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According to the Ohio Department of Health, COVID-19, or coronavirus disease 2019, is an upper respiratory tract disease caused by one of the seven coronaviruses known to infect humans. It was first identified in humans in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, in December 2019. The virus that causes COVID-19 is called SARS-CoV-2.
Coronaviruses are generally thought to be spread most often by respiratory droplets, according to the Ohio Department of Health. The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading from person-to-person and someone who is actively sick with the disease can spread the illness to others. The CDC recommends that these patients be isolated either in the hospital or at home until they are better and no longer pose a risk of infecting others.
Symptoms, which generally appear two to 14 days after exposure, include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, according to the Ohio Department of Health. Most people who become sick do not require hospitalization, but older adults, people with chronic health conditions, and people with compromised immune systems are more likely to require more advanced care.
Detailed information for people who have had close contact with a person confirmed to have, or being evaluated for, COVID-19 is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention here.
The Ohio Department of Health recommends calling a health care professional for those who develop a fever or symptoms of respiratory illness — such as cough or shortness of breath — within 14 days of travel from China, South Korea, Japan, Iran, or Italy, or within 14 days of close contact with a COVID-19 patient. Testing is also advised for people who have severe, acute lower respiratory illness requiring hospitalization, and no other diagnosis to explain the symptoms.
LADD has established a protocol with the Cincinnati Department of Health if a resident or employee begins showing symptoms of COVID-19.
We are continuing to provide top-notch direct support service to those we serve and with increased vigilance. As an essential provider, LADD services will continue with no interruption during Ohio’s Stay At Home Order.
In an abundance of caution, LADD’s main office closed to the general public Monday, March 16. Employees not providing direct services are working remotely whenever possible. We will assess this approach weekly. Our goal is to make sure our staff have the tools they need to support people either at home or at sites.
Every staff member has been given access to a quick action protocol established if COVID-19 symptoms are exhibited.
We are asking every staff member reporting to any facilities to take their temperature before coming to work. If they have a temperature or are exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms, they must stay home. We are placing high-tech thermometers at sites soon. Given the shortage of supplies, we are prioritizing sites with our most vulnerable people to receive these thermometers.
Preparedness kits have been delivered to every direct support professional. These include additional sanitizing and health supplies.
We will soon be implementing text message updates and voice message updates (via an automatic phone call), in addition to these weekly email updates. Sign up for text or voice message updates here.
We are developing new daily programming, called “LADD Live,” to help staff, the people we serve and families stay connected virtually. Join us for our first event, “How to Zoom & Puppet Movie Reviews with Marc Fried,” at 2 p.m. on Monday, March 23. Use Zoom to access the event. Directions are below.
We have postponed all in-person events through April 15. Find more information here.
We are continuing our advanced precautions:
Using sanitizing techniques, including disinfecting commonly touched surfaces throughout the day.
Monitoring supply levels of necessary supplies such as hand sanitizer, thermometers and disinfectant at each of our locations to ensure we are well stocked in case of shortages.
Daily education with staff on:
Performing preventative measures such as CDC-directed hand washing methods and teaching people we serve those same methods.
Identifying symptoms of infection and activating LADD’s quick action protocol if infection is suspected.
A cross-department workgroup has been created to manage this evolving challenge and plan accordingly to ensure the health, safety and well-being of our community.
The Ohio Health Department has launched a Coronavirus hotline. The call center is staffed with public health officials including licensed nurses and infectious disease experts. The call center will be open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and can be reached at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634).
Please email staysafe@laddinc.org for questions or concerns related to LADD’s plans and preparedness for COVID-19.
We are asking residents of our facilities to limit their travel to essential travel only. The CDC is recommending those who are at higher risk of becoming very ill from COVID-19 avoid crowds as much as possible and stay home during an outbreak in our community.
Gov. Mike DeWine asks all of us to remain home. As such, we are not allowing visitors in any facilities at this time.
Please work with staff to coordinate communication with your loved one. LADD is utilizing Zoom software to assist in face-to-face updates.
Our top priority is ensuring your loved one is safe, healthy and supported. We appreciate your cooperation during this unprecedented situation.
According to the CDC, older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions – such as heart disease, diabetes and lung disease – are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness. People with compromised immune systems are also at higher risk, according to the Ohio Department of Health. LADD is taking advanced precautionary measures, described above, to protect those we serve.
A protocol is in place to work with the Cincinnati Department of Health if a resident or employee begins showing symptoms of COVID-19. If the Cincinnati Department of Health or Ohio Department of Health require a LADD resident to be placed on self-quarantine, support professionals will use personal protective equipment recommended by the CDC to continue delivering services. If a LADD resident who is deemed at higher risk tests positive/becomes ill, they will likely receive support in the hospital to ensure all needs are met.
We have ordered backup supplies and are monitoring supply levels at each of our locations to ensure we are stocked. Direct support professionals are also receiving individual supply kits stocked with sanitizing supplies.