In accordance with the state Department of Health, we’re making this outbreak policy available online for those who wish to review it. We take the well-being of our residents and staff very seriously, and we’re happy to share our plan with you.

For any urgent matters or concerns, we ask that you contact the community directly and ask to speak with a supervisor. A team member will gladly assist you.

Englewood, NJ: 201.540.4444

Somerset, NJ: 732.595.5975

Waldwick, NJ: 201.857.7200

Wayne, NJ: 973.987.3600

Woodcliff Lake, NJ: 201.505.9500

The Bristal’s Outbreak Policy:

All reasonable attempts will be made to minimize and prevent the continued spread of a viral or bacterial outbreak.

Definition of Outbreak: An “outbreak” is the occurrence of more cases of a disease/illness than normally expected over a given period of time.

Procedure:

The Director of Wellness/Registered Nurse (RN) or designee will:

  • Notify the Executive Director (ED) immediately when a possible outbreak is identified.
  • Monitor each resident for signs and symptoms of the outbreak daily.
  • Begin tracking the affected residents utilizing the appropriate Line List.
  • Place affected residents on appropriate infection control precautions.
  • Ensure adequate supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
  • Notify department heads and staff of affected residents and precautions to be used.
  • Provide in-service regarding infection control measures including hand washing and proper use of PPE.
  • Request all ill residents remain in their rooms until medically cleared. Residents who are unable to follow directions to remain in their rooms will be cohorted with other residents who are affected.
  • Ensure residents’ needs are met and monitor residents.
  • Notify the physicians and families of those residents affected.
  • Obtain prescriptions for any applicable laboratory testing and arrange for testing to take place.
  • Ensure external surfaces of medication carts are sanitized after use.

The Executive Director or designee will:

  • Notify the Vice President of Clinical Services – NJ.
  • Immediately contact the Local Health Department (LHD) to report a suspected or confirmed outbreak.
  • Notify the New Jersey Division of Health Facilities Evaluation and Licensing.
  • When LHD staff cannot be reached, the facility shall make the report directly to NJDOH who will then contact the LHD.
  • Coordinate the process to minimize outbreak including ensuring:
    – All staff are informed of the outbreak and their specific role which will include designating staff to each resident cohort and revising staffing as necessary to meet the needs of the residents.
    – Staff identified as symptomatic are excluded from work until free of symptoms for 72 hours or as directed by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines or NJ DOH Directives.
    – Ensure all staff has access to and are using PPE as directed.
    – Proper infection control processes are followed by all departments.
  • A sign will be posted at the concierge desk reminding individuals not to visit if they are not feeling well as well as reviewing respiratory hygiene and handwashing practices.
  • Via letters, email blasts, postings and website posts, communicate with residents and resident representatives regarding the steps taken to protect residents including actions implemented to prevent or reduce the risk of transmission, the modifications to normal operations and a phone number to contact for urgent calls or complaints.
  • Should the outbreak result in staffing shortages, the ED will immediately notify the VP of Clinical Services as well as the Regional Director of Operations and the Emergency Contingency Staffing Plan will be reviewed and implemented as needed.

The Director of Housekeeping or designee will ensure:

  • Common and resident areas are sanitized at least twice daily with a disinfectant effective against the specific pathogen.
    – Common and resident areas include dining areas, restrooms, activity rooms, libraries, lobbies, computer rooms, staff break rooms, bistro, bedrooms.
    – Particular emphasis is given to “high touch” surfaces.
  • Use disposable cloths and mops whenever possible.
  • Laundering of cleaning supplies following infection control protocol.
  • Cleaning carts and equipment are sanitized after use in contaminated areas.
  • Waste and laundry are transported safely in closed bags/containers.
  • Laundering of contaminated items separately with staff following precautions when handling contaminated laundry.

The Director Food Services or designee will ensure:

  • The use of gloves for all kitchen staff during outbreak.
  • Discontinuation of service in the bistro including coffee/tea, beverages, food, etc. and other self-service areas.
  • When group meals are continued during the outbreak, that high touch services in the dining room (including menus) are stringently cleaned after each meal service.
  • Staff wear gloves, protect clothing and use disposable cleaning supplies when possible when cleaning kitchen/food service area.
  • When meals are served in rooms, well residents are served first.
  • Delivery carts are cleaned and disinfected after use.
  • The use of only single service, disposable utensils, plates, cups, etc.
  • Waste from meals and used disposable items are discarded in the room and not returned to the kitchen.
  • Discontinuation of self-service beverages in employee lounge as well as removal of shared condiment containers, i.e. salt and pepper shakers.

The Director of Recreation or designee will ensure:

  • Programs continue to be developed to meet the psychosocial needs of the residents including but not limited to virtual video visits and/or telephone calls with staff assistance.
  • Virtual Programs and Activities will be initiated.

Additional information:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/isolation.html
https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/documents/topics/outbreaks/gi_ltc.pdf