1666 Coffman COVID-19 Information & Directives 2020

In response to the COVID-19 virus (also called SARS-Co2 or severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronoavirus 2), 1666 Coffman’s Health and Safety Team is overseeing the Coffman response, in the interest of protecting the ongoing health of all of our residents.

Our Health and Safety Committee, Leslie and Linda, began meeting Feb 27, 2020, and presented recommendations to the Coffman Board.   A broader team was created to address issues related to preventing COVID-19 illness at 1666 Coffman, using guidance from Governor Walz, the CDC, and other scientific and governmental sources.

Your concerns and comments are welcomed as we continue to examine the science and trends on a daily basis.  Be wise. Be well!

The COVID-19 Team:  Mary Ellen Jaehne (Board Chair), Jerry Buckridge (Building and Grounds Chair), Leslie Meyer (Health and Safety Chair), and Linda Lindeke (Health and Safety Committee Member).

News & Announcements


Timely and changing information can be found here

Meeting outdoors is the best plan, and of course 6 feet apart, masks on
Handwashing/sanitizing are essential.

The building remains off limits to non-residents.

December 28, 2020 
Planning for Your Vaccination 
 
We are all looking forward to the time when the Corona Virus vaccine 
will be available for us.  Many of us are wondering about the possibility 
of a vaccination clinic here at 1666 Coffman. With vaccinations now 
happening, it is clear that a clinic in this setting is not a good option. 
 
The Health and Safety Team recommends that each resident contact 
their primary care provider to plan about when and where they 
receive the vaccine.    
 
Each individual’s personal health, allergies and vaccination history 
including sensitivity to vaccines, must be taken into account.  The 
setting of the vaccination needs to include space and healthcare staff 
who can monitor for reaction after the shot has been given.  People are 
asked to sit for 15 minutes after the shot.  This is not possible to do in 
our home setting.  Your primary clinic may be able to give you 
information about how they will provide vaccinations, or direct you to 
the resource they recommend for a vaccination.   
The Health and Safety Team continues to meet each Monday, 
Wednesday and Friday from 8:00 am to 9:00 am in the dining room.  
Please join us if you have questions. 

OUTSIDE VISITOR REMINDER
     There were a number of “sightings” in the building this weekend of outside visitors. Some were bearing gifts; some were just visiting. Unfortunately, it is still far too dangerous, especially given the pandemic conditions, to allow outside visitation. The health and safety team is constantly reviewing conditions and monitoring the case positivity rates. At the present time it is extremely dangerous to interact with anyone outside of our “pandemic pod” We must remember that it is the responsibility of all to stay safe and virus free.
     It may seem somewhat harsh to keep reminding neighbors that it will only take one slip to invite this deadly virus into our midst. Please continue to be cautious. Remember first and foremost that this virus can be fatal.

Your Health and Safety Team
12/15/2020

Bathroom Access for Non-Residents
Regarding bathroom needs of your outside visitors, we recommend the following plan for your outdoor guests' bathroom needs:
1. Rather than going into your unit, take your guests around the building to the east door closest to the main entrance.
2. Direct them to the bathroom next to the hand washing station, directly across the hall from that door. Thank you 
 
Meetings of the Health And Safety Team
With the plans and actions for keeping our 1666 building a healthy environment well in place, the Health and Safety Team is now going to be available in the dining room on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings,
usually from 8:00 to  9:00 a.m.  
 
Many residents have stopped by this meeting place to ask a question, seek input in planning a visit or needed service, offer an idea or make a suggestion, or to get a temperature taken.  
Please continue to use the meeting in these ways or to email us with a concern.  
 
You can trust that Linda and Leslie are continuously reviewing research and that we are keeping up to date on state and CDC guidelines.  The team remains committed to both upholding the highest standards for congregate living situations and remaining mindful of the charge from the Board that restrictions be modified when community and science standards indicate it is possible to do so. Thank you for your efforts to keep our building and homes safe.
Mary Ellen, Leslie, Linda, Jerry 

Using the Social Room in Fall and Winter
The recommendations below as based on the 3 Ds:
Distance, Duration and Dependability.

