COVID-19 Resources

Here you will find the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccine and how it will impact long term care. We are committed to educating residents, employees and the general public about the importance of the vaccine in limiting the further spread of this deadly virus. Resources from the Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine (AMDA) and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) were used in creating this page.

CDC – Answering Common Questions About COVID-19 Vaccines

Why Are Long-Term Care Residents & Staff Being Made First Priority for the Vaccine?

• Current data shows that while COVID-19 cases in all long term care facilities account for 6 percent of total cases nationwide, they account for 40 percent of all COVID-19 related deaths.
• The average age of residents in long term care facilities is over 80 years old. Most individuals have underlying health conditions, and some have multiple chronic conditions. According to CDC data, the risk of mortality in this age group is 630 times higher than those 18-29 years old.

Is the Vaccine Being Mandated?

• Since this vaccine will be authorized under an emergency use authorization (EUA), it cannot be mandated by the federal government. However, the EUA does not expressly prohibit an employer, state or locality from requiring vaccination.
• At this time, our company does NOT have plans to mandate the vaccine for residents or employees, but we will continue to follow any changing state or federal guidance on this issue.
• We will ABSOLUTELY encourage and recommend that eligible residents and employees receive the vaccine as it is made available.
• More information on employer mandates is available here.

Is Our Facility Receiving the Vaccine from Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson?

• Our facility will be receiving COVID-19 mRNA vaccines from Moderna. 

What is an mRNA Vaccine?

• To trigger an immune response, many vaccines put a weakened or inactivated germ into our bodies. Not mRNA vaccines! Instead, these vaccines teach our cells how to make a protein—or even just a piece of a protein—that triggers an immune response inside our bodies. That immune response, which produces antibodies, is what protects us from getting infected if the real virus enters our bodies.
• mRNA technology is new in vaccine production but has been used and studied in cancer treatment for more than 10 years. It has played a key role in the advancement of cancer research.

Is the Vaccine Safe?

• YES! Safety is the most important priority in vaccine approval. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is using the same strict standards it has for decades to ensure the vaccine is thoroughly and rigorously evaluated. No steps are “skipped”.
  
• Two independent advisory committees are reviewing the results of clinical trials. Members and experts of these committees have no conflict of interest and are not associated with any vaccine manufacturers.
• The Vaccine and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) advises the FDA.
• The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) advises the CDC.
• To assess safety, the FDA typically advises that a minimum of 3,000 participants be included in a clinical trial. The current COVID-19 vaccine trials include 30,000 to 50,000 participants.

Is the Vaccine Effective?

• YES! Pfizer has reported a 95% overall efficacy, while Moderna has reported a 94.1% efficacy.
• "Efficacy" is defined as the ability to produce a desired or intended result.
• Similar efficacy was found across different race, ethnicity and age.
• Older adults represented 45% of the participants in the Pfizer trials (ages 56-85) and 23% of the participants in the Moderna trials (>65 years of age).

What Should Be Expected When Receiving the Vaccine?

• The Moderna vaccine will come in TWO doses, 4 weeks apart.
• BOTH doses are necessary. The vaccine will NOT be effective if only one dose is received.
• It is important to get the SAME VACCINE, as the initial dose, be it Pfizer or Moderna.
• Short-term discomfort – fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever and pain at injection site – is possible.
• These reactions will last for 24-48 hours and are typically more pronounced after the second dose.
• Side effects mean a body is doing its job and making antibodies. THAT IS A GOOD THING!
• These side effects are normal, common and expected.
• Most side effects occur within 6 weeks of vaccination. Out of the utmost cautious and in order to ensure the most thorough and comprehensive review, FDA requires 8 weeks of safety monitoring of the COVID-19 vaccines.
• THE VACCINE CANNOT GIVE YOU COVID-19!

When and For How Long Will the Vaccine Provide Protection?

• Protection occurs 1-2 weeks after the second dose.
• How long the vaccine provides protection will be learned as more time passes in the current research.
• It is entirely possible COVID-19 vaccinations will be necessary on a regular basis, similar to the flu shot. Again, more will be learned as time passes.

It is safe to get the COVID-19 vaccine if you have previously had COVID-19?

• YES! Even if you have previously had COVID-19, it is important to get vaccinated. It could provide longer or better protection against the disease.
• Even if you have positive antibodies, the COVID-19 vaccine is still recommended.

Will the Use of Masks Remain Necessary?

• YES! Similar to other vaccines, a large number of people in the general population will need to be vaccinated before transmission drops enough to stop the use of masks.

