June 8, 2021
In today’s update, you will find important information, including:
- Join Today’s Live Audio Broadcast
- Remind Patients: Masks are Still Required
- Eye Protection Requirements Remain Unchanged
- Vaccination Quick Facts
- Words from Our Members
Join Today’s Live Audio Broadcast
Tune in today for our LIVE audio broadcast, starting at 12:10 p.m. Topics on the agenda include:
- Welcome & Community Update | Wendy Watson
- KP Vaccine Update | Dr. Eric Warshaw and Michelle Teeples
- Clinical Vaccine Update | Dr. Katie Sharff
- Q&A | All
- Closing Comments | Dr. Mary Giswold
https://sparkstreetdigital.zoom.us/j/91660184663 (Audio only)
Dial In: +1 669 900 9128 Webinar ID: 916 6018 4663
Or iPhone one-tap: +16699009128,,91660184663#
Remind Patients: Masks Are Still Required
When helping patients with appointments, and when greeting them upon arrival, please inform them that masks are required in all Kaiser Permanente facilities. The May 13 CDC guidance eased mask-wearing recommendations for vaccinated people in public places, however, the recommendations do not apply to health care settings.
With the removal of greeters at most medical and dental office buildings, we have put up signs to remind members as they enter our facilities. If you need support in reminding members about the policy, consider saying: “Welcome in! For your safety and the safety of others, state health departments are continuing to require anyone age 2 or older to wear a face mask whenever they are in one of our buildings. If you do not have one with you, I am happy to provide one for you. Thank you.”
Eye Protection Requirements Remain Unchanged
The guidance dated 11-20-2020 is still in effect. Universal eye protection is currently REQUIRED for all encounters with patients since we’re experiencing moderate to substantial community transmission of COVID-19. Wearing eye protection in addition to a face mask or an N95 ensures the eyes, nose, and mouth are all protected from exposure to respiratory secretions during encounters in health care settings.
Vaccination Quick Facts
Here is a snapshot of the most current vaccination data as of June 7. Visit the COVID-19 Quick Facts Dashboard for up-to-date, key data on the virus and vaccines.
Weekly Testing Turnaround Times
The average routine COVID-19 testing turnaround time (TAT) for the week of May 31 to June 6 is 15.6 hours. Member communications, including kp.org and call center scripts, inform members that TAT is usually within 24-48 hours so they can plan accordingly for travel.
Words from Our Members
“Kaiser Permanente has done an amazing job in responding to the needs of patients during the COVID pandemic as well as in better times. I have been a member for 43 years, starting at Kaiser Permanente Sunset in Los Angeles! I have been a Patient Partner for about 5 years, and I love being able to provide the patient voice. It is because our Staff is on board and embraces patient and family centered care that we are a five-star system! What more could we ask?”