Christian Health is Committed to Community Health and Safety

Christian Health (CHCC) is committed to keeping everyone on our campuses in Wayne and Wyckoff, NJ, and our community-at-large, safe and healthy. Emergency preparedness and infection-control efforts are well underway, and CHCC staff are vigilantly monitoring current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and New Jersey Department of Health Guidelines related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

“Christian Health of Wyckoff, one of the largest multi-faceted senior and mental health-care facilities in northern New Jersey, continues to remain fully committed to infection prevention and control in light of the global coronavirus outbreak, as well as many other infections and diseases that might pose a risk to those under our care,” said Allen Khademi, MD, CHCC’s Vice President of Medical Affairs.

“This includes our clinical team, all staff, visitors, volunteers, and community members-at-large. Communication and education are key to ensuring that safety and prevention precautions and recommendations are in place at all times. We work diligently every day to proactively prevent and quickly react to the spread of any virus or infection in close collaboration with area healthcare partners,” said Dr. Khademi.

“On any given day, CHCC cares for 987 long-term care residents and independent seniors, as well as 449 short-term rehab and mental-health inpatients and outpatients,” said Julie Lee, CHCC Senior Vice President and spokesperson. “CHCC staffs over 900 full/part-time and contracted employees, including physicians, and welcomes over 200 active volunteers. With such a large population of individuals on our three campuses each and every day, CHCC’s established infection-control and clinical expertise, as well as aggressive preparedness, are what keeps all of us extremely aware and committed to protecting the health and safety of all those we serve.”

What You Can Do to Keep Yourself Safe and Healthy

COVID-19 is a respiratory infection caused by a novel, or new, coronavirus that is currently being spread from person to person in certain geographic areas. CHCC recommends visiting www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/ and www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/ncov.shtml to learn more about COVID-19, myths, symptoms, prevention, and treatment.

“All community members should be mindful and follow CDC guidelines on how they can keep themselves safe,” said Dr. Khademi. “These recommendations include thorough and frequent hand-washing (for at least 20 seconds) as the best way to prevent the spread. Hand sanitizers are not always an effective alternative to different viral infections. Common and frequently used objects, surfaces, smartphones, and tablets should be regularly disinfected. Cover sneezes and coughs with the inside of your elbow, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Caretakers should wear personal protective equipment when indicated, which may include code-approved masks, gloves, and gowns.”

One of the best protective methods against COVID-19 and any other virus or infection is proper handwashing. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Hand sanitizers must be 60 to 95 percent alcohol-based in order to be an effective alternative.

For the health and safety of our community, please do not visit CHCC or other health-care facilities if you are experiencing a fever, cough, shortness of breath, have recently traveled in high-exposure areas, or have been in close contact with people exhibiting symptoms. Similarly, if you have a scheduled outpatient appointment and have experienced any of the above, we ask that you postpone your sessions and call to reschedule once you have received medical clearance from your primary care physician.

If you have questions about CHCC-specific precautions, please call (201) 904-3233 or visit ChristianHealthCare.org. For all other COVID-19 questions and concerns, please refer to www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/ and www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/ncov.shtml or call the New Jersey Coronavirus Call Center at (800) 962-1253 for the most current news and information.