Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update 4/27/2023
COVID-19 Update 4/27/2023
Since our previous modifications were made for COVID-19 masking on 04.03.2023, we as an organization have not experienced any significant spikes in employee or patient case volumes. In addition, within New Jersey, the community transmission levels (the data used to guide our healthcare facilities) have consistently remained out of the “high” category at “substantial” or below for more than six weeks. These are both clear indicators that the outbreak is continuing to recede in our local communities. You have all done an amazing job at continuing to ensure the health and safety of both the staff and the patients of AMI throughout this entire pandemic. Your efforts and continued patience are greatly appreciated, and we thank you!
In response to the waning transmission rates and other benchmarks surrounding the pandemic, we are very pleased to make the following changes to two of our COVID-19 protocols:
Universal source control (face masks) will be considered optional within all AMI locations in both patient and non-patient areas for patients and AMI employees effective 4/27/2023 unless identified in the exceptions category below.
Exceptions-Masking Required for:
Anyone with suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection or other respiratory infection for 10 days following infection.
Anyone with a close contact (employees/patients/ and visitors) or higher risk exposure with someone with SARSCoV-2 infection, for 10 days after the last day of the exposure.
Any isolated areas of the facility formally identified by employee health as actively experiencing a SARS-CoV-2 outbreak.
Continued use of universal use of NIOSH-approved N95 or equivalent and eye protection for HCP during all patient encounters or in specific areas of the facility at higher risk for SARS-CoV-2 transmission, and all aerosol-generating procedures.
Patients exhibiting any COVID-19 or respiratory illness symptoms must wear surgical or KN95 mask when in building regardless of COVID testing status.
At the request of a patient while providing direct patient care.
Please Continue to:
•Complete daily wellness screening & report any positive COVID test, signs/symptoms of COVID/respiratory illness or COVID exposures to the Employee Health Department & your direct supervisor immediately.
•Follow Employee Health “return to work” clearance process as directed by the AMI Employee Health department and guided by the most recent CDC and NJ State HCP algorithms
• Screen patients and visitors for active symptoms of COVID-19 and other acute respiratory infections
•Ensure appropriate masks are readily available to all patients and employees who choose to wear source control for their own protection.
•Perform routine cleaning and disinfection of patient care and high-touch areas of the facility using EPA registered products
•Encourage the continued use of source control for patients who are moderately to severely immunocompromised.
•Use of universal NIOSH-approved N95 or equivalent and eye protection for HCP during all patient encounters or in specific areas of the facility at higher risk for SARS-CoV-2 transmission, and all aerosol-generating procedures.
AMI will Continue to:
Reevaluate and adjust COVID-19 prevention practices based on the weekly Community Transmission levels updated by the state and adjust guidelines appropriately in response. Based on the N.J. Department of Health Guidelines, AMI may implement higher or lower levels of required protection during times of substantial-high transmission or decreased activity levels.
Continue to require that AMI employees provide adequate proof that they are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations or have provided adequate exemption documentation as per NJ Executive Order # 325 (pursuant to NJ Executive Orders # 252 (2021), 283, 290, 294 & 281 (2022).
Continue to identify and manage both employees and patients with suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection through routine screening of symptoms.
Continue to ensure everyone entering the facility is aware of recommended actions to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission to others, especially when they
1) have a positive SARS-CoV-2 viral test;
2) symptoms of COVID-19;
3) close contact or a higher-risk exposure to someone with SARS-CoV-2
Encourage you to stay vigilant in your efforts to reduce the spread of contagious respiratory illnesses and to remain up to date with appropriate vaccinations and boosters.
Please note that all employees, patients and visitors may choose to wear a mask at their own discretion. We will also continue to monitor transmission levels and, in accordance with the CDC, will reinstate universal masking (source control) if community levels increase to HIGH. Thank you again for your commitment to the safety of our patients, communities and your colleagues!
QUESTIONS? PLEASE CONTACT:
Employee Health Issues/Questions:
employeehealth@aminj.com
Phone: 609-568-9198 ext: 2856
Patient COVID screening questions/issues:
Weekly staff testing questions/results:
FORMS:
Medical Exemption Form for COVID 19 Vaccination 1.21.2022
Request for Religious Exemption 1.21.2022
