Nexus Recovery Services COVID-19 Update
Offering Accredited Virtual Outpatient Treatment Programs
Here at Nexus, we are dedicated to helping those struggling with substance abuse and mental health disorders no matter what. It is for this reason that we are now offering virtual outpatient treatment for those in need. Give us a call at 310-881-9151 or click the button below to learn more.
COVID-19 Health & Safety Protocols
Updated as of 12.23.2020
The Nexus Recovery Services community has expanded its health and safety protocols to accommodate for the COVID-19 outbreak based on recommendations by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. We encourage all those in our extended community to access information directly from public health officials. The safety of our clients and staff is our top priority. We are working diligently to keep our entire community safe while also providing a continuum of care for our clients. Currently, Nexus Recovery Services is open and operating. In the event that we are asked to temporarily suspend service – we have a plan in place to continue our continuity of care so that our clients still receive the support they need during this difficult time.
The protocols currently in place are as follows:
- Client census in the building at any time is being kept to 8 clients or less.
- We are clustering clients into “pods” to prevent exposure
- More than half of our census has transitioned to a completely telehealth program.
- All individual sessions are happening via telehealth to allow for distancing.
- We have developed stricter admissions criteria to be cautious for any new intakes that may occur during this time.
- New clients must step down from a residential program, must be living in a sober living home, can’t have been out of the state of CA in the last 30 days & traveled through an airport 14 days prior to admission, will receive confirmation for any observed symptoms from both their sober living and residential program, etc.
- Staff and clients using separate entrances for temperature checks and the building has been partitioned to staff only and client only areas.
- We are checking temperatures daily for staff and clients who are in the building.
- We are using two infrared digital thermometers to ensure accuracy
- Clients or staff with a fever in excess of 100.3 degrees Fahrenheit will be asked to go home until their symptoms subside and they receive a doctor’s clearance to return to work
- We are actively encouraging staff and clients to stay at home if they are sick.
- Maintaining flexible policies to permit staff to stay at home to care for a sick family member, elderly person or child
- If any staff or clients are present at Nexus and start to display symptoms, they will be sent home and told to contact their doctor if they are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
- Any client or staff experiencing symptoms will require a doctor’s note before returning to work and a minimum of a two week period from being asymptomatic prior to returning
- In the event of a client being asked to refrain from receiving in-person treatment, we can move them into our fully telehealth program
- Daily, we are using an assessment tool to gauge symptoms in addition to using infrared thermometers to take the temperatures of clients & staff
- Any client or staff experiencing symptoms will require a doctor’s note before returning to work and a minimum of a two week period from being asymptomatic prior to returning
- We are no longer using traditional pen and paper sign-in sheets; our front desk staff will check in and check out clients as they arrive and leave the building.
- We have taken measures to spread out staff throughout the building – and staggered shifts to keep the number of staff on-site to a minimum.
- We will no longer allow visitors in the building or be conducting tours. We are going to keep the building to just clients and staff until further notice.
- If you are interested in touring our facility you can do so virtually here
- We are practicing good hand hygiene – utilizing alcohol based hand sanitizer (60% alcohol content or greater) and encouraging hand washing for a minimum of 20 seconds.
- We are requiring all staff and clients to practice frequent hand washing with soap and running water throughout the day and upon arrival to the building
- Hand sanitizer is currently available by the front entrance and throughout the building for both clients and staff
Requiring employees to use hand sanitizer regularly
- Sanitization stations, disinfectant wipes, and masks are stationed and made available throughout the building.
- We are encouraging staff and clients to avoid large crowds and maintain social distancing of 6 feet when in public and making accommodations to support 6 feet of social distancing while at Nexus.
- All groups at Nexus will occur in our large group room to allow for better ventilation and six feet of distancing between all clients and facilitators
- Office congregation is being kept to a minimum and maintaining six feet of distancing throughout the office
- Utilizing flexible hours for staff and staggering shifts to create more room for distancing
- Discouraging staff from entering each others offices and utilizing each others phones, desk or tools/other equipment
- Email communication is strongly encouraged
- We are increasing housekeeping efforts and utilizing disinfectant cleaning supplies on frequently touched surfaces, including the wipe down of chairs after each group and morning/afternoon sessions, equipment, and other elements of the work environment.
- We are keeping the building fans on to continuously circulate fresh air.
- We have provided large HEPA filters and placed them in common areas.
- We are providing tissues, no touch trash cans, hand soap, alcohol based hand rubs (minimum 60% alcohol content), disinfectants, and disposable towels to maintain a safe and clean work environment.
- We are encouraging and reminding staff and clients to limit touching of one’s face.
- We are encouraging and reminding staff and clients to cover mouths/noses when coughing or sneezing and practice respiratory etiquette.
- Using your sleeve is good, kleenex is best
We have developed an emergency communication plan for all staff
- Using your sleeve is good, kleenex is best
- We have posted hand washing signs and coronavirus information throughout the building to ensure proper education and information is available.
- We are encouraging and reminding staff and clients that maintaining a proper diet and sleep schedule are important in supporting a healthy immune system.
Additionally, we have materials from the CDC website posted throughout the office for information and educational purposes. Having a unified message and course of action is important during this time.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Thank you,
The Nexus Recovery Services Leadership Team
