Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19

What is COVID-19, or the Novel Coronavirus, and how does it spread?

COVID-19 or the novel coronavirus is a new (novel) coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.

A diagnosis with coronavirus 229E, NL63, OC43, or HKU1 is not the same as COVID-19 diagnosis. Patients with COVID-19 will be evaluated and cared for differently than patient with common coronavirus diagnosis.

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person. Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet). Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

CDC Website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html#basics

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.

The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.*

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath

CDC Website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

What preventive action is Windsor taking?

Windsor is closely following CDC, CMS and Public Health guidance for preventing the spread of COVID-19 and other communicable diseases. We are proactively communicating with other health care organizations including the American Healthcare Association (AHCA) to ensure that our locations have access to the most recent information regarding COVID-19.

Windsor will be restricting visitation of ALL visitors and non-essential health care personnel, as directed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Exceptions will be made, such as compassionate care for end-of-life situations. In those cases, visitors will be limited to a specific room only and be required to practice hand hygiene and wear protective face masks. All other visitors should defer visitation until further notice.

Individuals with symptoms of a respiratory infection or fever will not be permitted to enter under any circumstances.

For more information regarding the restriction of ALL visitors and non-essential health care personnel, please return to the COVID-19 homepage. In addition to restricting visitation of ALL visitors and non-essential health care personnel, we are taking the following proactive measures:

  • Daily temperature checks and symptom monitoring for residents, patients and staff.
  • Routine disinfection of high-touch areas and surfaces.
  • Screening of any visitor including essential medical professionals and government officials.
  • Modified activity and dining options that reduce the risk of community-based infection.
  • Providing alternative methods of communication for residents, patients and their loved ones.
  • Quarantine of staff who have recently traveled internationally to a country with community-based transmission.

What’s next?

Windsor Is proactively working and adhering to all Government recommendations and standards regarding COVID-19 and other communicable diseases.

We are actively monitoring for signs of illness throughout our organization. We will continue to communicate with the families and loved ones of our residents and patients via phone, email, mail, or postings.

Should you have any questions please reach out to your Director of Business Development using the designated number listed at the bottom of the COVID-19 home page.

We understand your concerns about COVID-19 and are fully committed to the health and safety of our residents and patients.

What can I do to help?

Communicate with your loved one remotely. While Windsor will be restricting visitation of ALL visitors and non-essential health care personnel, as directed by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). We encourage you to communicate with your loved one via remote communication. Each Windsor facility is enabled with Cisco Webex Meetings. To schedule a Virtual Visit with your loved one, please ask to speak to the Admissions Coordinator.

Cisco Webex Virtual Visit hours are from 8 am – 8 pm.

Frequently check the CDC website for regular updates about steps that you can take to protect yourself and others: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

How do I protect myself and my loved ones?

For the most up-to-date information about COVID-19 and steps you can take to protect yourself and others we recommend frequently checking the CDC website for regular updates: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself and others.

As listed on the CDC website:

  • Clean your hands often
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
  • Take steps to protect others
  • Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
  • Throw used tissues in the trash.
  • Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand-sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Wear a facemask if you are sick
  • If you are sick: you should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room.
  • If you are not sick: you do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.
  • Clean and disinfect
  • Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
  • If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

CDC Website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html