Coronavirus Communication 3/11/2020

A Message from Jennings’ President and CEO Allison Q. Salopeck: You have likely heard that Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been confirmed in Cuyahoga County, Ohio by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH). While Jennings does not have any cases of COVID-19 in our communities, we are heightening infection control practices as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS). Please know that our priority is maintaining the health, wellness and safety of your loved one.

Out of an abundance of caution and at the recommendation of the ODH Director of Health, Jennings will restrict visitation on our campus effective immediately. For the health and safety of residents, Jennings will not permit visitors unless it is a significant situation such as an individual’s end of life condition. Any such situation should be discussed with us in advance of a visit.

Even clinical professionals and staff members will be screened and follow clear infection control protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Based on federal guidance, no individual will be permitted into our community who meets any of the following criteria:

• Signs or symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, or sore throat.
• In the last 14 days, has had contact with someone with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, or under investigation for COVID-19, or are ill with respiratory illness.
• International travel within the last 14 days to countries with sustained community transmission. For updated information on affected countries visit:
  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html
• Resides in a community where community-based spread of COVID-19 is occurring.

We know that the news of this virus is very difficult, as are the visiting restrictions, but we hope you understand our dedication to serving your loved one. We have also canceled upcoming community activities and intergenerational programs as precautions, but we will continue to provide life enriching activities for residents to enjoy. Communication with your loved ones is important, and we encourage you to communicate with them in other ways such as telephone, video chat, e-mail, or social media.

Jennings staff members are focused on infection control best practices and have been trained on the symptoms of COVID-19 and CDC recommended infection prevention techniques. We are actively monitoring information and guidance from the ODH and the CDC and are working with state and local public health and emergency preparedness. If you have questions, please contact:

• Garfield Heights campus: Rachele Rosa
  phone: 216-581-2902, ext. 2301
  email: Rachele.rosa@jenningsohio.org
• Jennings at Brecksville: Sarah Barger
  phone: 216-581-2900 ext. 5511
  email: Sarah.barger@jenningsohio.org
• Jennings at Notre Dame Village: Vivian Springer
  phone: 440-901-4172
  email: Vivian.springer@jenningsohio.org

We will continue to keep you informed. We encourage you to sign up for our email updates for the fastest communication: visit www.jenningsohio.org/coronavirus for updates and to register your email. Thank you.