Covid Protection Policy

Policy: It is the policy of HVCC to follow local and federal regulations as well as Joint Commission recommendations for maintaining safe working conditions against COVID-19.

Procedure:

The three main symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough and shortness of breath. In order to mitigate risk of spreading COVID-19, everyone is encouraged to take action to reduce the spread, including:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water and use hand sanitizer

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands; cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing

  • Avoid handshakes; avoid contact with people who are sick; and stay home when you are sick.

  • Observe social distancing -- staying at least six feet away from other people.

Moreover, all staff and visitors are required to wear CDC approved facial covering to enter the building. Facemasks will be worn in patient common areas (i.e. hallways, waiting room). Masks may be removed in private offices during individual sessions based on comfort of provider and client. For family sessions, masks must be kept on at all times. Facemasks must be medical grade (paper surgical masks or more protective). The waiting areas and entrances to the clinic will display postings of the latest CDC guidelines for safety during this pandemic. All those who enter HVCC will be required to make every attempt to maintain 6 or more feet of separation while in the building. Staff will be reminded of the importance of hand washing according to best practices. The facility will continue to receive regular cleaning and high contact surface areas will be cleaned daily by individual practitioners at the end of the day.

Patients and staff will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms before entering the facility through the use of a no touch thermometer and a COVID-19 assessment tool. Signage has been placed at main and private entrance doors instructing patients to wait for their provider to screen them before they will be admitted into the premises. If a patient or staff member reports having any COVID-19 symptoms or has an elevated temperature they will be directed to leave the clinic immediately and to consult with their healthcare provider. Staff and patients may only return to the clinic after 2 of the following have been met: 5 days of symptom improvement, no fever (without use of medication), or proof of 2 negative covid tests.