COVID-19 Contact Numbers
Vaccine and Staff Testing Questions:
Infection Control Office
315-361-2907
(internal ext: 1138 or 1438)
External Questions:
Madison County COVID-19 Hotline
315-366-2770
Oneida County COVID-19 Hotline
315-798-5439
NYS Department of Health COVID-19 Hotline
1-888-364-3065
Employee COVID-19 Resources, Testing, and Vaccine Information
The Employee Health Department is here for employees who are feeling ill, concerned about COVID-19 exposure, or who need clearance to return to work. We also vaccinate employees. Below is some helpful information related to hours, exposure, self-monitoring, and tip sheets we recently distributed. Please call us if you have any COVID-19 health questions.
- 7:00 am – 8:00 am
- 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Tuesday:
- 7:30 am – 8:30 am
Wednesday:
- 8:00 am – 9:30 am
- 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Friday:
- 7:00 am – 8:00 am
- 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
If you cannot come during these hours, please call to make an appointment 315-361-2907 (internal extension: 1138 or 1438).
In an effort to keep our patients, residents, and staff safe, we have developed a COVID-19 Symptom Monitoring Tracking System Tool. All healthcare workers (including students, contracted staff, volunteers, etc) affiliated with Oneida Health will be required to monitor temperature and symptoms related to COVID-19 once a day prior to the start of their shift. Monitoring of symptoms is a NYSDOH requirement and will be audited by governing bodies.
Anyone who answers “yes” or who has a temperature reading of >100.0 should notify their manager and/or infection control (during normal business hours) before reporting to work. Reporting to work should be considered an attestation that you do not have any symptoms related to COVID-19.
Any questions, please feel free to contact Employee Health at x2907 or x1438
Employee Health COVID-19 Screening Tool (PDF) (updated 12.29.21)
If you believe you have been exposed through direct or indirect contact with a person who is presumed or confirmed to have COVID-19, please contact employee health immediately.
315-361-2907 (internal extension: 1138 or 1438).
If you are vaccinated and have a household member who has tested positive for COVID:
- You will be required to be tested on the 5th day after your household member became symptomatic or tested positive, whichever came first. You will then be tested again on day 7. If the test returns positive, your 10-day quarantine will begin on the day of your positive test result.
- You can continue to work throughout this time as long as you are symptom monitoring every day and report no symptoms. Your manager/supervisor will be responsible for checking your symptom monitoring sheets.
- If at any time you develop symptoms, Employee Health should be notified and you should cease working.
- You will be required to wear an N95 throughout your work shifts until your household member’s quarantine is over.
- You should not take unmasked work breaks or lunch breaks with other staff members to avoid accidental exposure.
- If non-patient-facing tasks are available they should be prioritized
Exposures outside of household members are handled on a case-by-case basis and need to be discussed with Employee Health.
Employees are highly encouraged to receive the COVID-19 Vaccine for the safety of our staff, patients, and residents. ECF employees should discuss vaccine availability with their supervisors. All other employees are encouraged to call Employee Health. You may also choose to receive the vaccine at a local community vaccine center. Here are just a few options to find Vaccination Centers near you.
Madison County COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics
Benefits of Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine
Myths and Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines
FAQs about COVID-19 Vaccination: CDC & NYSDOH
Key Things to Know about COVID-19 Vaccines
Understanding mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines
Answering Your Questions about the Safety and Effectiveness of COVID-19 Vaccines
Clinical Care Considerations for COVID-19 Vaccination
COVID-19 Vaccines While Pregnant or Breastfeeding
Considered Fully Vaccinated:
Healthcare personnel are considered fully vaccinated when all mandated COVID-19 vaccine doses have been received, including any booster dose(s) when eligible.
Wearing a Mask When Fully Vaccinated
Fully vaccinated people will not need to wear a mask or social distancing indoors or
outdoors except where required by federal, state, tribal nation, or local regulations.
Fully vaccinated people will still need to wear a mask:
- On public transportation (airplanes, buses, trains, subways, taxis, etc.)
- In transportation hubs (airports, bus/train/subway stations)
- In healthcare settings, including medical offices, nursing homes, and hospitals
- While visiting prisons (follow current guidance inside prisons)
- In homeless shelters
- At Pre-K–12 schools
Private venues (restaurants, stores, workplaces, businesses) may choose to require you to wear a mask and social distance regardless of your vaccination status.
If you begin to have symptoms of COVID-19, you should get tested, stay home, and wear a mask around others.
If you have an underlying health condition or weakened immune system you should talk
to your healthcare provider to learn if you need to take extra steps to protect yourself.
