Attention- Covid-19 Update

By Beth Foster, RN, BA, CPHQ, CEHCH and
Kathy Royer, RN, BA, MBA, DMin, CHPN, CHPCA, CEHCH

ODH Health Alert – Updated CDC Criteria to Guide Evaluation of Persons Under Investigation for COVID-19, ODH, February 28, 2020 – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated its “Criteria to Guide Evaluation of Persons Under Investigation for COVID-19.” The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) sent the updated health alert on February 28, 2020 to local health departments and health care providers who participate in the Ohio Health Alert Network regarding this update. OCHCH was asked to share this alert with our provider members. Meanwhile, you can find more information about COVID-19, resources, and the latest developments on ODH’s website at www.coronavirus.ohio.gov.

On February 27, 2020, CDC updated the “Criteria to Guide Evaluation of Persons Under Investigation (PUI) for COVID-19.” This updated guidance is available on the CDC website along with the COVID-19 PUI form.

The ODH Health Alert stated, “The potential public health threat posed by COVID-19 is high, both globally and to the U.S. However, at this time, the risk to the general American public is low. ODH is actively working with local health departments (LHDs) and healthcare providers to effectively identify suspected cases of COVID-19 and continue infectious disease surveillance, prevention, and control.”

OUR TAKE
Since facilities (aka home health and hospice agencies) are expected to develop and maintain an emergency preparedness plan that is based on the facility‐based and community‐based risk assessment using an “all‐ hazards” approach, Kathy and I recommend that agencies pull out your emergency preparedness plan and review your approach with your staff. It would not surprise us if an ODH surveyor asks your staff, “What are you doing to protect yourself and patients from COVID-19.”