A1: Details tracking active cases can be found on this page: https://covia.org/covid-19-response-and-resources/covid-19-case-tracking-by-community/ This page is updated whenever we receive new information from our communities.

A2: Each Covia community is under its county’s shelter-in-place order. Residents are asked to stay in their homes unless they are leaving for essential activities. Residents who exhibit any symptoms of concern are asked to self-isolate for 72 hours. If symptoms are resolved, they can leave their home for essential activities only. Residents who exhibit classic symptoms of Coronavirus (fever, cough, shortness of breath) will be referred for COVID-19 testing. Residents who are tested must remain self-isolated until the results of the test return negative or (if they test positive) they are cleared by their health care provider as COVID-free. Residents who are transferred into our Skilled Nursing Facilities from the hospital are isolated for 14 days after they arrive to ensure they did not acquire COVID-19 during their hospital stay.

A3: Depending upon the rate of infection in the surrounding county, communities can offer opportunities for in-person visits. Please contact the individual community before visiting to determine how to proceed. Covia has established screening guidelines for all staff, vendors, and delivery persons coming to our communities. If you are interested in visiting the community as a prospective resident, we can provide you with a virtual tour. Some communities may also have in-person tours on a case by case basis. Again, please contact the community in advance before visiting.

A4: Covia has infection control processes in place as part of its usual business operations, given our focus on older adults and our role in helping them maintain their health. In response to the pandemic, Covia Communities has implemented our critical response infection prevention and control plans in each community, including guidelines and preparations for the care of any positive COVID-19 cases. At Covia Affordable Communities, our employees are following guidance provided by their County Public Health Departments regarding cleaning, screening staff, personal protective equipment, and testing symptomatic residents.

A5: Yes. We continuously pursue available supply chains to purchase personal protective equipment, ensuring we have adequate supplies available. This video explains how Covia acquires PPE to meet our communities’ needs.

A6: Yes. Our staff have received training on the personal protective equipment used in their roles and will be provided with ongoing training as needed.

A7: Yes. We have been screening staff members since March for fever and other signs of illness as well as screening caregivers and other external vendors.

A8: Staff members who experience symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, coughing, shortness of breath) are required to stay home or (if they have reported to work) are sent home. Covia will provide paid time off to make up for any lost wages for staff members who test positive for COVID-19 or are waiting for a COVID-19 test result.     

A9: Yes. We have been able to get testing for both residents and staff who report or are found to have symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath.

A10: We are providing surveillance testing for Skilled Nursing staff and residents.

A11: Staff members who test positive for COVID-19 must follow the instructions of their health care provider or County Public Health Department. They will not be able to come to work until they are cleared by the County Department of Public Health.

A12: In addition to following all regulatory and public health guidelines, Covia is responding to COVID-19 with system-wide leadership guidance and on-the-ground community leadership. Covia has established an organizational COVID-19 Task Force that meets daily to review information, coordinate system-wide efforts, and provide support to the communities. Each Covia community leadership team is empowered to make decisions for its community in accordance with regulatory requirements and its own best practices to meet the needs of its residents and staff.

A13: Our communities are hosting COVID-19 vaccine clinics at our communities, starting in January. In the meantime, LeadingAge has a page of COVID-19 vaccine information and resources on their website here.

A13: Yes. Our dedicated staff has provided the care and support our residents need. We are so grateful to have employees who recognize the importance of the care they are giving at this critical time. If you would like to leave a video message of support for our staff, please go to here.

A14: Yes. Covia is hiring. We would be happy to talk to those who have been displaced from food service, hospitality, and other industries about becoming part of the Covia team. To learn about our open positions, please go to our careers site.

A15: Please contact the leadership at any of our Covia communities. If you have general questions or questions about Covia’s response as an organization, please email us at C19info@covia.org. For media inquiries, please contact Mary McMullin at mmcmullin@covia.org.