1.  Limit group to a maximum of 20 residents spaced 6 feet apart
2.  Keep masks on. No shared food or drinks
3.  Crack windows open, leave hallway doors open for cross ventilation
4.  Keep microphone on stands; do not pass from person to person
5.  Schedule outside speakers during office hours; office staff will take temperature and screen the person’s health status
6.  Ensure the speaker stays at least 10 feet from the audience, keeps a mask on and does not move about the room
7.  Limit meeting time to one hour duration (events like movies might be a bit longer)

Four air purifiers are now operating in the Social Room.
They turn off and on automatically.
DO NOT adjust the machines.
Good health to all!
Coffman Health & Safety Team 10/9/20
 

1.    COVID-19 Prevention Measures

Preventing viral spread requires that residents:
  1. Maintain social distancing (minimum of 6 feet between persons who do not share a living space);
  2. Duck into doorways when passing in the hallway;
  3. Limit elevator use to one person/couple at a time;
  4. Wear cloth masks within the building;
  5. Cover cough/sneeze with tissue and dispose of tissue;
  6. Wash hands frequently for at least 20 seconds;
  7. Avoid touching eyes, nose, mouth;
  8. Clean and disinfect touched objects and surfaces frequently; let disinfectant air-dry on the surfaces;
  9. Self-quarantine when sick, except to get medical care;
  10. Take your temperature daily; call your clinic before going into the clinic;
  11. Isolate from family and friends you do not live with if you are sick;
  12. Consider “wants versus needs” and limit going to public places;
  13. Self-quarantine for 14 days recommended for returning residents who have lived away from Coffman
Other specific actions being taken at Coffman:
You can Avoid grocery shopping risks. 
Shopping online via instacart.com allows you to select delivery at an available timeslot from any of a dozen stores, including Byerlys, Cub, Aldi, PetCo, TotalWine (very important!), CVS pharmacy, Costco, Sam's club, etc.  BE SURE TO ENTER YOUR ZIP CODE on the website before ordering, to select a local store.  You usually have to wait about 2 days for delivery, but if you think of anything else you need during the wait, you can add it no problem!!  $30 minimum order (approx).

Another options is pick-up from Tim & Toms Speedy Mart in St Anthony Park.   Call, or email your order to speedycurbside@gmail.com  after looking at groceries on their website:  https://timandtomsspeedymarket.com/
They also have free Friday delivery if you belong to  SAPAS. https://sapaseniors.org/home

2.    Changes to Services & Activities

These activities & services have been discontinued:
  • Housecleaners,
  • Massage,
  • Hairdresser (reopened 6/8/2020),
  • Group gatherings such as dining room meals,
  • Saturday coffee hour,
  • Sunday night movies, etc. (20 people max)
  • Guest room reservations canceled
The services have been modified:
Individuals & groups were notified of changes 3/22/2020.  Residents were notified by email. Reports from the Health and Safety Committee are presented at each board meeting. Articles are in monthly newsletters. Posters are displayed.

3.    Confidentiality & Reporting of COVID-19 illness

Resident question to the Coffman Board:  
“If a resident or a staff member becomes ill with Covid-19 will residents be informed?” 

Response from the Board:   
“Coffman is an independent living building, therefore sharing personal information is up to the resident.  If residents thinks they may have COVID-19 or have been diagnosed with COVID-19, they are strongly encouraged to self-report for their own well-being and that of their fellow residents.  Speak to the Health and Safety Team, a member of the Board, or the office staff and ask for support in planning.  The Health and Safety Team has useful information about how to safely quarantine. Staff are expected to report illness to their employer immediately in order to plan. While 1666 Coffman Association will not share the name of an ill person, we will inform residents and staff of the presence of the virus in the building if we learn of such. Coffman does want to help ensure a successful self-quarantine of any diagnosed person and help increase the safety of other residents.”
Sent by email 4/21/20
Below you will find details of the items listed above.

