Prevention
Social Distancing means being how far away from other people?
What is 6' away
I want to get a Covid Test but I don't have any symptoms? Are tests available only for those with symptoms and with a doctor's referral?
NO! Anyone can get a free test in Vermont even without symptoms. Brattleboro offers testing on Wednesdays behind the library/state office building. Sign up here https://humanresources.vermont.gov/popups or show up on a Wednesday for a walk-in appointment (show up early because the only accept a small number).
My client's son just arrived from Washington DC, an area considered high risk by Vt state health department standards. How do I know if it is safe for me to visit?
You should follow BAH's "COVID-19 Quarantine and Travel Information." It has links for updated travel advisories.
As of 8/14/20, Washington DC was high risk so he needs to quarantine for 14 days before he's safe-- or if he arrived in Vermont in a personal vehicle, he may complete either a 14-day quarantine or a 7-day quarantine followed by a negative test in their home state and then enter Vermont without further quarantine restrictions.
If he is staying away from your client and the living area, it might still be safe for you to visit-- call your coordinator.
In order to remain a BAH volunteer, you MUST agree to visit people in their home during the COVID-19 Pandemic. T/F
FALSE!
Wearing a mask is important in these scenario's:
--when inside enclosed space with non-household members
--When outside within 6' of other people
My belly was a little upset over the weekend and today I have a runny nose and am feeling more tired than usual. Is it ok to still visit my client?
Probably not. Even though your symptoms don't have all the hallmarks of covid, having any kind of cold or other virus is not helpful for clients. When in doubt, stay away.
My client's sister drives to Northampton weekly where she shops at her favorite health food store. Does she need to quarantine?
Yes. Right now (8/14/20), Northampton is in a county that is higher risk, and requires a quarantine/ negative test.
If working with a BAH client indoors, and you have to be close to them for longer than a few minutes, we recommend that you use this additional protective device.
--a face shield
Wearing a mask is important because
--it reduces virus transmission of the mask wearer
--increasing evidence is showing that it likely reduces virus attainment by the mask wearer.
I had close contact with someone who is covid positive but I don't have any symptoms. Do I have to quarantine?
Yes
"Any volunteer who has had contact with any person who is diagnosed with COVID-19 is required to quarantine for 14 days prior to returning to the BAH office, Shop, or resuming volunteer activities (definition of quarantine: https://www.healthvermont.gov/sites/default/files/documents/pdf/COVID-19-chart-observation-isolation-quarantine_final.pdf ). In lieu of a 14-day quarantine, you may return to volunteer work activities after 7 days if you have received a negative COVID-19 test.
My client's caregiver has to go to Boston regularly to see a medical specialist. Should I not visit for 14 days after every one of her visits?
Maybe. Depends. Talk to your coordinator about these elements:
--Are they taking covid seriously-- are they careful, wearing masks, avoiding crowds, driving alone without stopping?
If meeting a client in person, when is it OK to NOT wear your mask?
-- If outside and staying at least 6' away (unless the client would prefer you to wear a mask).
The Covid-19 virus spreads in these ways:
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, sneezes or talks.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or be inhaled into the lungs.
Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.
I got to my client's house, and they had a visitor that I didn't know about-- After visiting for thirty minutes or so, I learned that he was a dear friend of theirs from Hartford, Connecticut. He spent the night and is leaving the next day. What should I do?
--Remind your client/caregivers to warn you next time of other people who might be visiting.
-- Call your coordinator to talk about the context of the visit and whether a quarantine for you might be wise. Was the visit inside or outside? Lots of air circulation or not very much? Masks?
Your client's grand niece arrived from Boston via a bus, right after leaving her job at a restaurant. Can I still visit?
No. Because:
She is coming from a high risk area (per vermont state standards), she works in a high risk job, and is traveling via a high risk mode of transportation. She needs to quarantine!
Before shopping for a client or visiting them inside or outside, you should answer these questions for yourself:
The Covid-19 questionaire:
-- Take your temperature
--Do you have new, undiagnosed* lower respiratory symptoms, such as cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing? *symptoms not explained by a pre-existing or known underlying medical condition.
--Do you have two or more of the following new, undiagnosed* symptoms?
fever greater than 100.4° f/38°c, muscle pain, chills/repeated shaking with chills, headache, sore throat, loss of taste or smell
--In the last 14 days, have you had close contact (within 6 feet) with someone who has Covid-19?
-- Have you or anyone in your household traveled out of state in the last 14 days? If yes, where? __________________(Please then follow the travel information protocols)
A mask that at least covers your mouth is almost as good as one covering your mouth and nose. T/F?
False!
I wasn't supposed to do any hand's on care for my client, but he suddenly needed to go to the bathroom and needed my help. I was wearing a mask but he wasn't? Do I need to quarantine now?
Probably not, but call your coordinator. What is the context of the household, i.e. the level of risk. Is it just a couple of people who don't ever go out? Or is it a big family with lots of coming and going? Are they taking covid seriously and being careful?
My client likes to go on drives. What are the protocols for driving with clients?
1. No more than 2 people shall occupy one vehicle when engaged in volunteer or BAH staff activities, and shall wear face coverings when riding together.
2. Open windows as able to improve air circulation.
Handwashing with plain water is good enough to minimize any Covid virus on your hands. T/F
False. Soap and water, and for at least 20 seconds. Alcohol disinfectant can be used if soap and water is not an option.
If you discover you were near someone who is now confirmed infected with the Coronavirus, these steps should be taken.
1. Call your health care provider to get a test and other recommendations.
2. Call your BAH coordinator to talk about next steps.
I'm shopping for my client and I text or call them when I'm at the store if I have any questions about their list. Is that OK?
Not recommended.
-- You are touching lots of store items and then touching your phone and perhaps putting it near your face.
A Face Shield has the same efficacy for virus transmission prevention as a facemask. True or False.
False.
--It is far superior when close to a person who coughs or sneezes directly at you--
--It is far inferior for generalized aerosol virus because of gaps around the shield.
NYT: "Why Aren’t Face Shields More Popular in California?" 6/29/20 and
"Efficacy of face shields against cough aerosol droplets from a cough simulator."
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/nioshtic-2/20043721.html
by:Lindsley WG; Noti JD; Blachere FM; Szalajda JV; Beezhold DH
Source: J Occup Environ Hyg 2014 Aug; 11(8):509-518
I know I have to call my client on the day of our visit before I get there and ask them the Covid-19 Screening questions. Do other people who live there or are visiting have to answer those questions too?
YES!
Three things to pay attention to when removing and storing your mask properly and safely.
•Do not touch your eyes, nose and mouth when removing it.
•Immediately wash your hands after removing it.
•Don’t put it where others can touch it or on counter tops or tables.
I reminded my client last week to review the covid questionnaire before I arrived this week and call me if there were any red flags. Good enough?
No! Your client/caregivers have enough to be thinking about besides your health-- don’t make them remember one more thing. They won’t remember. See bullet number one.
A mask should be how thick?
Use at least two layers of tightly woven cotton, such as quilting fabric or cotton sheets. T-shirts material is ok in a pinch, and bandana's are typically too thin.