COVID-19 Resources

Here you will find the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccine and how it will impact long term care. We are committed to educating residents, employees and the general public about the importance of the vaccine in limiting the further spread of this deadly virus. Resources from the Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine (AMDA) and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) were used in creating this page.

Statement on Potential COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution from President & CEO Mohammad A. Qazi

CDC – Answering Common Questions About COVID-19 Vaccines

Why Are Long-Term Care Residents & Staff Being Made First Priority for the Vaccine?

• Current data shows that while COVID-19 cases in all long term care facilities account for 6 percent of total cases nationwide, they account for 40 percent of all COVID-19 related deaths.
• The average age of residents in long term care facilities is over 80 years old. Most individuals have underlying health conditions, and some have multiple chronic conditions. According to CDC data, the risk of mortality in this age group is 630 times higher than those 18-29 years old.

Is the Vaccine Being Mandated?

• Since this vaccine will be authorized under an emergency use authorization (EUA), it cannot be mandated by the federal government. However, the EUA does not expressly prohibit an employer, state or locality from requiring vaccination.
• At this time, our company does NOT have plans to mandate the vaccine for residents or employees, but we will continue to follow any changing state or federal guidance on this issue.
• We will ABSOLUTELY encourage and recommend that eligible residents and employees receive the vaccine as it is made available.
• More information on employer mandates is available here.

Are Our Facilities Receiving the Vaccine from Pfizer or Moderna?

• Our facilities in Ohio and Virginia will be receiving COVID-19 mRNA vaccines from Pfizer.
• Our facilities in Indiana, Michigan and North Carolina will be receiving COVID-19 mRNA vaccines from Moderna. 

What is an mRNA Vaccine?

• To trigger an immune response, many vaccines put a weakened or inactivated germ into our bodies. Not mRNA vaccines! Instead, these vaccines teach our cells how to make a protein—or even just a piece of a protein—that triggers an immune response inside our bodies. That immune response, which produces antibodies, is what protects us from getting infected if the real virus enters our bodies.
• mRNA technology is new in vaccine production but has been used and studied in cancer treatment for more than 10 years. It has played a key role in the advancement of cancer research.

Is the Vaccine Safe?

• YES! Safety is the most important priority in vaccine approval. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is using the same strict standards it has for decades to ensure the vaccine is thoroughly and rigorously evaluated. No steps are “skipped”.
  
• Two independent advisory committees are reviewing the results of clinical trials. Members and experts of these committees have no conflict of interest and are not associated with any vaccine manufacturers.
• The Vaccine and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) advises the FDA.
• The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) advises the CDC.
• To assess safety, the FDA typically advises that a minimum of 3,000 participants be included in a clinical trial. The current COVID-19 vaccine trials include 30,000 to 50,000 participants.

Is the Vaccine Effective?

• YES! Pfizer has reported a 95% overall efficacy, while Moderna has reported a 94.1% efficacy.
• "Efficacy" is defined as the ability to produce a desired or intended result.
• Similar efficacy was found across different race, ethnicity and age.
• Older adults represented 45% of the participants in the Pfizer trials (ages 56-85) and 23% of the participants in the Moderna trials (>65 years of age).

What Should Be Expected When Receiving the Vaccine?

• The vaccine will come in TWO doses, 3-4 weeks apart.
• BOTH doses are necessary. The vaccine will NOT be effective if only one dose is received.
• It is important to get the SAME VACCINE, as the initial dose, be it Pfizer or Moderna.
• Short-term discomfort – fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever and pain at injection site – is possible.
• These reactions will last for 24-48 hours and are typically more pronounced after the second dose.
• Side effects mean a body is doing its job and making antibodies. THAT IS A GOOD THING!
• These side effects are normal, common and expected.
• Most side effects occur within 6 weeks of vaccination. Out of the utmost cautious and in order to ensure the most thorough and comprehensive review, FDA requires 8 weeks of safety monitoring of the COVID-19 vaccines.
• THE VACCINE CANNOT GIVE YOU COVID-19!

When and For How Long Will the Vaccine Provide Protection?

• Protection occurs 1-2 weeks after the second dose.
• How long the vaccine provides protection will be learned as more time passes in the current research.
• It is entirely possible COVID-19 vaccinations will be necessary on a regular basis, similar to the flu shot. Again, more will be learned as time passes.

