Message from Nick Payzant, Founder & CEO,

As we work to contain COVID-19, Cerna is releasing the following information for Seniors, Caregivers, Employees and Families of Seniors, we are recommending that all visitation to your loved one be limited to absolutely necessary only. Healthcare professionals are advising that although it may be unlikely you are a carrier, to act as though you are carrying the virus when in the proximity of an elderly (or immune compromised) person. If visitation is necessary, please take the following precautions:

1 – Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately when entering the residence.

2 – Limit proximity to your loved one to 6 feet.

3 – Cover your mouth with a mask, scarf, high neck shirt or sweater, bandana or garment when communicating. There is a lot of disinformation about masks circulating online, but masks are an effective barrier for stopping respiratory droplets from an infected person coming into contact with a vulnerable senior or immune compromised person.  Wearing a mask is not effective in stopping exposure to the virus from someone who has it. The CDC is providing information on fabric masks and how to make them at this link: CDC Link regarding Fabric Masks

If a senior you know is experiencing any of the following:

  • They have come in contact with someone that may have COVID-19 (Corona Virus)
  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion or inability to arouse
  • Bluish lips or face

Call their doctor or 911 before rushing to the hospital. Hospitals are not always a good place to be if they are not infected. Doctors are prepared to give appropriate instructions based on the situation.

Know How it Spreads

  • There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
  • The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
  • The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
    • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
    • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
    • These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
    • Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.

Everyone Should

Clean your hands often

  • Wash your handsoften with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
  • Avoid touchingyour eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact

Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others

  • You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
  • Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities.
    • Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
  • The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
  • Do NOT use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker.
  • Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.