Independence Day Safety during the Pandemic
Summer is the time for cookouts, bonfires, and gatherings with friends/family. Without a doubt, this
year will be like no other thanks to the Coronavirus. We understand that most will be getting together
with their loved ones in the upcoming days to celebrate Independence Day.
Don’t let the absence of things like parades, gatherings, or other community events discourage you
from enjoying your holiday (or a day surrounding the holiday if you will be caring for our residents!)
We have hopes that Orchards employees will continue to keep their safety and the safety of our
facility residents in mind while they are celebrating.
If you have a friend or family member that has recently traveled:
Please encourage them to quarantine and avoid any group activities for 14 days following travel. This
is especially important for those that have been in any “hot spots” such as Myrtle Beach, Houston, or
most Florida beaches. For Ohio, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Akron have specifically been stated to be
“hot spots” for COVID.
While a 14-day quarantine is recommended outside of work to protect the public, our state
healthcare associations and the CDC acknowledge that this is not a possibility in a healthcare setting.
We intend to continue to provide adequate staffing ratios as outlined by the federal and state
government throughout this pandemic. Because of this, having all staff members remain at home
following travel is not an option. Please continue to use the facility algorithms to determine if it is safe
for you to work.
If you have recently traveled:
• Avoid family gatherings during the holiday to protect the public and your loved ones. Please
celebrate the holiday with only your immediate family if you are within your 14 day window.
• Please make sure your supervisor is aware of where you were while traveling. This will need to
be reported to the local health departments if you begin to have symptoms or test positive for
COVID-19.
• Report any symptoms of COVID-19 to your supervisor immediately if they present (while at
work or at home) as we track these things very closely.
• Screening daily upon arrival is extremely important – be sure to check your temperature on a
regular basis (even on your days off).
• Report any elevation in your temperature to your immediate supervisor, even if this
temperature is not greater than 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit. We will take the symptoms and
temperature into consideration and will make a determination on whether or not it is in the
facility’s best interest to allow you to work.
• You MUST wear a mask during the entire time you are in the building. Be sure to maintain
social distancing while on break and when you are without a mask (eating/drinking).
• Encourage your residents to cover their faces with a cloth or face mask while you are
providing direct care (bathing, clothing changes, toileting, etc.)