Dear Visitors and Guests,
Although there are currently NO known COVID-19 cases in Washington County or at the United Presbyterian Home, we have implemented safety precautions to help protect the residents and employees of the United Presbyterian Home.
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been a major focus in healthcare over the past month. The UP Home began addressing this topic several weeks ago. We have been working directly with Leading Age Iowa and IDPH (Iowa Department of Public Health) to address this issue and to avoid a potential outbreak. Please know that maintaining the health, wellness and safety of our residents and staff is our number one priority.
The State Epidemiologist’s position is that Coronavirus is a contact exposure virus and in general the facilities existing contact infection control policies and procedures should be adequate in preventing the spread of the virus. We have educated staff and developed a plan to keep our residents safe in the event the virus continues to spread. This issue is ever evolving and we will continue to monitor and remain in contact with Leading Age and IDPH.
Beginning Wednesday, March 11, 2020, we are asking family members and guests to limit their visits to the facility unless absolutely necessary. We specifically are asking those who have had any of the identified symptoms (cough, fever or shortness of breath), those who have been exposed to anyone with symptoms and those who have traveled outside of the country to not visit the facility at this time. We know that communication with your loved one is incredibly important and encourage you to communicate with them in other ways such as the telephone, video chat, email or other social media.
To ensure the safety of our residents at the UP Home, there is potential that we might prohibit visitors all together in the event that the virus spreads to Washington County.
Please be assured that the UP Home is taking all the necessary precautions to keep our residents and staff safe. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to management.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. We appreciate the opportunity to continue to care for those in our community.
Here is the checklist we will be using to screen people entering the Health Center. Coronavirus Screening Checklist
Sincerely,
UP Home Management Team