto the survey when you receive it and provide this important feedback.

    Childcare Options  No-cost childcare options are available to healthcare workers through the County and through BrightHorizons. Please see the attached memo and flyer for more information. Healthy Regards,

    Paul