It is safe to get the COVID-19 vaccine if you have previously had COVID-19?

• YES! Even if you have previously had COVID-19, it is important to get vaccinated. It could provide longer or better protection against the disease.
• Even if you have positive antibodies, the COVID-19 vaccine is still recommended.

Will the Use of Masks Remain Necessary?

• YES! Similar to other vaccines, a large number of people in the general population will need to be vaccinated before transmission drops enough to stop the use of masks.

Where Should I Look for Accurate Information on the COVID-19 Vaccine?

• It is important to seek information from reliable sources. Social media is full of misinformation and opinions based on that misinformation.
• Here are some helpful links:
  • CDC
  • FDA
  • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
  • Pfizer
  • Moderna
  • State and local health department websites are also great resources for locality-specific COVID-19 vaccine information.

What’s Next?

• We will keep residents and families of residents apprised of our vaccination plans as we continue to gather more information on distribution plans from state and federal agencies.

Our facility's current visitation status is available on our COVID-19 Resources page. The clinical and operational teams at our facility complete a weekly self-assessment to determine our ability to accommodate these visits based on the criteria established by state and federal guidelines. We will communicate any changes to our visitation status on this website and to family via phone and email.

Visitors should in most cases be immediate family members (spouses/significant others, children, siblings, parents) of a resident. If a resident does not have immediate family in the area, visits with close friends or extended family will be considered. We ask that residents limit their visits to one per day whenever possible out of consideration for others and limited scheduling opportunities.

Our Weekly Facility Assessment

Our facility must be able to answer "TRUE" to the following questions prior to hosting visitation.

• Our facility is considered low or medium risk according to positivity rates in the local community.
• Our facility has had no new ONSET cases of COVID 19 in the last 14 days.
• Our facility has sufficient staff to provide supervision of visitation and adequate screening of visitors.
• Our facility has adequate levels of PPE to provide surgical masks or procedural masks to visitors and residents.
• Our local hospital has capacity available.

Visitors - What to Know Prior to Arriving

• Visitors must contact our facility to schedule an appointment.
  • Those who show up unannounced will NOT be permitted to enter.
• If possible, we ask that visitors be tested for COVID-19 2-3 days prior to a visit.

  • COVID-19 test results should be brought to the facility. If a visitor has a positive COVID-19 diagnosis but no longer requires transmission-based precautions, a physician’s note on letterhead will be required in addition to the COVID-19 test results.

• A maximum of TWO visitors per resident will be permitted.
  • Visitors must be 18 years or older.
  • Visitors must be able to adhere to social distancing guidelines.

VISITORS - What You Should Know Upon Arrival

• Visitors must arrive 15 minutes prior to a scheduled visit.
  • If a visitor does not arrive 15 minutes prior to a visit, the visit will be rescheduled.
• Visitors will be screened for temperature and signs and symptoms of COVID-19.
  • If a visitor has a temperature at or above 100 degrees and exhibits any symptoms of the virus, he or she will not be permitted to enter the facility.
• Per the Fifth Amended Director’s Order from the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), visitors must provide legal federal or state identification upon screening. A telephone number will also be required.
• Visitors must complete required education and attestation prior to EVERY visit.

VISITORS - What to Expect During Your Visit

• Visits may not exceed 30 minutes, per the most recent ODH order.
• Visitors are required to wear a surgical mask at all times. The facility will provide visitors with a new surgical mask upon arrival.
  • Per a Sept. 17 memo from CMS, "Visitors who are unable to adhere to the core principles of COVID-19 infection prevention should not be permitted to visit or should be asked to leave."
• Visitors must maintain a contact-free visit with a resident and strictly adhere to social distancing (keep at least six feet from the resident) at all times.
  • This is for the HEALTH and SAFETY of our residents. Failure to adhere will result in termination of the visit.
• Visitors must use alcohol-based hand rub before and after visitation, and any time during the visit as deemed necessary.
• Visitors must enter and exit through a specified area of the facility and follow a designated route to and from the visitation area.
• Visits will NOT take place in resident rooms, but in a designated visitation area.
  • Visitors must stay in the designated visitation area at all times.
• Poor behavior by visitors and disregard for state or Federal orders is NOT ACCEPTABLE.
  • Failure to adhere will result in termination of the visit
• Restroom access will be restricted, unless an emergency arises.
  • This policy is in place to ease the burden on our facility’s housekeeping staff.
• Food or drink is NOT permitted during a visit.
• Pets are NOT permitted at this time.
• To ensure smooth and timely functioning of the visitation process, please do not engage facility staff with your concerns during your visit. If you have questions about the established guidelines or protocols, please complete your visit and address these concerns in an email or telephone call to the facility administration following your visit.