At the Workplace When Fully Vaccinated
- You still must follow your employer’s guidelines about wearing masks.
- Businesses may either require masks and 6 feet of social distancing or follow CDC’s recommendation for fully vaccinated people (Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People).
- You must continue wearing masks if you work in a healthcare setting.
- You may need to continue to be tested for COVID-19 if you live or work in a residential healthcare facility, correctional facility, detention facility, or homeless shelter and are around someone who has COVID-19.
Gatherings and Events When Fully Vaccinated
- As of May 19, 2021, NYS social gathering limits are 250 attendees indoors and 500 attendees outdoors (NYS/CDC Guidance Summary ).
- Businesses and indoor events above the gathering limit require unvaccinated individuals above the age of four to present proof of recent negative COVID-19 test results.
- The NYS Department of Health strongly recommends masks and 6 feet of social distancing indoors where vaccination status is not known.
Domestic Travelers
- Domestic travel is defined as travel lasting 24 hours or longer to states or US territories other than contiguous states (i.e., Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont).
- There are generally no quarantine, work furlough, or testing requirements for asymptomatic domestic travelers.
- All unvaccinated domestic travelers who have not recovered from COVID-19 in the past 3 months are recommended to get tested 3-5 days after arrival in New York, consider non-mandated self-quarantine (7 days if tested on day 3-5, otherwise 10 days), and avoid contact with people at higher risk for severe disease for 14 days, regardless of test result. Contact Employee Health to schedule a COVID-19 test if this applies to you.
International Travelers
- Fully vaccinated individuals who have not recovered from COVID-19 in the past 3 months are recommended to get tested 3-5 days after arrival in New York from international travel. Contact Employee Health to schedule a COVID-19 test if this applies to you.
- All unvaccinated international travelers who have not recovered from COVID-19 in the past 3 months are recommended to get tested 3-5 days after arrival in New York, consider non-mandated self-quarantine (7 days if tested on day 3-5, otherwise 10 days), and avoid contact with people at higher risk for severe disease for 14 days, regardless of test result. Contact Employee Health to schedule a COVID-19 test if this applies to you.
Irrespective of quarantine, all travelers must:
- Monitor symptoms daily from the day of arrival in New York through day 14;
- Continue strict adherence to all recommended non-pharmaceutical interventions, including hand hygiene and the use of face coverings, through Day 14 (even if fully vaccinated); and
- Must immediately self-isolate if any symptoms develop and contact the local public health authority or their healthcare provider to report this change in clinical status and determine if they should seek testing.
There are a number of measures, including the vaccine, that can be taken to reduce your chances of getting COVID-19 no matter if you are at work, in public, or at home. From washing your hands, and practicing social distancing, to following respiratory hygiene, there is an opportunity to reduce your chances of getting COVID-19. Below is an educational flyer to communicate these measures.
Preventive Measures for COVID-19 (PDF) (updated 4.5.20)
The document below addresses in detail the following areas: mandatory monitoring of all staff, symptomatic healthcare employees, if you have been tested for COVID-19, and employees who have been exposed to COVID-19 in a healthcare setting.
Employee & Healthcare Workers Monitoring, Testing and Clearance Process (PDF) . (updated 1.12.22)
We have received many questions from employees concerned about the health of their family members. As a response, we have created a tip sheet offering recommendations which may reduce the chance of you exposing those at home when returning from work.
Guidelines to Protect Family Members of Healthcare Workers (PDF) (updated 3.31.20)
The PDF below is a helpful 4-step guide on how to protect your facial skin as it relates to wearing a N95 face mask daily. It provides tips on how to prep your skin, release the pressure, how do it safely, and help facial wounds heal.
Protecting Facial Skin (PDF) (updated 4.23.20)
Early studies have shown that soap is better for disinfecting your hands than other traditional methods. Of course, any form of disinfectant is better than none, but soap is preferred if it is readily available.
Why Soap is Better Fact Sheet (PDF) (updated 4.7.20)
Other Helpful Employee Resources
As we and the nation learn more about PPE usage as it relates to preventing the spread of COVID-19, we have created PPE practices for our different clinical and nonclinical areas. These guidelines are reviewed daily.
PPE Guidelines for Hospital and Quick Care (PDF) (updated 4.27.21)
PPE Guidelines for Outpatient Network of Primary and Specialty Care (PDF) (updated 12.30.20)
PPE for treating patients suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 (PDF) (updated 4.17.20)
PPE Guidelines for Non-Clinical Staff (PDF) (updated 4.17.20)
Personal Protective Equipment Instructions for KN95
The following attachment provides instructions on the use of 3M n95 and K n95 masks. It applies to the ACF (hospital) only.
