As hard as it is to believe, we have surpassed the one-year mark since the notification of the public health emergency related to COVID-19 here in the United States.
This time last year we knew of the potential threat, but like the entire country, here in Virginia, we had no idea the gravity of what was to come and exactly how long we would be facing it. Today, parts of that mystery still exist, but there are some things related that we know to be true; our proactive approach and full-strength efforts have made all the difference in keeping our teams, our patients, and those that surround them healthy and safe across Virginia. I would like to take the opportunity to thank every person that has done their part in keeping this top of mind, especially our very own frontline heroes.
The Care Advantage COVID Task Force continues to meet regularly, pivoting and adjusting the focus as needed to guarantee that we are always thinking ahead for what may or may not come and what the best course of action is for our teams. It is certainly exciting to note the steady decline of Coronavirus cases here in the Commonwealth of Virginia, but we are certainly not allowing our guard to waiver. Our policies and procedures have proven effective and we will continue to prioritize those efforts.
Currently, vaccinations are top of mind. Immunization with a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine is a critical component of the strategy to reduce COVID-19 related illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths and to help restore societal function. Knowing that this is key, we have been tirelessly working to ensure that everyone has the information they need to either get vaccinated or at least reserve their place in line.
Although supply has been a challenge across the United States, we remain diligent in our efforts. Many of our staff have already had the opportunity to be vaccinated and we continue to push out any information as soon as received for those that are still in the queue. We have built a full resource center for each locality and are very excited about the roll out of the new Virginia Statewide Pre-Registration System. This website: vaccinate.virginia.gov OR Call Toll Free at: (877)-829-4682 is where an individual can sign up, receive updates, check the list for their status, and ultimately make an appointment to receive the vaccinations needed to reach immunity. We are ready and prepared to assist any of our staff, patients, and their loved ones in signing up. Please feel free to reach out to your local branch for any guidance or assistance with this process.
For those interested in learning more about the development of the COVID-19 vaccine, the US Department of Health and Human Services shared a video on why vaccines are so important, providing background and clarity to help viewers understand the science of vaccine development: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z06JQhyZLUI
I would again like to thank you for keeping precautions and safety as top of mind in all that you do. Also, in closing, please be sure not to forget to practice self-care.
Together we will get through this.
Safe and Healthy Thoughts.
