>> Hi. My name is Cara Jacobs Luka [phonetic].
I'm a Medical Officer and part of the CDC COVID-19 response
in long-term care facilities.
Today, we're going to talk about how to keep COVID-19 out,
and the importance of not working when you are sick.
This is part of the key COVID-19 prevention messages,
for front line, long-term care staff.
The number one that you can do to keep COVID-19
out of your building and keep your residents sage,
do not work when you are sick.
The virus causing COVID-19 spreads mainly
from person-to-person, when they cough, talk, or sneeze.
But some people can spread the virus,
even without having symptoms.
So, you should wear a face mask while you're
at work, all of the time.
This is called source control,
because the face mask prevents germs from your mouth and nose
from spreading to other people, when you cough, talk, or sneeze,
which protects residents and staff.
CDC recommends the use of cloth face coverings for everyone
who goes to public places, for source control.
These may be able to be used by some nursing staff
who are not interacting with residents.
However, cloth face coverings are not considered personal
protective equipment and should not be worn instead
of a respirator or face mask,
if more than source control is required,
like when you're caring for a resident.
What we have seen so far during the outbreak,
is that COVID-19 enters into long-term care facilities
through the people who work there.
You can spread germs to residents and patients
without even knowing it.
And the added benefit to face masks,
is that they also protect you from germs, by keeping germs
from touching your mouth and your nose.
In order for your face mask to work,
you have to wear your face mask the correct way.
Do clean your hands before you put on
and take off your face mask.
Wear your face mask so that it completely covers your mouth
and your nose.
Remove the face mask, touching only the straps,
And if reusing the face mask, fold it in half,
with the outer part of the mask folded in and store it
in a paper bag or breathable container.
Don't touch your face mask or your face, and make sure
that you don't pull your mask down, under your nose.
Your nose must be covered by the face mask.
Don't wear the mask on the top of your head, around your neck,
or hanging off or your ear, and don't store the mask
on your arm or in you pocket.
You will need to take your temperature
and repot any symptoms each day, when you start your shift.
If you have a new or different cough, sore throat,
shortness of breath, muscle aches
or otherwise feel sick, you should not work.
Some people have even reporter symptoms, such as a headache,
losing your sense of smell or taste, or chills.
These could also indicate that you may be sick.
If you feel okay to start your shift, but develop a temperature
of more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit or start
to feel sick while you're at work,
you should immediately notify your supervisor and go home.
Many nursing home residents have become very sick,
and some have died, after staff
in their building worked while they were sick.
You play an important role
in keeping residents and staff healthy.
Anyone who enters a long-term care facility,
must first check their temperature and report symptoms.
They should also wear a mask, the whole time
that they're in the facility.
This includes you and all healthcare personnel,
support staff, housekeeping, dietary, maintenance,
construction, administrators, consultants, vendors,
visitors -- every one who enters the building.
No one should enter a long-term care facility
when they are sick.
Many people work at more than one building,
or have more than one job.
If you become sick, you should alert your supervisors at all
of your work locations right away, so that they can check
for other sick staff or residents who may be sick.
COVID-19 can spread very quickly in nursing homes,
and in other long-term care facilities.
There is no time to waste.
You can be a voice for your residents.
Help make sure that no visitors are on site,
unless they are visiting during end of life situations.
It is more important than ever
that you help your residents stay connected, by finding ways
for them to communicate with their loved ones,
such as over the telephone
or using a video call, like Face Time.
Keep your resident safe by encouraging other staff
and anyone else who comes into the building, to stay home
when they are sick, clean their hands frequently
and wear a face mask.
Encourage residents not to hug or shake hands.
They should practice social distancing,
by staying at least six feet apart.
And social distancing is for you, too.
Anyone working or providing services
in the building should try to stay six feet apart
from one another, including in the breakroom
and in any common areas.
This is how you can keep COVID-19, keep yourself healthy,
and keep your germs to yourself.
Your residents' lives depend on it.