Letter to Providers – COVID-19

The following letter from our Executive Director has been mailed to our providers and is being posted here to our website as well:

Dear Service Provider,

Far Northern Regional Center continues to closely monitor the outbreak of respiratory illness caused by Coronavirus -COVID-19.   FNRC staff, including our clinical team have been monitoring the situation closely. At this time, FNRC recommends our community follow the prevention strategies developed by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).  As stated by the CDC, the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus.   The following preventative actions are recommended to prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

If you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19 you should contact your healthcare provider immediately. 

The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.*

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

                                https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/symptoms.html

In addition, if you believe you have been exposed, please contact FNRC at (530) 215-2519. If you need to call after hours please use the main line and speak with the on-call supervisor.  If you are aware that an individual supported has been diagnosed with COVID-19 contact regional center immediately and submit a Special Incident Report.

Please review your infection prevention and control policy to be sure that it is effective.  If you do not have one we recommend you create one and train accordingly.  If you have implemented any precautionary measures that may impact client service, please notify Community Services, cov19@farnorthernrc.org.

Thank you for your continued dedication to those supported during this event.

Sincerely,

Melissa Gruhler
Executive Director