NOTE: Most of the Jewish organizations in town have shared information about their response to the coronavirus. However, we felt it was appropriate to share the message from Cedar Sinai Park since it is home to  those most vulnerable to COVID-19.

BY KIM FUSON, CSP CEO

As of the morning of March 16, there are no cases of COVID-19 in any CSP community. Please note, however, that this can change in a moment’s notice.
Per the Centers for Disease Control and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid and in the spirit of safety and quality of life for our beloved residents, patients, participants and staff, the following protocols are in place at Robison Jewish Health Center, Harold Schnitzer Center for Living and Rose Schnitzer Manor:
• Only Medically necessary visits by healthcare providers;
• Adult Day Services are closed through April 30, 2020;
• Communal dining is suspended; and
• Communal activities are suspended (we are working on an alternate plan for Pesach seders).
 We have dedicated all Day Service staff to work with our Life Enrichment and Spiritual Life Departments to support residents social, emotional and spiritual health.  We will be assisting residents with technology to keep them connected and engaged.
 How you can help:  Reach out to your friends at CSP: Call, FaceTime, WhatsApp; offer to pick up and drop off groceries, special treats; send a special card or letter; include them in your online gaming.
 Our focus is on infection prevention, control and well-being: We have emergency preparedness and infection prevention and control plans in place. These provide detailed instructions for staff on how we address and manage infectious disease outbreaks.
 Our staff is trained in infection control practices and follows established protocols based on that training. We have experience managing illness outbreaks, such as flu, and have a heightened awareness of the possible risk to our residents posed by viral illnesses, such as flu, norovirus and COVID-19. 
We have implemented additional cleaning processes at our community that are part of the emergency plan.
We are informed: Because the coronavirus is spreading quickly, our staff is in communication with public health officials in our region to stay abreast of the latest developments about coronavirus. In addition, we are closely monitoring information from the Oregon Health Authority and LeadingAge as well as those from federal agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid and the World Health Organization.
We are educating: As we learn more about coronavirus and COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, we are educating staff, residents and families. Current protocols we’ve implemented include:
• For staff: teaching them about the symptoms of COVID-19 and monitoring residents for these symptoms; teaching staff about how the virus spreads and recommended containment actions, including staying home from work if they are symptomatic.
• For residents and families: how to recognize symptoms of COVID-19 and what to do if they suspect that they or a loved one may be infected.
We are available: A fast-changing, potential crisis such as this calls for consistent communication. We are committed to providing you with accurate information, updated regularly. For updates please refer to our website: www.cedarsinaipark.org