Where Should I Look for Accurate Information on the COVID-19 Vaccine?

• It is important to seek information from reliable sources. Social media is full of misinformation and opinions based on that misinformation.
• Here are some helpful links:
  • CDC
  • FDA
  • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
  • Pfizer
  • Moderna
  • State and local health department websites are also great resources for locality-specific COVID-19 vaccine information.

What’s Next?

• We will keep residents and families of residents apprised of our vaccination plans as we continue to gather more information on distribution plans from state and federal agencies.

Tips for a Meaningful Visit

Our facility's current visitation status is available at the top of our COVID-19 Resources page. The clinical and operational teams at our facility complete a weekly self-assessment to determine our ability to accommodate these visits based on the criteria established by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and observed by the state and local health department. We will communicate any changes to our visitation status on this website and to immediate family via phone or email.

Visitors should in most cases be immediate family members (spouses/significant others, children, siblings, parents) of a resident. If a resident does not have immediate family in the area, visits with close friends or extended family will be considered. We ask that residents limit their visits to one per day whenever possible out of consideration for others and limited scheduling opportunities.

Criteria for Visitation According to CMS

• Our facility has had no new COVID-19 cases that originated in the facility, including those involving residents or staff (facility onset cases), within the prior 14 days.
• The resident receiving a prospective visitor is not on isolation precautions.
• The local health department has not prohibited visitation at the facility.

Additional Criteria for Indoor Visitation According to CMS

• Visitation will occur when possible, but will be limited in the following circumstances due to the high risk of COVID-19 transmission (PLEASE NOTE: compassionate care visits will still be permitted).
  • The resident is unvaccinated and CMS COVID-19 county positivity rate is > 10% (High) and < 70 % of residents in the facility are fully vaccinated.
    • Fully vaccinated refers to a person who is more than two weeks removed from receipt of the second vaccine in a two-dose series (Pfizer or Moderna), or more than two weeks removed following receipt of a single-dose vaccine (Johnson & Johnson), per the CDC’s Public Health Recommendations for Vaccinated Persons.
  • Residents with confirmed COVID-19 infection, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, until they no longer require transmission based precautions.
  • Residents in quarantine, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, until they have met the criteria for release from quarantine.

 Indoor Visitation During an Outbreak

• When a new case of COVID-19 among residents or staff is identified, the facility will start outbreak testing and suspend all visitation (except for those required under federal disability rights law), until at least one round of facility-wide testing is completed. Visitation can resume based on the following criteria:
  • If the first round of outbreak testing reveals no additional COVID-19 cases in other areas (e.g. units) of the facility, then visitation can resume for residents in areas/units with no COVID-19 cases. However, the facility will suspend visitation on the affected unit until they meet the criteria for discontinuation of outbreak testing.
  • If the first round of outbreak testing reveals one or more additional COVID-19 cases in other areas/units of the facility (e.g. new cases in two or more units total), then the facility will suspend visitation for all residents, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, until the facility meets the criteria to discontinue outbreak testing.

North Carolina-Specific Guidance

Guidance for Visitation and Quarantine in Long Term Care Facilities (March 2021)

• Weather permitting, outdoor visitation continues to be preferred even when the resident and visitor are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as this space allows increased space and airflow.
• Residents who are fully vaccinated may choose to have close, physical contact with visitors if both parties wear well-fitted masks and perform hand hygiene before and after contact.

VISITORS - What to Know Prior to Arriving

• Visitors should contact our facility to schedule an appointment.
• Those who show up unannounced will NOT be permitted to enter.
• A prospective visitor is strongly encouraged to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test before proceeding with a visit.
  • If the test is completed at the facility, an additional 15-20 minutes is necessary prior to visitation to provide time for the result to be obtained.
• This negative test result can be provided by the prospective visitor from a test taken within 72 hours prior to visiting the facility or;
• A test is available and can be administered upon arrival at the facility.
• Visitation will not be prohibited for those who refuse to provide or participate in testing. It is our hope visitors will understand the reasons we encourage testing – for the continued health and safety of, and out of caution and respect for, our residents.
• A maximum of TWO visitors per resident will be permitted for visits.
  • Wear a face covering for the duration of their visit
  • Follow hand hygiene requirements.
• Visitors must be 13 years or older.
• Visitors must be willing and able to:
• There is no early access for visitation to individuals who have received the COVID-19 vaccine! We have no authorization from the state health department creating this level of exception. If you have received the COVID-19 vaccine, you still must comply with all guidelines and successfully complete the screening process.

