TO: Ballad Health All
FROM: Ballad Health Corporate Emergency Operations Center
DATE: Jan. 6, 2022
TITLE: Weekly COVID-19 briefing
ACTION: Cascade to all team members
Our patient volumes and positivity rates are once again reaching serious levels as the Omicron variant of COVID-19 continues circulating through the Ballad Health service area. Omicron is significantly more infectious than previous variants.
The variant is already putting substantial strain on our health system’s ability to care for our communities, as it relates to rising incidents of infection and manpower. While we try to address our staffing shortage, we are now seeing a significant number of team members test positive and miss work.
Concerned about this rapid spread and what it means for our team members and patients, we want to reiterate some of our existing policies and update some protocols to reduce exposure and infection. These measures help us protect ourselves and patients and lessen the risk of disrupting services so we effectively accomplish our mission and serve our communities.
This briefing includes information on:
- Policy: Universal masking, eye protection and PPE
- Update on meetings, community events, and remote work
Universal masking, eye protection and PPE
As we continue to take precautionary efforts to lessen the possibility of spread, please make sure you are following our policies for universal masking, which apply to all Ballad Health hospitals, doctor’s offices, medical facilities, and administrative offices.
- Masks are part of the Ballad Health Dress Code (HR-200-023). This means everyone, in all Ballad Health facilities, is required to mask.
- This also applies to patients unless they are alone in their rooms.
- The only exception for team members is if they are eating in designated areas or working alone in a private office or non-clinical area, in which case they may remove their mask.
- We have seen an increase in noncompliance with mask requirements recently. Please make sure masks are being worn and worn properly.
- Facial hair outside of “clean shaven” is not acceptable (anything that prohibits a proper N-95 fit).
- Masks must cover the nose and mouth and be appropriately connected by ear loops or tied on both the top and bottom (pinching the bridge of the nose without tying it is not acceptable).
- Universal eye protection is required for team members in all clinical roles.
- All team members in clinical areas must wear the appropriate PPE, including face shields. As previously announced, eye protection in any clinical encounter in any environment is required as it is critical to reducing spread and infection. If you are unsure about what is required, speak with your supervisor who can consult with CEOC if additional clarification is needed.
Meetings, community events and remote work
Also, for the next 30 days, we are reinstating the following guidelines:
All internal meetings must be in virtual format or take place by phone. In-person meetings may only take place when necessary and all participants must remain masked, regardless of vaccination status.
- Team members should avoid group meetings/celebrations with meals and congregating without masks.
- Social distancing of 6 feet is required, including in break areas.
- Team members who are able to work remotely should do so. Please consult with your manager and seek approval from departmental senior leadership before making arrangements.
- Ballad Health is withdrawing participation in community events, such as civic celebrations and indoor expos.
- Internal events should be postponed or moved to a virtual environment.
Other reminders
On Wednesday, Jan. 5, CEOC released a memo to all leaders and team members regarding new CDC guidelines for isolation and quarantine for healthcare workers exposed to COVID-19. All team members must comply with these guidelines, so please review those, and let your supervisor know if you have questions. Please do not refer team members to Team Member Health or infection prevention for questions on administering these CDC requirements. Only refer team members as appropriate when symptomatic.
We also encourage any team member, whether clinical or nonclinical, to consider assisting our frontline team members in a paid role through the Helping Hands program.
Our most critical need is for sitters in hospitals, but additional opportunities through the program include unit liaisons, ED liaisons, food service, environmental services, supply support, screeners and working in the Call Center.
Click here to learn more about the Helping Hands program.
NOTE: You must be on a Ballad Health network device to access the signup page, which is housed on the Ballad Health intranet.
Have a question about vaccines, the Omicron variant, or a new policy? Contact the Ballad Health Corporate Emergency Operations Center at BalladHealthCorporateEOC@balladhealth.org.