Personal Protective Equipment Instructions for KN95 (PDF) (updated 5.28.20)
Donning Videos
Doffing Videos
Donning, doffing, and storage of your n95
- N95s are required for care of COVID positive or suspected patients (to include all ED patients as COVID status is unknown)
- N95s are required for the care of ANY patient undergoing an aerosol-generating procedure
- Use one N95 per day unless contaminated
- In order to prevent contamination, wear a surgical mask over the top of your N95 (or a face shield)
- If caring for multiple COVID+ patients, removal/changing of surgical mask is not necessary between patients
- Use a clean surgical mask if switching to non-COVID patient care
Checklist for Cleaning of High Touch Areas
Cleaning Checklist for High Touch Areas (PDF) (updated 5.20.20)
Communication of Advance Care Planning
Having conversations with families about Advance Care Planning is important to their loved one’s care. Excellus offers helpful guidance in their Advanced Caring Brochure (PDF).
Policy for Families Bringing in Items to Patients (PDF) (updated 4.7.20)
Exercise and Health Classes
*Please note that we are not endorsing any one vendor or business over another. Please review them carefully before signing up.
Peloton – Free 3 month Trial on the Peloton App
Planet Fitness offers lots of free workout videos on their YouTube channel
Healthy Sleeping Tips
Getting a good night’s sleep is essential to your overall well-being. Do you love to grab a snack before bed? Be aware that what you choose to eat can impact your ability to get a good night’s rest.
Beware:
- Large portions and high fat foods (like French fries) interfere with falling asleep.
- Spicy foods slow down digestion.
- Alcohol may make you feel drowsy and have a relaxing effect at first, then cause you to wake up because it interferes with deep sleep and interrupts the sleep cycle.
- The stimulant powers of caffeine, found in coffee, tea or chocolate, take several hours to wear off. Even decaf has some caffeine.
- High-sugar foods and overeating can also interfere with your ability to sleep.
The good news? Some bedtime snacks can help you take in nutrients your body needs. Going to bed hungry can keep you awake so the next time you want a night time snack, try a small portion of one of these healthy options about an hour before you turn in.
- Nuts, including walnuts, almonds, cashews and pistachios
- Seeds, such as flax seeds, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds
- Whole-grain cereal with low-fat milk
- Peanut butter on whole-grain toast
- Low-fat cheese with whole-grain crackers
- One ounce of turkey or chicken on a slice of whole grain bread
- Bananas and other foods high in potassium, which helps you to stay asleep
- A container of low-fat yogurt
- A cup of low-fat milk
- A slice of low-fat cheese, such as mozzarella
Reduce Eating from Boredom or Stress Tips
Below is a video from A Healthier Upstate with some helpful tips related to reducing cravings or over eating due to boredom or stress.
Features include:
- Evidence based, holistic approach to smoking cessation
- Repeatable six-week program
- Daily multimedia to-do checklist
- Check ins and alerts
- Articles and videos
- 24/7 support through Smokefree.gov
- Additional support for quitting smokeless tobacco and e-cigarettes
To get started, download the FREE Wellframe app today from your mobile device and use the access code: EXCELLUS
If you need someone to talk to, we are here for you. Please talk to your manager or supervisor.
Meditation and Mindfulness Tools
The following are mediation and mindfulness tools that are currently free.
Headspace
Headspace, a global leader in mindfulness and meditation, is offering free meditation and mindfulness content. You can access a collection of science-backed, evidence-based guided meditations, along with at-home mindful workouts, sleep and kids content to help address rising stress and anxiety Please visit headspace.com for more information.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides free, confidential short-term counseling services to Oneida Health employees and your covered dependents. Licensed social workers trained provide counseling services to individuals in need of personal assistance provide counseling. For questions or an appointment, contact 315-697-3949.
Available Monday-Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Mental Health and Support Hotlines
The following support services are free and confidential.
