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Dear Administrator/Provider:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Chinese authorities identified the new coronavirus, which has resulted in thousands of confirmed cases in China, including cases outside Wuhan City. Additional cases have been identified in a growing number of other countries, including the United States.
The CDC has issued information on the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Suggested elements of home/facility practice to review:
- Monitor for compliance with basic infection control practices. For suspected or confirmed 2019 novel coronavirus, CDC is currently advising adherence to Standard, Contact, and Airborne Precautions, including the use of eye protection.
- Monitor for compliance with standard hand hygiene practices, using alcohol-based hand rub/hand sanitizer (ABHR/ABHS) as the preferred method of hand hygiene in most situations. If hands are visibly soiled, wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Facilities/homes should ensure that hand hygiene supplies are readily available.
- Review for appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) use and availability, such as gloves, gowns, respirators, and eye protection. If there is difficulty accessing or ordering PPE, please contact the local health jurisdiction.
The Washington state Department of Health (DOH) has established a webpage and a hotline number for questions about the 2019-nCoV: https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/Coronavirus
If you suspect a possible COVID-19 case, please report it to the Department of Health and to your DDA case manager.
The situation is evolving and more information will be coming out. Thank you for your continued commitment to resident health and safety.
Sincerely,
Evelyn Perez, Assistant Secretary
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