VISITORS - What You Should Know Upon Arrival

• Visitors should arrive 15 minutes prior to a scheduled visit.
• If a visitor does not arrive 15 minutes prior to a visit, the visit will be rescheduled.
• As mentioned above, if a COVID test is completed at the facility, an additional 15-20 minutes is necessary prior to visitation to provide time for the result to be obtained.
• Visitors will be screened for temperature and signs and symptoms of COVID-19.
• If a visitor has a temperature at or above 100 degrees and exhibits any symptoms of the virus, he or she will not be permitted to enter the facility.
• Visitors must provide legal federal or state identification upon screening. A telephone number will also be required.
• Visitors must complete required education and attestation prior to EVERY visit.

VISITORS - What to Expect During Your Visit

• Visitors and residents are required to wear a surgical mask at all times. The facility will provide visitors with a new surgical mask upon arrival.
• We suggest visitors maintain a contact-free visit with a resident and adhere to social distancing (keep at least six feet from the resident) at all times.
• Visitors are asked to use alcohol-based hand rub before and after visitation, and any time during the visit as deemed necessary.
• Visitors must enter and exit through a specified area of the facility and follow a designated route to and from the visitation area.
• Visitors should stay in their designated visitation area at all times.
• Poor behavior by visitors and disregard for state or Federal orders is NOT ACCEPTABLE.
• Failure to adhere will result in termination of the visit.
• Restroom access will be restricted, unless an emergency arises.
• This policy is in place to ease the burden on our facility’s housekeeping staff.
• Food or drink is NOT permitted during a visit.
• Pets are NOT permitted at this time.
• Smoking is NOT permitted during a visit.
• To ensure smooth and timely functioning of the visitation process, please do not engage facility staff with your concerns during your visit. If you have questions about the established guidelines or protocols, please complete your visit and address these concerns in an email or telephone call to the facility administration following your visit.
• PLEASE NOTE: A resident has the right to refuse to receive visitors and the facility staff must honor those wishes. If this occurs, facility staff will attempt to connect the resident with their visitors by offering a window visit, or a live video/phone call.

REMEMBER, this is a stressful time! Everyone is doing their best to manage. Please be mindful of our residents, associates and other visitors to the building. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Our facility is taking appropriate measures, consistent with the guidelines and directives from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS), for the prevention and control of Coronavirus (COVID-19). COVID-19 is a viral infection that is caused by a distinct Coronavirus. The incubation period is two to fourteen (2-14) days, with the average being four (4) to five (5) days. This virus may be mild, moderate, or severe, and can be potentially life threatening.

This facility endeavors to follow CDC and CMS guidance and to collaborate with State and Local health departments in its mitigating actions as we work through the necessary response to this unprecedented pandemic together.

Visitation and Family Communications Efforts

On March 13, 2020, visits to all skilled nursing centers – ours included – were restricted by the federal government, with the exception of certain compassionate care circumstances such as an end-of-life situation. 

The facility has taken measures to provide virtual visits with loved ones, virtual family council meetings, and an enhanced facility website for increased communications during this period of restricted visits.

Screening Efforts

All associates, essential health care vendors and emergent visitors will be screened and documented as directed by CDC and CMS guidance.

Our staff is monitoring residents daily for change in condition, including the presence of elevated temperatures and respiratory illness in our facility. Any residents showing signs consistent with the virus are monitored each shift or more frequently as needed.

Staff are being screened for elevated temperature and respiratory illness prior to and after each shift, and we are requiring staff to stay home if they are sick or display symptoms of the virus.

Mitigating Actions Implemented to Prevent or Reduce the Risk of Transmission

The facility has several measures in place to prevent or reduce the risk of transmission, including, but not all-inclusive, as follows:

• Taking temperature readings for all associates, residents, and essential visitors per CDC guidelines.
• Monitoring for CDC-recognized symptoms including respiratory symptoms which may include cough, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing.
• Suspending non-essential group outings.
• Limiting communal dining as needed.
• Reviewing resident activities on a case-by-case basis to safely provide socialization and engagement opportunities.
• Applying social distancing of six feet for any required group engagement. 
• Consideration to room placement for a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis, per CDC guidance.
• Source control for residents to include wearing a facemask or cloth covering per CDC guidance.
• The use of PPE according to CDC guidelines.
• Environmental/cleaning standard facility procedures followed per regulation and guidance.

Reminding those in our facility that they must:

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Observe "social distancing" whenever possible.
• Use of a mask as indicated or appropriate.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when sick or when a loved one is sick.
• Cover their cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash hands.

How has The Laurels worked to stop the potential spread of COVID-19?