4.    COVID-19 Self-quarantine Directive at Coffman

Any persons at Coffman who suspect they may have COVID-19 must first seek medical advice. If the COVID-19 infection is confirmed, residents are directed to self-quarantine, typically at home. CDC handouts with specific directions are helpful. Always consult your health care provider with concerns. We recommend that you:
  1. Stay in your unit in a private room, using a separate bathroom;
  2. Wear a mask and gloves when your caregiver delivers food and needed supplies. Your caregiver should also wear a mask and gloves. Keep interactions with your caregiver as brief and infrequent as possible;
  3. Caregiver must also self-quarantine due to exposure;
  4. Take your temperature morning and evening; keep a log of temperature and symptoms.
  5. You are strongly encouraged to self-report for your own well-being and that of fellow residents.  (See #3 above for full details on self-reporting.)  While 1666 Coffman Association will not share the name of an ill person, we will inform residents and staff of the presence of the virus in the building
Handout at door Apr 28/20

5.    Emergencies & Assistance with Falls from 911

For any medical emergency, call 911. Maintain 6 feet spacing and wear your mask if you respond to an emergency. If possible have a second person with you when you respond. Consider sending someone to the front door to direct the 911 responders. In emergency situations all board members are able to access keys.

Do not move someone who has fallen. Calling 911 is safer for that person and for the responder. If a person falls and is unable to get up, but is otherwise not injured, you may request that 911 send a “fall assist” team. This service has been used successfully at Coffman in the past. The 911 operator will collect details and will send two responders instead of the full crew.
Email sent and handout at door Apr 28/20

6.    Ongoing Closure of 1666 Coffman


Visitors are restricted from the building, with the exception of essential care givers.

Outdoor visitors shall maintain 6 feet distancing on Coffman grounds (4 people maximum in gazebo, for example).

Goal:
Our goal is to open 1666 Coffman as soon as the risk makes it feasible. Residents must support each other in creative ways.

Recommendation to the Board from the Health and Safety Committee (4/28/2020):
For the safety of all of our residents, Coffman cannot yet “open up”. Economic and political pressures for Minnesota, the US and various nations to “open up” do not apply here, and the threat of illness has not abated. Despite excellent prevention measures, more Minnesotans are being diagnosed and hospitalized with COVID-19 each day. Affected individuals may not show symptoms, and most people are contagious before they feel ill. Coffman residents are potentially exposed to the virus when they leave the building. Our neighbors are in the age group where this can be a fatal disease and many have significant health issues. Thus the risk for COVID-19 in our age groups will continue until there is a vaccine. In summary, 1666 Coffman’s strong communal living values must continue to be redefined around virus prevention for foreseeable future.
Handout at door Apr 28/20

7.    Dining Services at Coffman during COVID-19

Coffman Director of Food Services Caroline Berger converted the dining service to door delivery, obtaining compostable containers and redesigning the menu. Shelves for wipes and special containers for disposal containers were installed in trash rooms and lever-style door handles were installed. Food staff have their temperatures taken at the beginning of each shift and are questioned about their health. Masks and gloves used.
Emails and handouts to residents beginning Mar 17/20

8.    Emergency Contact Form

The Resident Emergency Contact form was revised based on input from the Sharper attorney. The form was distributed and all residents have now completed the form. It is stored in a labeled file in the office for use by emergency responders. Forms created, reviewed, distributed and returned to office by March 30/20

9.    File of Life Emergency Information

File of Life packets were distributed to each unit with the following message: “Use is voluntary. The packet contains instructions, a door sticker, a holder, and the document itself. Place the sticker on your door and it will alert first responders that you do have a File of Life that should accompany you in the event of an emergency. The red plastic holder for the document is magnetic and should be placed on your refrigerator for easy access.”
March 30/20

10.    Key Buddies Encouraged

Coffman’s “Key Buddies” tradition is very helpful, especially with recent events. Some Coffman neighbors check in daily with each other in various ways. This is completely voluntary. Consider giving a trusted neighbor an extra key in the event you need someone to check in or to get you needed supplies, medications, etc. You may wish to let the office know the name of your key buddy. The staff will record the name in a confidential file to be used only in an emergency.
Email to residents 4/2/20

