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Health Alert - COVID-19 Update & Resources


The Virginia Assisted Living Association (VALA) has consulted with multiple government agencies, industry stakeholders, and providers regarding the current health alerts on the Coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19). Below is information and links that may be helpful in the prevention and treatment of infections. 

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus. This disease can spread from person to person. Since there are numerous agencies and organizations publishing facts about this disease as they are discovered, VALA has provided the below links to some of the most helpful resources currently available. 

If you are a healthcare professional evaluating anyone for suspected COVID-19, please consult your local health department immediately. 

Quick Links to Resource Areas Listed Below:

INDUSTRY RECOMMENDATIONS, REGULATIONS, & RESOURCES

GOVERNMENT LINKS & RESOURCES ASSOCIATION & PRIVATE COMPANIES LINKS & RESOURCES
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STAFFING, SUPPLIES (INCLUDING PPE), INFECTION CONTROL, & TESTING RESOURCES

COVID-19 Supports & Resources: Staffing, Supplies, Testing, & Infection Control - Download a isting of companies that may be able to provide assistance with staffing, supplies, or testing. VALA does not endorse or recommend any of the companies listed and is sharing the listed for informational purposes only as potential contacts. ​
Guidance for Homemade PPE: Per the CDC: In a setting where face masks are not available, HCP might use homemade masks for care of patients with COVID-19 as a last resort. However, homemade masks are not considered PPE, since their capability to protect HCP is unknown. Caution should be exercised when considering this option. Homemade masks should ideally be used in combination with a face shield that covers the entire front (that extends to the chin or below) and sides of the face. 

COMMUNICATION RESOURCES


Lessons Learned from Providers Impacted by COVID-19

 
  • Monitor federal/state/local government websites routinely for updates on prevention, treatment, and restrictions. 
  • Monitor Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) on a regular basis before and during any potential emergency and acquire additional supplies before being needed.
  • Review and update as needed visitation policies to provide the best response for the optimal well-being of residents and staff.
  • Communicate all visitation and emergency action policies whenever changed with residents, family members, volunteers, and community guests.
  • Employees, residents, and guests need to be considered when planning for prevention and protection of any disease or emergency.
  • Maintain an up to date listing of contact information for local Health Departments and emergency support organizations and have the listing readily available to appropriate staff members.
Words of Wisdom for any potential crisis situation:
  • Use discretion in the information reviewed to verify the validity of it as unfortunately, some misinformation has been shared.

Last Updated: February 22, 2023


Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Visit VALA's Health Alert Page for information from Virginia and federal agencies and organizations on the COVID-19 response for assisted living providers. 

Upcoming VALA Events

VALA is proud to offer upcoming events, webinars, and meetings for assisted living administrators, regional staff members, caregivers, nurses, and other staff members. Several of the events will offer a variety of continuing education credits dependent upon the topics (i.e. NAB, Nursing, Social Work). Check the VALA Events Calendar for upcoming opportunities.