By now, everyone is aware of the increasing number of Coronavirus (COVID-19 or Novel Coronavirus) cases globally, domestically, and even in the greater Los Angeles area.
Inspire Malibu has put into place all measures to prevent the spread of Coronavirus at our facility recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the L.A. County Department of Health.
For the Health and Safety of Our Clients and Staff, we have taken the following measures and precautions:
- All staff members must wear masks
- Staff and client temperatures are taken daily
- Staff are not allowed to come to work if experiencing symptoms and must show proof of a negative test result upon returning to work
- A thorough admission screening for Covid is done prior to admittance to our facility
- Masks and social distancing are required in group meetings
- A limited number of people are allowed in a room at any one time
- Increased cleaning and sanitation measures throughout the facility
- Clients and staff are educated regarding Covid and updates
- Outings are limited and controlled to reduce possible exposure
- If a client is sent to a hospital, they must show proof of a negative test result before returning
- Limited visitation on site
- Social distancing is required in all common areas
- Telehealth options are available for appointments and sessions
- GoTo Meetings are available for Alumni
- Zoom sessions are available for SMART Recovery Meetings
We are acutely aware that many people seeking recovery from substance abuse and addiction may have weakened immune systems as a result of excessive drug or alcohol use.
Our facilities are fully equipped to handle any emergencies in case a person comes into contact with the virus, though we want to ensure all our of clients and potential clients that our staff has taken all precautions to guard against spreading the virus.
What is Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
A Coronavirus, according to the L.A. County Department of Health, is part of a big family of viruses, many of them effecting only animals.
However, some of these viruses can evolve into a coronavirus that humans are susceptible to, which is what happened in the case of SARS-Co-V-2, the current coronavirus that causes the disease COVID-19, which is spreading around the globe.
People who have contracted COVID-19 report a range of symptoms, many of them with only mild to moderate issues, such as feeling “run down” which is routine with a standard cold or flu. Others, though, have become seriously ill and required hospitalization.
The most common symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19) include the following:
- Fever
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe illness in some cases
COVID-19, which can affect people of every nationality and race, spreads by unprotected exposure to people infected with the disease.
Transmission of COVID-19 from a sick person to a healthy person can happen in a number of different ways, including some of the following:
- Touching infected surfaces or objects and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands
- Droplets produced from an infected person’s sneeze or cough
- Personal contact, such as handshakes, hugging or kissing, and even simply being in close proximity to someone who may or may not know they have the virus
“We are learning more each day about how easily the new coronavirus spreads and how long it takes for people to become sick,” writes the L.A. County Department of Health, which is a trusted source for information regarding COVID-19 and the ongoing public health issues.
Current medical data has reported that the elderly and those with existing medical conditions or compromised immune systems are at the greatest risk for the contracting the most severe form of the disease.
So far, young children and those with healthy immune systems have responded the best with mild to no symptoms.
Testing for coronavirus is similar to that for the flu, which is done with a nasal swab or sample of sputum (mucus coughed up from the lungs).
Preventing the Spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) For Our Clients
Inspire Malibu is following all of the recommendations put into effect, and updated regularly by the CDC and L.A. County Department of Health (DHS).
We have also taken necessary precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including screening current and potential future clients.
Our staff has been directed to question all new clients prior to admission into our facilities about their travel history, possible exposure to the disease and symptoms that may include fever, cough and shortness of breath.
Additionally, if you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, please make it known to our staff.
Recommendations from the CDC to prevent the spread of coronavirus include the following:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Bump elbows as a greeting instead of shaking hands
- Avoid crowded places
- Sneeze or cough into the crook of the elbow or use tissue paper
- Maintain a six foot buffer zone with people who may be sick
- Avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
- Get a flu vaccination
Guidance For Medical Professionals and Others in Case of Suspected Coronavirus Infection in Southern California
For suspected cases of Novel Coronavirus, immediately call Acute Communicable Disease Control to assist with diagnosis and infection control at:
(213) 240-7941 (8 am to 5 pm Monday thru Friday)
– or –
(213) 974-1234 (After Hours Emergency Operator)
For more information, including a step-by-step guide for identifying and managing potential patients, please visit the following website:
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID19) information for Healthcare Providers
County of Los Angeles Public Health site
https://publichealth.lacounty.gov/acd/nCorona2019.htm
For information and Guidance for Nursing Facilities, please use the following link:
Department of Health & Human Services
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
https://www.cms.gov/files/document/qso-20-12-all.pdf
Related:
What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Vaping?
What Are Off-Label Prescription Drugs?
The Quit Smoking Timeline and What Happens to the Body