11.    Wearing Cloth Masks in Coffman Public Areas

Following directives from the CDC and MN Department of Health the Health and Safety Team is encouraging residents to wear cloth masks within public areas. Several residents and other volunteers began to make cloth masks. Residents were requested to wash cloth masks daily in soapy water and let them air dry overnight.
Emails sent, masks distributed, posters made by Alma Scherer and distributed 4/15/20 and ongoing

12.    Recommendations for Residents to Self-Quarantine Upon Return to Coffman

Residents living part of the year in other states have been sent the following email prior to returning to live at Coffman:

“We warmly welcome you back home! In order to protect the health of our 1666 Coffman community, we request the following: Please self-quarantine for 14 days. Monitor your temperature twice daily; contact your primary care provider about an elevated temperature. Wear your mask when outside your own unit. Wash your hands before and after leaving your unit; use hand sanitizer located in lobby and elsewhere. Avoid interacting with other residents (i.e., check mail when others are not likely to be in lobby; use stairways that are least-trafficked). Many stores have grocery delivery services or curb-side pick-up service of pre-ordered groceries.

Caroline Berger provides 5 carefully-prepared meals per week right to your door. She is working very hard to obtain very fresh ingredients. Call her with your credit card number; receipts arrive quickly by email. Check the menus at your door; you can email her with your order. Leave the compostable containers in the trash room in the special container.”
Sent by email to returning residents April 15/20

13.    Planning for New Residents Moving Into Coffman During the COVID-19 Restrictions

Purchasers of units are sent detailed messages prior to moving in providing the history of COVID-19 prevention actions and requesting that they self-quarantine for 14 days (#12). Careful plans are needed for moving furnishings into units. Neighbors will be notified to stay out of the hallways during the move. The nearest door and elevator will be used by the movers.
Message to be sent to new residents prior to moving 5/5/20

14.    Staff Tracking and Screening of Any Non-residents Entering Coffman

Coffman staff will receive directions from Sharper management about screening and tracking all non-residents who enter the building (i.e., coffee delivery person, mail man, repair persons). Persons will be questioned about their health and will wash hands or use hand sanitizer, have temperature taken, use a mask, and will clean high-touch surfaces before leaving. Staff will monitor where they go in the building and restrict their time and location within the building.      
Discussed with Michelle at Sharper 4/5/20

15.    Coffman Condominium Real Estate Sales During Pandemic Concerns Period

Coffman Condominiums is a congregate community practicing self-isolation due to the Covid-19 virus and has been very active in our efforts to maintain a safe and healthy building for our senior community during the Covid-19 health crisis.
To support the process of purchasing a home at Coffman, the Health and Safety Team has outlined a practice that will allow a realtor and 2 adults to view a unit. We require a scheduled appointment time, temperatures checks at the door, masks and gloves to be worn by all, and the visit is limited to the unit only; not the common spaces of the building.
All activity relating to inspection, sale and move-in will be by appointment to ensure health practices are maintained.
Sent out to all real estate agents currently active in Coffman;  posted on Condo Sales of our website.



16.     Using the Social Room in Fall and Winter
The recommendations below as based on the 3 Ds:   Distance, Duration and Dependability.
  1. Limit group to a maximum of 20 residents spaced 6 feet apart
  2. Keep masks on. No shared food or drinks
  3. Crack windows open, leave hallway doors open for cross ventilation
  4. Keep microphone on stands; do not pass from person to person
  5. Schedule outside speakers during office hours; office staff will take temperature and screen the person’s health status
  6. Ensure the speaker stays at least 10 feet from the audience, keeps a mask on and does not move about the room
  7. Limit meeting time to one hour duration (events like movies might be a bit longer)
 
Four air purifiers are now operating in the Social Room.  They turn off and on automatically.
DO NOT adjust the machines.
Good health to all!  Coffman Health & Safety Team 10/9/20