COVID, FLU OR COLD – Protocols for Visitors

/in

The population of Menno Place residents is among the most frail and vulnerable in our communities. The elderly may experience COVID, flu or colds with more severity and even life-threatening outcomes than those who are younger and healthier. When they contract a contagious illness, they will be put into isolation in order to reduce the risk of spread to others living and working in our care home.

Visiting a care home when you have COVID, flu or cold symptoms exposes many people to the possibility of contracting these illnesses. This includes our residents and staff. Our staff work hard to stay healthy and will be more successful if they are not exposed to any of these contagious illnesses. Your commitment to refraining from visiting (with symptoms) is essential to keeping both residents and staff safe.

What to do if you have symptoms of COVID, Flu or Cold

  1. Postpone your visit to your loved one.
  2. Be prepared for the upcoming COVID, Flu or Cold season by having COVID rapid tests in your home BEFORE you have symptoms.
    Pick up a box of tests FREE from any pharmacy.

If you have any of these symptoms, take a COVID test:

  • fever or chills
  • cough
  • shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • fatigue
  • muscle or body ache
  • headache
  • new loss of taste or smell
  • sore throat
  • congestion or runny nose
  • diarrhea
  • nausea or vomiting

POSITIVE COVID TEST

If the test is positive for COVID, you may not to visit at Menno Place for FIVE days. You may return on the SIXTH day after your positive COVID test if you are symptom-free.

NEGATIVE COVID TEST

If the test is negative for COVID, seek a medical opinion. Consider how you manage other illnesses that you do not get tested for like cold and flu. Stay home if you are feeling unwell and resume your regular activities, such as work, when you feel you are able to manage them. If you have a fever you should stay home until it is gone without medication.

NEGATIVE COVID TEST + INCREASING SYMPTOMS

If the test is negative AND your symptoms are getting WORSE, test again for COVID.

Do not visit at Menno Place until you are able to manage the symptoms. To be safest, do not visit until you are symptom-free. If you have a fever, you should stay home until it is gone without medication.