RESIDENTS - Criteria for Visitation

• A resident must have the ability to safely transition from his or her room to the designated visitation location with or without assistance.
• For the health and safety of other residents, visitors, and facility staff, a resident must not be in isolation/quarantine at the time of the visit.
• A resident must wear a surgical or procedural mask for the entirety of the visit, beginning at the time the resident exits his or her room.
• A resident has the right to refuse to receive visitors and the facility staff must honor those wishes. If this occurs, facility staff will attempt to connect the resident with their visitors by offering a window visit, or a live video/phone call. The resident may still choose to decline.

REMEMBER, this is a stressful time! Everyone is doing their best to manage. Please be mindful of our residents, associates and other visitors to the building. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Laurel Health Care Company (LHCC) is taking appropriate measures, consistent with the guidelines and directives from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS), for the prevention and control of Coronavirus (COVID-19). COVID-19 is a viral infection that is caused by a distinct Coronavirus. The incubation period is two to fourteen (2-14) days, with the average being four (4) to five (5) days. This virus may be mild, moderate, or severe, and can be potentially life threatening.

Laurel Health Care Company endeavors to follow CDC and CMS guidance and to collaborate with State and Local health departments in its mitigating actions as we work through the necessary response to this unprecedented pandemic together.

Visitation and Family Communications Efforts

On March 13, 2020, visits to all skilled nursing centers were restricted by the federal government, with the exception of certain compassionate care circumstances such as an end-of-life situation. 

LHCC has taken measures to provide virtual visits with loved ones, virtual family council meetings, and an enhanced facility website for increased communications during this period of restricted visits.

Screening Efforts

All associates, essential health care vendors and emergent visitors will be screened and documented as directed by CDC and CMS guidance.

Our staff is monitoring residents daily for change in condition, including the presence of elevated temperatures and respiratory illness in our facility. Any residents showing signs consistent with the virus are monitored each shift or more frequently as needed.

Staff are being screened for elevated temperature and respiratory illness prior to and after each shift, and we are requiring staff to stay home if they are sick or display symptoms of the virus.

Mitigating Actions Implemented to Prevent or Reduce the Risk of Transmission

LHCC has several measures in place to prevent or reduce the risk of transmission, including, but not all-inclusive, as follows:

• Taking temperature readings for all associates, residents, and essential visitors per CDC guidelines.
• Monitoring for CDC-recognized symptoms including respiratory symptoms which may include cough, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing.
• Suspending non-essential group outings.
• Limiting communal dining as needed.
• Reviewing resident activities on a case-by-case basis to safely provide socialization and engagement opportunities.
• Applying social distancing of six feet for any required group engagement. 
• Consideration to room placement for a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis, per CDC guidance.
• Source control for residents to include wearing a facemask or cloth covering per CDC guidance.
• The use of PPE according to CDC guidelines.
• Environmental/cleaning standard facility procedures followed per regulation and guidance.

Reminding those in our facilities that they must:

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Observe "social distancing" whenever possible.
• Use of a mask as indicated or appropriate.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when sick or when a loved one is sick.
• Cover their cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash hands.

Last updated: May 28, 2020

How has The Laurels worked to stop the potential spread of COVID-19?

• Our facilities have been implementing and acting on guidance from external agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and the Department of Health and Human Services at the state and local level since February 28, 2020.
• We have restricted visitors from entering our facilities since the national advisement in mid-March, ceased group activities within the building, and have continually monitored residents and screened staff members and essential external personnel for symptoms according to CDC guidance.
• We are continually monitoring ALL residents for CDC-recognized symptoms and changes in conditions.

What happens if a resident tests positive for COVID-19?

