Guardian Angel Caregivers (GAC)’s COVID-19 protocol to protect our caregivers and clients is based on guidance from the Colorado Health Department (CDPHE) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). COVID-19, aka Coronavirus, is a respiratory illness.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. COVID-19 in a new (novel) coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans. Not all coronaviruses are COVID-19.
COVID-19 has become a pandemic and international health crisis.
The virus easily spreads to people who are physically near (within 6 feet.) When people with COVID-19 cough, sneeze, sing, talk, or breathe respiratory droplets containing the virus are transmitted person to person. People who are infected but do not show symptoms can also spread the virus. Sometimes infections are caused when droplets linger in the air (airborne transmission) Airborne droplets can infect people further away than 6ft. or who have left the space. It is much more common for the virus to spread through close contact with a person who has COVID-19 than through airborne transmission. Airborne transmission and infection occurred within enclosed spaces with inadequate ventilation. COVID-19 spreads less commonly through contact with contaminated surfaces.
Colorado’s positivity rate is currently at a 12.33% risk level, higher than the national rate of 10%, and it is increasing. If it isn’t reduced to 5%, there will not be enough resources and staff to meet the increasing needs. It’s a matter of responsibility and ethics — we won’t come to your home if we know we have been exposed. If you suspect you have been exposed tell us immediately! GAC is a non-skilled home care agency. If you get a positive COVID 19 test we won’t be able to care for you. Let’s all be careful and communicate with each other if you have symptoms or been exposed to the virus. This will allow us to provide you with the best care, guidance, and peace of mind.
GAC Caregiver Protocol to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 and flu:
- Stay at least 6 feet away from others.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a mask in all indoor spaces. Clients and families are strongly encouraged to wear masks when outside the home.
- Wash your hands often for 20 seconds with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid crowded indoor spaces and ensure indoor spaces are properly ventilated.
- Avoid close contact inside your home:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay 6 feet away from anyone who is sick.
- Outside your home:
- Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus.
- Stay 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from people who don’t live in your house.
- Keeping 6 feet from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
- Stay home and isolate from others when sick.
- Routinely clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
- Those age 65 and above and those with chronic conditions should minimize number of outings in the community.
Hand Washing Hygiene
Proper hand washing means washing your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.
Make sure you wash your hands whenever you do the following:
Before and After:
- Upon entering and before leaving home
- Handling or preparing food
- Meals
- Attending to a child or sick person
- Treating a cut or wound
- Wearing contact lenses
After:
- Using the toilet
- Wiping or blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
- Changing diapers, helping child with bathrooms
- Touching common surfaces like handles, doorknobs
- Touching animals, pet food, animal waste
- Touching garbage