Psychological Support for Nursing Home Staff
PsychAssociates, in association with Leading Age, is offering free emotional support to nursing home staff, caregivers, family members, and members of hard-hit communities. The support line can be reached any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please call 212-851-8101 or 212-851-8100 or email support@psychassociates.com
NAMI Crisis Lines (24/7 support)
The NAMI HelpLine is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health conditions, their family members and caregivers, mental health providers, and the public. HelpLine staff and volunteers are experienced, well-trained and able to provide guidance. Text NAMI to 741-741
Text for crisis is available 24/7
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (24/7 support)
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call: 1-(800)-273-8255
Alternate option: 24 Hour Suicide & Crisis Hotline Contact: 1-877-400-8740
County Mental Health Hot Lines
Madison County: 315-366-2327
Oneida County: 315-732-6228
New York State COVID-19 Emotional Support Helpline
New York State has created an emotional support helpline to provide support to those struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, trauma, and grief. From 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, 7 days a week. Call: 1-844-863-9314
Disaster Distress Hotline (24/7 support)
The Disaster Distress Helpline can provide immediate counseling to anyone who is seeking help in coping with the mental or emotional effects caused by developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Available 24-hour a day, seven-days-a-week. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746.
Chemical Dependency/Gambling Support
New York State HOPEline offers confidential help for alcoholism, drug abuse and problem gambling; toll-free, call 1-877-8-HOPENY.
There are also many online organizations who offer free recovery and addiction resources:
- Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation
- Friends of Recovery NY Includes Help for Families
- Partnership for Drug-Free Kids
- Recovery on the Air – 12 Step Radio
- Remote Self Help for Problem Gamblers
Domestic Violence Support
The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Care for Caretakers
Emotional support for staff is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by phone. Staff should call 315-464-THEM(8436) and ask to speak with a social worker. Social workers are available to listen, offer support, and provide information and resources.
Signs of anxiety
- Persistent worry or feeling overwhelmed by emotions.
- Excessive worry about a number of concerns, such as health problems or finances, and a general sense that something bad is
going to happen. - Restlessness and irritability.
- Difficulty concentrating, sleep problems and generally feeling on edge.
Signs of a panic attack
- Sweating, trembling, shortness of breath or a feeling of choking.
- A pounding heart or rapid heart rate, and feelings of dread.
- Such attacks often happen suddenly, without warning.
- People who experience panic attacks often become fearful about when the next episode will occur, which can cause them to change or restrict their normal activities.
Signs of depression
- A lack of interest and pleasure in daily activities.
- Significant weight loss or gain.
- Insomnia or excessive sleeping.
- Lack of energy or an inability to concentrate.
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt.
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.
Risk factors for suicide
- Talking about dying or harming oneself.
- Recent loss through death, divorce, separation, even loss of interest in friends, hobbies and activities previously enjoyed.
- Changes in personality like sadness, withdrawal, irritability or anxiety.
- Changes in behavior, sleep patterns and eating habits.
- Erratic behavior, harming self or others.
- Low self-esteem including feelings of worthlessness, guilt or self-hatred.
- No hope for the future, believing things will never get better or nothing will change.
Help is available. If you need someone to talk to, we are here for you. Please talk to your manager or supervisor. Please also visit the resources contained in this section for more details based on what type of support you, a co-worker, friend, or loved one may need.
Clear Path for Veterans:
The Clear Path for Veterans COVID-19 Community Task Force, formed in response to community need during a time of crisis, provides emergency services to Veterans, military members, and their families. They are located in Chittenango. For more information, please click here (PDF).
A Healthier Upstate – Health & Wellness in Upstate NY
A community resource, a healthier you provides health and wellness expertise, news and trends for every phase of life—from fertility and pregnancy to raising kids to end-of-life issues, while creating a network of support. To learn more, click here.
Parenting During COVID-19
New York State provides free Parenting resources to help support you during the Coronavirus pandemic. Go to www.nysparenting.org and download their parenting resource guide. This helpful resource packet includes: Daily Schedule Ideas for Home, Parenting During a Pandemic, At Home Activities, Movement Activities, FREE online Resources, Addressing Challenging Behaviors at Home
Food Bank of Central New York
Call to discuss your current needs and to receive food referrals. Serves an 11 county area. They are open from 8am-4:30pm Monday through Friday. Please call 315-437-1899.
Financial Concerns
The Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Rochester, who serves all of New York State, is offering free consultation to discuss your current financial concerns. They are open from 9am-5pm Monday through Friday. Please call 585-546-3440.
Health Insurance
For individuals who may have lost coverage due to COVID-19, NYS of Health is offering assistance. Please call 1-877-355-5777 or visit them online at www.info.nysofhealth.gov. For assistance with the application process contact please contact ACR Health at 315-475-2430.
Online Resources to Stay Connected and Stay Well
LeadingAge New York has compiled a list of online resources for seniors and loved ones to use while practicing social distancing. Find out more at www.leadingageny.org or download their COVID-19 PDF resource page.
For Questions:
Please submit any questions you may have by emailing anarrow@hr888888.com.