Avila Home Care is Remaining Proactive About Preventing the Spread of the Novel Coronavirus
Dear Avila Clients and Family Members,
Avila Home Care has been consulting with Maryland State and local officials, as well as our medical partners LifeBridge Health Partners, GBMC Health and Gilchrist, to ensure that our clients and their families, and Avila’s caregivers and office staff, are kept up to date about the latest developments and precautions to mitigate the impact of COVID-19, caused by the novel Coronavirus.
As the number of people infected grows here in Maryland, Avila Home Care will continue to be vigilant as we understand that the elderly and those with underlying health conditions are particularly vulnerable.
We have been communicating with Avila Caregivers for the past couple of weeks about steps they can take to protect themselves and Avila’s clients who we all love and serve. We have instructed Caregivers, as always, to not go to work should they feel sick. Caregivers are to wash their hands with soap frequently throughout the day (and night if they are on a night shift) for at least 20 seconds, carry and use hand-sanitizer, use disinfecting wipes to wipe down surfaces before touching them, and wear gloves, and use a tissue to open doors or touch other surfaces as necessary.
We have given clear direction to Avila Caregivers and staff that if they believe they may have been exposed to someone with the virus, or if they have any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath), they should not come to work. Anyone with these symptoms is being advised by the CDC to stay at home and call their doctor’s office or local hospital to receive instructions about testing, and to not go to an urgent care center, doctor’s office or hospital before receiving instructions to do so, as to not inadvertently expose others or themselves.
Maryland residents can dial 211 for Coronavirus resources, or visit the Maryland Department of Health’s Coronavirus page (https://phpa.health.maryland.gov/Pages/Novel-coronavirus.aspx).
One of the challenges of this virus is that people may be contagious for a few days to a couple weeks before they have symptoms. Therefore, it is possible that someone can act in a manner that is completely responsible and still unknowingly infect someone else.
The staff and Caregivers here at Avila Home Care are being proactive to do all we can to prevent the spread of the novel Coronavirus-you and your family’s health, safety and well-being are our top priority.
Please let us know immediately if there is a risk that anyone in your family has been exposed to the virus by contacting me at 410-826-6100.
Thank you for entrusting us with the privilege of caring for you or your loved one. We are honored to serve your family, and we pray that this virus will not affect any Avila family or Caregiver.
God bless you,
Danny O’Brien
Founder and CEO
Avila Home Care
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