Information on the Virus

We wanted to let all PCA’s know that we are continuing to monitor and review guidance by the CDC and MN Department of Health. Fortunately, your work is one on one in the home rather than a group setting in public, which is the primary concern. They are currently recommending no group activities of 10 or more people where social distancing cannot occur.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. The vast majority of people recover from the virus.
In other good news, the Star Tribune reported that the Mayo Clinic's first batch of coronavirus tests found no sign of the virus in 90 samples, a clinic official said Friday, and suggests the virus in Minnesota is likely not widespread at this point. In addition, estimated projections of the virus do not indicate a likelihood of spread to northern Minnesota. Please know that the measures being taken are not reactive, but preventative measures to decrease the spread and eliminate the virus sooner than later. It is important to remain calm and take measures as you would during any winter/flu season. If you or a client is ill, stay home. The most important thing to prevent any spread of illness is to WASH YOUR HANDS AND COVER YOUR COUGH/SNEEZES.
Here is useful information from the centers for disease control:
Take steps to protect yourself
1. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, creating friction and lather by rubbing hands together and scrubbing fingertips.
2. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
4. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
5. Stay home if you’re sick.
6. Cover coughs and sneezes by coughing or sneezing into your shirt.
7. You can wear a facemask if you are sick, but do not need to do this if you are not sick.
8. Clean and disinfect surfaces including doorknobs, light switches, handles, phones, keyboards, faucets, countertops.
9. Stay out of heavily congregated places. Perhaps consider no travel in the affected counties in Minnesota at this time. Here is more information about washing your hands.
You can help yourself and your loved ones stay healthy by washing your hands often, especially during these key times when you are likely to get and spread germs:
• Before, during, and after preparing food
• Before eating food
• Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea
• Before and after treating a cut or wound
• After using the toilet
• After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
• After handling pet food or pet treats
• After touching garbage
Follow Five Steps to Wash Your Hands the Right Way Washing your hands is easy, and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Clean hands can stop germs from spreading from one person to another and throughout an entire community—from your home and workplace to childcare facilities and hospitals. Follow these five steps every time.
1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

In response to COVID-19, the Minnesota Legislature approved a temporary rate increase of 8.4% starting Dec. 1, 2020 and will be in effect until February 7, 2021.
The legislation required that employers pass on at least 80% of the 8.4% increase to PCAs in wages and benefits and the corresponding increase in the employer’s share of FICA taxes, Medicare taxes, state and federal unemployment taxes and workers compensation premiums.
This rate increase does not apply to Qualified Professionals, office staff, homemaking hours and respite hours.
This is back dated to December 1st and we will Retro-active pay to their paystubs as soon as DHS has paid the agency.
If any PCA does not feel that they received the compensation-related increase as required, you should contact the office at 218-301-0461.
Thanks, Absolute PCA