Preventative Measures We’re Taking to Continue to Help Combat COVID-19

^{Brookdale residents and associates were among the first group to receive (Coronavirus) COVID-19 vaccines authorized for emergency use by the Food and Drug Administration. As of March 13, 2021, 90% of our residents have participated in on-site community vaccination clinics. While helping protect our residents and associates from COVID-19 remains a priority, Brookdale’s vaccination rate, enhanced cleaning protocols and infection-control measures mean that we are focused on advocating for our residents and families with state and local public health officials to ease restrictions. In this blog series, we’ll look at different aspects of life in Brookdale communities during the COVID-19 recovery. Visits may be subject to health screening, face coverings, social distancing, proof of COVID-19 vaccination and/or proof of negative COVID-19 test. Requirements vary by community in accordance with state or local directives or recommendations by the CDC. Please contact us for details.}

What’s the Current Protocol for Mask Wearing?

At this time, face coverings or masks are required for associates and visitors in Brookdale communities, in accordance with the direction of the CDC.  As the CDC guidance evolves, the protocols at Brookdale will evolve accordingly.

• Associates and essential healthcare workers are provided with at least one surgical mask per shift and other PPE as appropriate. We also encourage the use of a cloth mask in public any time they are outside the community, including during their commute.
• All permitted visitors must wear face coverings in the community.
• Residents are strongly encouraged to wear a cloth face covering in public areas of the community as they are able.

Who Is Screened for COVID-19?

Visitors and associates are screened upon entering the community. Our residents are also screened when they enter their community, and that includes any time they enter.

What Cleaning Measures Are in Place?

Brookdale refined its long-established cleaning protocols for infection control specifically to target the COVID-19 virus, based on scientific and healthcare recommendations. We use products that are certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to both clean and disinfect and have been deemed effective against the virus that causes COVID-19. Associates are trained specifically on these products to understand usage and dwell times (i.e., how long a product must be in contact with a surface in order to properly disinfect it).  

Frequency

Community areas are cleaned regularly per protocol, including:

• Elevators
• Entryways
• Hallways
• Common areas such as libraries (if open)
• Courtyards
• Associate bathrooms and breakrooms
• Public bathrooms (if open)
• Kitchens

Electrostatic Sprayers

Every community now has at least one electrostatic sprayer, allowing common area hard surfaces to be disinfected much more efficiently after they have been cleaned. Sprayers help communities in the battle against COVID-19, disinfecting high-touch, hard surfaces at least three times per day. Two key advantages to electrostatic sprayers:

1. Speed, as disinfectant can be applied at 24,000 square-feet per hour.
2. The electrostatic charge seeks out surfaces that human hands may have missed, like all around a handrail or door knob.

We’ll continue to make the health and safety of our residents and associates our top priority.