TO: All Ballad Health team members
FROM: Team Member Health
DATE: Dec. 11, 2023
RE: Reminder on flu/COVID/RSV protocol
COVID-19 inpatient cases: 124
COVID-19 patients in ICU: 13
COVID-19 patients on ventilators: 4
COVID-19 pediatric inpatients: 2
With cases of flu, COVID-19 and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus infection) on the rise in our region, including among team members – which impacts staffing and patient care – we must do everything we canto prevent further spread. It is crucial that team members follow Ballad Health guidelines on what to do if they have symptoms of being sick, and on when they can safely return to work. We also strongly encourage all team members to get the latest COVID-19 vaccine.
If you are symptomatic
Team members who are experiencing signs and symptoms of respiratory illness should report to their managers and then call Team Member Health to begin the testing process. Team Member Health will obtain the necessary information and instruct you about the process regarding home testing or seeking medical evaluation. Team Member Health will also provide guidance on work restrictions based upon symptoms and any positive test result, including flu, RSV and COVID.
As a reminder, those missing work due to COVID must call Team Member Health prior to returning to work to ensure they are meeting criteria noted below:
- All team members with a positive COVID test will be off 7 days from first symptoms, with the exception of oncology or NICU team members, which require 10 days.
- Team members must present a negative COVID test (home test or PCR) within 48 hours of their expected return – meaning the test result would be from Day 5-7 in order to return after 7 days, with the actual return date on Day 8.
- If no test is received, if they do not test, or if they have a positive test on Days 5-7, then they must be off 10 days, returning on Day 11.
- Symptoms must be improving.
- There must be no fever for at least 24 hours without the use of antipyretics.
Any team member experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms, such as vomiting or diarrhea, must be symptom-free for 24 hours prior to returning to work.
Visitation
We are asking anyone younger than 18 and anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms to refrain from visiting hospital patients. Flu-like symptoms include cough, fever, body aches, headache, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, chills and fatigue. Additionally, Ballad Health is requesting patients limit their visitors to two guests at a time.
Get the latest COVID vaccine
All team members are encouraged to get the latest COVID-19 vaccines. These vaccines have proven effective in helping limit the severity of COVID infections. They are available at retail pharmacies and regional health departments.
The COVID vaccine is covered by Ballad Health insurance, at no extra cost to team members.
Reminder about our current masking policy
Masking is not currently required at Ballad Health; however, masks continue to provide proven protection against respiratory viruses. We encourage all team members, patients and visitors to take the necessary steps to protect themselves during this period of increased viral respiratory spread, including through masking.
Any team member who has an influenza vaccine exemption should have been notified by their manager that it is time to mask for the flu season. Both Tennessee and Virginia have entered “moderate” spreads of flu. Ballad Health policy requires masking for vaccine-exempt team members until further notice. The mask should be worn at all times while in Ballad Health facilities, unless eating or drinking alone. For further questions, please speak to your manager or refer to Ballad Health policy BD—000-032-BH.
Questions
For more information, contact your Team Member Health representative or your facility infection preventionist.
