COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update March 11, 2020

At SEM Haven, we acknowledge the concern regarding COVID-19 and are dedicated to providing information on a timely basis. 

We are working with the Ohio Department of Health, Clermont County Board of Health, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services, as well as our corporate management group, United Church Homes, to make sure we are current and sharing the most up to date information with our residents, staff, family members, volunteers and vendors.

Our Administrator, Jessica Hall, shared an informative letter late yesterday to update those most closely impacted by new protocols and changes in visitation. 

Additionally, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released updates regarding steps nursing homes should take to limit transmission to and within their communities. The memo included guidance on visitation policies, noting that nursing homes should restrict, limit and/or discourage visitation.

• Restricting means the individual should not be allowed in the facility at all, until they no longer meet criteria described in the memo. These criteria are:  
  • Signs or symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, or sore throat.
  • In the last 14 days, has had contact with someone with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, or under investigation for COVID-19, or are ill with respiratory illness.
  • International travel within the last 14 days to countries with sustained community transmission. 
  • Residing in a community where community-based spread of COVID-19 is occurring.

• Limiting means the individual should not be allowed to come into the facility, except for certain situations, such as end-of-life situations or when a visitor is essential for the resident’s emotional well-being and care. CMS recommends limiting visitation for facilities that are in counties, or counties adjacent to other counties where a COVID-19 case has occurred. Right now, that pertains to only Cuyahoga County.
  
  
• Discouraging means that the facility allows normal visitation practices (except for those individuals meeting the restricted criteria), however the facility advises individuals to defer visitation until further notice (through signage, calls, etc.). CMS recommends discouraging visitation for all other counties nationwide.