FAQ and Resources
This page contains a variety of information in FAQ format as well as individual resources below that include templates for staff to access needed resources as employees of an essential entity.
Employee Questions and Resources
- What are the PHS travel policies? -
a. Domestic travel and/or high risk activities (vaccinated*): No work restrictions if employee is asymptomatic and has not participated in any unsafe practices (such as not wearing mask while in close contact with large groups).
b. International travel (vaccinated*): No work restrictions if employee is asymptotic and has not participated in any unsafe practices. Recommend testing for COVID-19 3-5 days after returning from travel. If the test is positive, employee must follow either the 10-day rule from day of test OR two consecutive negative PRC tests more than 24 hours apart.
c. Domestic or international travel (without a vaccine) and/or unsafe practices during travel or high-risk activities: Employee quarantines for 10 days. Recommend testing for COVID-19 3-5 days after returning from travel or after activities. If the test is negative, quarantine may be shortened to 7 days. Please note, this is not pandemic pay eligible. Employees may work from home if the work supports full contribution, otherwise he/she will need to use PTO.
For business travel:
– PPE will be provided by PHS.
– Plan ahead with personnel at the destination for the work to be completed, areas in the building that will be occupied, and people with whom they will be in contact to ensure all precautions can be accommodated.
– COVID-19 testing will be paid for/reimbursed by the company for approved employees for business travel.- How should staff respond if appraoched by patient families or health care professionals about any COVID-19 risk in our employee pool? -
[Company Name] cares for some of the most vulnerable patients, and as such we are taking any potential COVID-19 exposure very seriously. All employees are self-reporting any symptoms or exposures, and we are conducting screening with patients and household members before making any visits. [Company Name] staff, both office and clinical are strictly adhering to local state department of health and CDC guidelines for self-monitoring, self-isolating, and seeking medical care. We have deployed as many staff to work from home as is possible while maintaining staff in the office essential to the ongoing care of our patients. We intend to continue to care for our patients’ home care needs throughout this pandemic. We are monitoring stock of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and using all appropriate precautions with regard to PPE when COVID is suspected or confirmed in our population. We greatly appreciate the trust of our families and partners in these uncertain times, our focus is on keeping our patients, and staff, safe and productive.
- Accessing emergency child care
States have recently announced that emergency childcare would be available for healthcare workers who required it to perform their jobs. As a vital healthcare provider, Pediatric Home Service and its partner company employees falls into this category.
We have prepared a letter that confirms your employment with PHS for use in obtaining emergency childcare if it becomes necessary.
- Essential employees- letter for travel
We have created a letter that our staff can use when they need to be out and about for work-related activities in the event of any state or city shutdowns/shelter in place orders. Please download this PDF, enter your name, and save the document for yourself. Either email it to yourself or print out a hard copy to keep in your vehicle.
- Where can I access past town hall meetings?
Click the title to access the PHS YouTube channel with videos from past town hall meetings.
- How can I access PPE?
PPE is being reserved for clinicians and drivers who are directly coming into contact with patient families. You can request additional PPE through this form.
- Are masks required for staff in the office? -
As of 4/7/21 the following updates have been made to the PHS office mask policy:
1. If you are fully vaccinated* you only need to wear a mask under the following conditions:
– You are less than 6 feet away from another person or
– You are in transit (i.e. walking to the bathroom, or down the hall) or
– You are in a room and someone else is wearing a mask.2. If you are fully vaccinated* and wish to return to on-site work, pending your supervisor’s approval, you may do so.
3. If you are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated*, you must continue to wear your mask all the time when performing on-site work.
- Is hand sanitizer available for staff? -
Hand sanitizer is available for office staff as well as front line staff.
Department of Health COVID Pages
Resources from National Organization
- Centers for Disease Control
Symptoms & Testing
- CDC- What To Do If You Are Sick
- The Joint Commission
- John Hopkins COVID-19 dashboard statistics
- ARC
The Arc is greatly concerned about the threat of COVID-19 to people with disabilities, their families, and the workforce that supports them. We are compiling resources to help people with intellectual and /or developmental disabilities (I/DD), their families, and service providers to understand this global pandemic.
- Cigna Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resource Center
Cigna is committed to improving your health, well-being, and peace of mind.
- Dr. On Demand
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota members, welcome to Doctor On Demand
Available when you are and without the hassle of the waiting room. Connect in minutes with board-certified doctors and licensed therapists over live video.
Self Care Resources- Mental Health
- Better Help
E-counseling platform making professional counseling accessible, affordable, convenient – so anyone who struggles with life’s challenges can get help, anytime, anywhere.
- Virus anxiety
Link to strategies to managing anxiety associated with COVID-19.
- Mindful
A website dedicated to inspiring, guiding, and connecting those who want to explore mindfulness. Resources include meditation courses and more.
- Calm
Website and mobile app designed to assist with happiness, fulfilment and joy. Experience guided meditation and stretches along with other resources. Search for “Calm” in your mobile device app store.
- Headspace
Mindfulness and meditation to help support you through this time of crisis offering meditations you can listen to anytime. Also have an app available search “Headspace” in your mobile device app store.
- Ten Percent Happier
In times like these, we need practical, actionable ways of coping with stress, fear, and anxiety. The meditations, podcasts, blog posts, and talks on this page will help you build resilience and find some calm amidst the chaos.
- Mental Health America (MHA)
As the number of cases of COVID-19 increases, so does the associated anxiety. To aid individuals and communities during this time, MHA has compiled a range of resources and information.
- Child Mind Institute
Supporting families during COVID-19. We know parents are struggling to balance work, child care and self-care while keeping worries — both your children’s and your own — under control. You don’t have to do it alone.
- learntolive
Building Resilience in Challenging Times
To learn ways to manage stress, visit learntolive.com/partners and use the code PHS.
If you’re already a Learn to Live member, simply sign-in with your username and password.- Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor.
- MN Association for Children's Mental Health
Including links to other resources around Minnesota as well as a recording of Dr. Anne Gearity’s training about helping your children manage COVID-19 realities.
Self Care Resources- Fitness
- YMCA
Whether it’s a current Y favorite or something new to you, YMCA 360 matches your lifestyle with a growing library of online videos for you and your family.
- FITNESS BLENDER
Workout videos for every fitness level. Absolutely free!
- Yoga Works
Live stream yoga classes to help with mindfulness and stress management.
- Gold’s Gym AMP
Over 600 free audio and video workouts available to both members and non-members until May 31.
Enter the code FIT60 to get started.- Darebee
An independent fitness resource offering a wide variety of free workouts and resources for any level of fitness.
- GoNoodle
Features free children’s movement and mindfulness games and videos created by child development experts.
Self Care Resources- Nutrition
- American Heart Association
Delicious. Simple. Affordable. Quick. Cooking that’s good for your heart and your wallet.
- Eating Well
Choose from a variety of recipes and search by meal or recipe type including “heart-healthy,” “high fiber,” and more.
- Fruits and Veggies for Better Health
A wide variety of recipes that incorporate fruits and/or vegetables.
- Nutritional Weight and Wellness
Learn to eat real foods in balance to create vitality from the inside out.
- Whole Grains Council
Learn how to incorporate more delicious and filling whole grains.
- Skinny Taste
Search recipes by topic. Weekly meal plans and grocery lists are also available.
- Fooducate
Empowers you to achieve your diet, health, and fitness goals. Mobile app available as well.