CORONA VIRUS (COVID-19) UPDATES
Stay Informed
COVID-19 Vaccine
The Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 has become the dominant strain circulating in the U.S. This variant spreads more easily and quickly than the early SARS-CoV-2 virus, leading to more cases of COVID-19, especially among unvaccinated and otherwise vulnerable people. People served in DHS-licensed settings are at particular risk because they live or receive day supports in group environments that put them in close proximity to others and may have conditions that make them medically vulnerable. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that adults with disabilities are three times more likely than adults without disabilities to have serious underlying medical conditions. People with disabilities are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 if they are older adults or have certain underlying medical conditions. CDC provides more information on high-risk conditions at CDC: Different Groups of People (www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/index.html). The Delta variant is also spreading rapidly among unvaccinated people. Settings that provide services to children who are ineligible for vaccine should use enhanced precautions to reduce spread of the disease.
We strongly encourage vaccination
Vaccination is the most important protective measure we have against all variants of COVID-19 and we urge eligible people to get vaccinated. Although we are seeing some cases of COVID-19 in vaccinated people, most RECOMMENDED PROTECTIVE ACTIONS IN RESIDENTIAL AND NON - RESIDENTIAL SETTINGS LICENSED BY DHS 2 of 3 cases are occurring in people who are unvaccinated. Fully vaccinated people are less likely to be infected and vaccine also greatly reduces the chance of hospitalization and death. For more information on COVID-19 vaccines, refer to About COVID-19 Vaccine (www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/vaccine/basics.html).
Testing recommendations
People who have symptoms of COVID-19.
Most people who have had close contact (within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period) with someone with confirmed COVID-19.
Fully vaccinated people should be tested 3-5 days following a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 and wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days or until they receive a negative test result.
People who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 3 months and recovered do not need to get tested following an exposure as long as they do not develop new symptoms.
Unvaccinated people who have taken part in activities that put them at higher risk for COVID-19 because they cannot physically distance as needed to avoid exposure, such as travel, attending large social or mass gatherings, or being in crowded or poorly-ventilated indoor settings.
People who have been asked or referred to get tested by their healthcare provider, or state, tribal, localexternal icon, or territorial health department.
CDC recommends that anyone with any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 get tested, regardless of vaccination status or prior infection. If you get tested because you have symptoms or were potentially exposed to the virus, you should stay away from others pending test results and follow the advice of your health care provider or a public health professional.
COVID-19 Testing Locations
https://mn.gov/covid19/get-tested/testing-locations/index.jsp
We have masks available to AbbeyCare employees and clients. Please contact our office to inquire how to obtain.
AbbeyCare, Inc.
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