COVID-19 Update: 7/22/20

With all regions in the state now in either Phase 2, 3, or 4 of the reopening plan we are happy to return to some of the activities that we have missed over the last four months.  However, it is still important that we remain vigilant in our COVID-19 prevention practices so New York State can continue to enjoy a decrease in infections and hospitalizations.  

True Care remains open Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 AM to 5 PM, as we have been since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Please call our COVID-19 hotline 929-474-9322, and we will address your questions and concerns. 

How True Care is keeping you safe

• • • Our clinical and office staff have all received training regarding COVID-19 prevention and infection control. This training is updated frequently, as the situation continues to change. 
    • We have a full supply of personal protective equipment available in order to keep our staff and clients safe. 
    • We are working diligently to be fully prepared for the uncertainty ahead. Whatever the next phase brings us, True Care will stand strong to protect our clients and staff with whatever means are necessary. 
    • True Care is in close contact with all regulatory agencies to remain up to date with any changes regarding COVID-19

How you can keep yourself safe

• • • Hand hygiene continues to be one of our main defenses against COVID-19. Everyone should continue to practice frequent hand washing and sanitizing. 
    • Cough and sneeze etiquette should continue to be carefully observed. 
    • Face coverings should be worn when you are outside of your home. Fabric face coverings are recommended for individuals, except those who are healthcare professionals. Healthcare professionals should wear medical-grade face masks. 
    • Stay home if you are sick, contact a medical professional for advice regarding health maintenance and COVID-19 testing. 
    • If you are experiencing symptoms that are a medical emergency, call EMS and notify them of your symptoms. 

Events and gatherings

Please remember that events and gatherings can still pose a risk to your health. Some gatherings are considered low risk while others would be considered high risk. Do your best to attend gatherings with the lowest risk possible in order to protect yourself. 

Lowest risk: Virtual-only activities, events, and gatherings. 

More risk: Smaller outdoor and in-person gatherings in which individuals from different households remain spaced at least 6 feet apart, wear face coverings, don’t share objects, and come from the same local area. 

Higher risk: Medium-sized in-person gatherings, individuals are at least 6 feet apart and may be from outside the local area. 

Highest risk: Large in-person gatherings where it is difficult to stay at least 6 feet apart and attendees travel from outside the local area. 

Travel Advisory

As New York enjoys a decrease in the infection rate for COVID-19, other states are experiencing a significant rise in infections. In order to protect New York State, a travel advisory was issued. The travel advisory requires all New Yorkers, as well as those visiting from out of state, to take personal responsibility for complying with the advisory in the best interest of public health and safety. 

Testing

There are different types of COVID-19 testing available. Educate yourself and ask a medical professional for advice if needed. 

Viral tests check samples from the respiratory system (such as a nasal swab) and determine if an infection with SARS-COV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is present at the time of the test. Test results can take less than an hour or up to several days depending on the type of test and the volume of lab results being collected. It is not recommended to test the same individual more than once in a 24-hour period. 

Antibody tests are not currently recommended by the CDC and are not authorized by the FDA for diagnostic purposes. 

Who should be tested?

• • • People with signs and symptoms of COVID-19
    • People who don’t have symptoms, but were exposed to someone who is confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19
    • People who were previously sick with COVID-19 and want to confirm that the infection has resolved.  
    • Health Care Professionals that work in a nursing home or assisted living facility must be tested weekly as per the current New York State Department of Health Regulation. 
    • All people, including health care professionals, that have traveled in the past 14 days to a state with a significant degree of community spread of COVID-19

Free tests are available for all New Yorkers. Go to this link to find a free testing site near you.

Heat advisory

This year, ownership and use of air conditioners may decline due to rising unemployment. This can increase the risk for heat-related illnesses. 

With COVID-19 social distancing measures, we are recommending that people stay home. This puts individuals at increased risk for heat-related illnesses, since staying in homes without air conditioning can increase the risk for heat-related illnesses. 

Heat precautions include:

• • • Monitor weather alerts and make sure to have a plan for cooling relief. 
    • If you have an air conditioner, set it to 78 degrees or “low” to provide comfort, save on electricity costs and conserve energy. 
    • If you don’t have an air conditioner ask friends and family with an air conditioner if you can visit during a heat wave. Don’t visit others if they have symptoms of COVID-19 or have tested positive, or are in self-quarantine. Wear a face covering or stay at least 6 feet apart from non-household members. 
    • Pay attention to public messaging and cooling stations from the City. 
    • Increase fluid intake during hot weather
    • Call and check in on heat-vulnerable people in your community. 
    • Cooling assistance is available, in New York City, for those who qualify through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) 
    • More information about the HEAP program can be found here or call 311. 

Thank you for trusting True Care to provide you with valuable information and updates during this difficult time. Please call our main line 718-854-8783 (24 hours/7 days a week) for general information or call our coronavirus hotline at 929-474-9322.