To the patients and families we serve,

You have probably seen media coverage of the coronavirus (COVID-19). COVID-19 is a new viral infection that causes respiratory illness with symptoms such as a cough, fever and in severe cases, pneumonia.

While COVID-19 is new, infectious disease control and emergency preparedness is not new for Caris Healthcare. We are continuing to follow our infectious disease control processes and we regularly train on emergency preparedness year-round.

This letter is to reassure you that Caris Healthcare is working diligently to protect you and your loved one. Our employees are utilizing the infection control standards as issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which includes:

• Good hygiene and hand washing
• Cough and sneeze etiquette
• Avoiding touching their face
• Properly disposing of used healthcare supplies
• Sanitizing all healthcare equipment and high touch surfaces
• Utilizing personal protective equipment supplies when appropriate

We recommend you practice these infection control standards as well. The CDC recommends the following guidelines for caregivers of high-risk patients:

• Know what medications your loved one is taking
• Monitor food and other medical supplies needed and create a back-up plan
• Stock up on non-perishable food items to have on hand in your home to minimize trips to stores
• If you care for a loved one living in a care facility, monitor the situation, ask about the health of the other residents frequently and know the protocol if there is an outbreak

If you feel your loved one has an infection, please contact Caris Healthcare for a nurse to assess the symptoms and collaborate with a physician to determine the most appropriate interventions.

CDC standards regarding COVID-19 is rapidly evolving. Caris Healthcare is monitoring these changes and will communicate with you as necessary.

Thank you for trusting Caris Healthcare to care for you and your loved one.

Sincerely,

Paul Saylor

President and CEO