• Our facility has been implementing and acting on guidance from external agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and the Department of Health and Human Services at the state and local level since February 28, 2020.
• We have restricted visitors from entering our facility since the national advisement in mid-March, ceased group activities within the building, and have continually monitored residents and screened staff members and essential external personnel for symptoms according to CDC guidance.
• We are continually monitoring ALL residents for CDC-recognized symptoms and changes in conditions.

What happens if a resident tests positive for COVID-19?

• Residents who have tested positive receive supportive care in an appropriate care setting per CDC guidance. If additional treatment for a resident is required, we will transfer to the local hospital and communicate with loved ones accordingly.

Will the facility update me on the status of my loved one during visitation restrictions?

• If you have a loved one who has tested positive, we will communicate with you regularly and keep you apprised of any changes to his or her health. You are also welcome to call or email the facility at any time.
• If you have a loved one who has NOT tested positive, we will contact you if he or she is suspected or diagnosed with COVID-19.

How can I stay in contact with my loved one during visitation restrictions?

• You can send non-urgent messages – photos, updates, letters – to connecttopender@laurelhealth.com. A member of our staff checks this email daily and will relay your message to your loved one.
• We also encourage you to contact our facility to set up FaceTime, Zoom and Skype sessions with your loved one.

Why hasn't the facility tested my loved one for COVID-19?

• The attending physician, in conjunction with the county health department, is given ultimate decision authority by CDC and makes the decision on who and who not to test. It is not a decision made by administrative staff at the facility.

Does The Laurels have PPE?

• You probably have heard about PPE shortages in the news. PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment. Early on, PPE was in drastic shortages. We have been fortunate that our company has been able to secure PPE, though we have had to wait for what has seemed like a very long time to receive our supplies. With conservative practices in place as identified by CDC, we have PPE. Of course, it never feels like enough, but we have what we need today.
• That being said, we are in support of the goal to make skilled nursing facilities a higher priority for PPE. In lieu of PPE, items like homemade masks, aprons, lab coats, open-back gowns, coveralls, and ponchos – to name a few – can be used as alternatives to provide some level of protection, with CDC guidance and recommendations. We continue to accept donations of these items in the event future PPE shortages arise.

Why are skilled nursing facilities like The Laurels continually in the news?

• Unfortunately, much of what you hear about skilled nursing facilities (or "nursing homes") in the media today is negative. By and large, news outlets are not familiar with our health care setting or the services we provide, and it is reflected in how they report and cover our facilities. Rest assured, our team is full of caring and compassionate individuals who are working day and night to care for our residents and that is our priority.
• We encourage you to follow us on Facebook to see the many positive things happening in our facilities that often go unreported. Our employees remain committed to "exceeding expectations" even in an unprecedented time like this. Please feel free to leave a positive comment of encouragement or even share the positive vibes.

How can I stay informed of what is happening at the facility?

• Please be sure your contact information, including email address, is current. If you need to make changes or confirm your information, please call the facility.
• Periodically visit the facility website to see if there has been new information posted.
• Watch for opportunities to attend virtual gatherings, such as care plan meetings, family council meetings or other activities, some of which may be held by platforms such as Zoom.
• Schedule a window visit or virtual visit with your loved one. Our staff will be happy to assist you.

At The Laurels, there is nothing we take more seriously than the safety and well being of our guests and our dedicated associates who care for them. We are doing everything in our power to keep your loved ones safe and healthy during this crisis.

Connect with Your Loved One!

• You can send non-urgent messages – photos, updates, letters – to connecttopender@laurelhealth.com. A member of our staff checks this email daily and will relay your message to your loved one.
• We also encourage you to contact our facility to set up FaceTime, Zoom and Skype sessions with your loved one.

LETTER - From CEO M Qazi - 3-15-2020

LETTER - Laurel to Hospital Partners Clarification of Admit Re-Admit Protocol - 4-7-2020

LETTER - The Laurels - Family Communications - 5-8-2020

Additional Resources

#CareNotCOVID - Share a message of support to our nursing home and assisted living residents

How to Protect Yourself and Others

Medicare Scam Alert - CMS warning to Medicare beneficiaries

Holiday Resources

LETTER – Family Communications – Holiday Events – 11-11-2020

American Health Care Association COVID-19 Page

Center for Disease Control & Prevention COVID-19 Information

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid COVID-19 Page

Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 Page

Just The Facts: What Caused COVID-19 Outbreak in Nursing Homes?

New York Times COVID-19 Tracker

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 Page

North Carolina Health Care Facilities Association COVID-19 Page