Dear St. Joseph’s Health Colleagues,

As we continue to transition into the endemic phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, we will be updating our COVID-19 testing policies in accordance with CDC, NYSDOH, Trinity Health. I want to thank you for your continued support and dedication to the safety of our patients and colleagues.

Pre-Operative Testing (Effective 3/3/23):

Routine testing of all patients having a procedure will no longer be required with the following exceptions:

  • Symptomatic Patients
  • Patients who have had close contact with an individual who has COVID-19 within the previous 10 days.

Testing on Admission (Effective 3/9/23):

Routine testing of all patients being admitted will no longer be required with the following exceptions:

  • Symptomatic Patients
  • Patients who have had close contact with an individual who has COVID-19 within the previous 10 days.
  • Patients being admitted to the Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit (3-6) or CPEP

Testing of patients transferring to a congregate setting (Skilled Nursing Facility, Group Home, Hospice) is still required.

Definitions:

  • Symptoms of COVID:

o   Fever or chills

o   Cough

o   Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

o   Fatigue

o   Muscle or body aches

o   Headache

o   New loss of taste or smell

o   Sore throat

o   Congestion or runny nose

o   Nausea or vomiting

o   Diarrhea

  • Exposure to COVID: close contact (<6ft for >15 minutes in a 24-hour period) to someone who is positive for COVID-19 in the previous 10 days.

Admission Testing Algorithm:

Kassandra Foley MHA, MT (ASCP)cm, CIC
Regional Director of Infection Prevention
St. Joseph’s Health and St. Peter’s Health Partners