• Residents who have tested positive receive supportive care in an appropriate care setting per CDC guidance. If additional treatment for a resident is required, we will transfer to the local hospital and communicate with loved ones accordingly.

Will LHCC update me on the status of my loved one during visitation restrictions?

• If you have a loved one who has tested positive, we will communicate with you regularly and keep you apprised of any changes to his or her health. You are also welcome to call or email our facilities at any time.
• If you have a loved one who has NOT tested positive, we will contact you if he or she is suspected or diagnosed with COVID-19.

How can I stay in contact with my loved one during visitation restrictions?

• We encourage you to contact our facility to set up FaceTime, Zoom and Skype sessions with your loved one.

Why hasn't LHCC tested my loved one for COVID-19?

• The attending physician, in conjunction with the county health department, is given ultimate decision authority by CDC and makes the decision on who and who not to test. It is not a decision made by administrative staff at our facilities.
• It is important that we share our belief that skilled nursing facilities should be a higher priority for testing; that is, "universal testing" of both residents and staff to truly know the extent of COVID-19 in our community and throughout the state. Testing only those who are symptomatic, as we understand now, is not enough as many people who have the virus can spread it without showing symptoms (asymptomatic).

Does The Laurels have PPE?

• You probably have heard about PPE shortages in the news. PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment. Early on, PPE was in drastic shortages. We have been fortunate that our company has been able to secure PPE, though we have had to wait for what has seemed like a very long time to receive our supplies. With conservative practices in place as identified by CDC, we have PPE. Of course, it never feels like enough, but we have what we need today.
• That being said, we are in support of the goal to make skilled nursing facilities a higher priority for PPE. In lieu of PPE, items like homemade masks, aprons, lab coats, open-back gowns, coveralls, and ponchos – to name a few – can be used as alternatives to provide some level of protection, with CDC guidance and recommendations. We continue to accept donations of these items in the event future PPE shortages arise.

Why are skilled nursing facilities like The Laurels continually in the news?

• Unfortunately, much of what you hear about skilled nursing facilities (or "nursing homes") in the media today is negative. By and large, news outlets are not familiar with our health care setting or the services we provide, and it is reflected in how they report and cover our facilities. Rest assured, our team is full of caring and compassionate individuals who are working day and night to care for our residents and that is our priority.
• We encourage you to follow us on Facebook to see the many positive things happening in our facilities that often go unreported. Our employees remain committed to "exceeding expectations" even in an unprecedented time like this. Please feel free to leave a positive comment of encouragement or even share the positive vibes.

How can I stay informed of what is happening at the facility?

• Please be sure your contact information, including email address, is current. If you need to make changes or confirm your information, please call the facility.
• Periodically visit the facility website to see if there has been new information posted.
• Watch for opportunities to attend virtual gatherings, such as care plan meetings, family council meetings or other activities, some of which may be held by platforms such as Zoom.
• Schedule a window visit or virtual visit with your loved one. Our staff will be happy to assist you.

At The Laurels, there is nothing we take more seriously than the safety and well being of our guests and our dedicated associates who care for them. We are doing everything in our power to keep your loved ones safe and healthy during this crisis.

Connect with Your Loved One!

• We also encourage you to contact our facilities to set up FaceTime, Zoom and Skype sessions with your loved one.

LETTER - From CEO M Qazi - 3-15-2020

LETTER - Laurel to Hospital Partners Clarification of Admit Re-Admit Protocol - 4-7-2020

LETTER - The Laurels - Family Communications - 5-8-2020

Additional Resources

#CareNotCOVID - Share a message of support to our nursing home and assisted living residents

How to Protect Yourself and Others

Medicare Scam Alert - CMS warning to Medicare beneficiaries

Virginia Medicaid Reimbursement Call-to-Action

Email Your Legislator

Holiday Resources

LETTER – Family Communications – Holiday Events – 11-11-2020

Media Statements

Additional Resources

American Health Care Association COVID-19 Page

Center for Disease Control & Prevention COVID-19 Information

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid COVID-19 Page

Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 Page

Just The Facts: What Caused COVID-19 Outbreak in Nursing Homes?

New York Times COVID-19 Tracker

Ohio Department of Health COVID-19 Page

Ohio Health Care Association COVID-19 Page

Ohio Public Health Advisory System (Color-Coded "Level" Map)