NOW AVAILABLE: OUR FACEBOOK LIVE SURGE BROADCAST

Yesterday’s Facebook Live session was our most powerful yet with strong words of support from U.S. Congresswoman Katie Porter and crucial guidance from several of our fellow SEIU-UHW members about how we’ll guide our state through the surge that’s starting.

SAVE LIVES: USE OUR SURGE CHECKLIST

One key takeaway from this session: Our new Surge Checklist is a crucial weapon in our COVID-19 fight. Let’s all use it to confront the surge that’s already begun. The checklist lays out clear protocols for protecting our workforce and delivering the best care to our patients during this crucial phase of the epidemic.

ALERT: REVISED CDC RECOMMENDATIONS

The CDC has updated its guidance on how healthcare facilities should be protecting healthcare workers — and they’re finally catching up with things we’ve been advocating and winning in many places for weeks. These new guideline include:

• Installing physical barriers (e.g., glass or plastic windows) at reception areas to limit close contact between triage personnel and potentially infectious patients.
• Triaging any patients with a fever or any respiratory symptoms outside of the building.
• Recommending face masks to patients with symptoms of respiratory infection at check-in to prevent transmission to others. Previously CDC had said that shortages of facemasks might make this impossible — now it’s back on their list.
• Having dedicated personnel for COVID-19 patients, who only see confirmed or suspected cases during their shifts.

Be sure your employer is following these guidelines — and contact your SEIU-UHW steward or representative for support in doing so.