COVID-19 Policy

Staff

Walden has a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy to safeguard the health of our patients and staff. The policy complies with all applicable laws and is based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of Public Health, and all applicable state and local health orders. We strongly believe that this is the best path forward as a company. As of December 1, 2021, all Walden staff coming onsite must meet the requirements of the mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy.

Testing

Testing is available to staff and patients on a regular basis at the Walden Center for Recovery. If you would like to get a COVID-19 PCR test, please email receptionists@waldenbehavioralcare.com. Connecticut residents can visit portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus/TestingSiteListings. Georgia residents can visit dph.georgia.gov/covidtesting.

Patients

Ambulatory Programs: All patients are required to be vaccinated to participate in in-person programming.

Center for Recovery: All patients admitted must have a negative COVID test prior to admission. Any patient that is not vaccinated will be offered the vaccine upon admission. Per DMH guidelines, Walden cannot refuse admission to the Center for Recovery due to a patient’s vaccination status.

Dunwoody Residential: All patients are required to be vaccinated prior to admission.

Visitors

All visitors are required to be vaccinated at Center for Recovery, Dunwoody Residential and Ambulatory.

Boosters

Boosters will be available to staff dependent on supply.

General Hygiene

Staff and patients need to be reminded to wash their hands frequently. There should be no hugging or handshaking. Hand washing will be monitored regularly.

Travel

We encourage anyone traveling outside of the U.S. to have a negative COVID test upon return.

Symptoms

Staff should continue to self-monitor for any potential COVID symptoms and are encouraged to remain out of in-person work should any develop. These symptoms include: stuffy nose, runny nose, headache, loss of taste or smell, body aches, sore throat and GI cramping with or without diarrhea. Patients and staff must be tested if they are experiencing any of these symptoms.

Masks

Regardless of vaccination status, all staff must wear a mask unless they are in a private office or are eating. Masks are available at Walden offices and facilities. N95 masks and other PPE needed to safely perform your job will be available at all Walden locations. If you do not have access to appropriate PPE, please speak to your manager.

Exposure & Positive Tests

Staff who test positive or are directly exposed (unmasked for 15 minutes within 6 feet) to a COVID-positive person are required to take the below precautions based on their location and vaccination status. Staff who can work remotely should make arrangements with their direct supervisor.

Vaccinated Staff at All Facilities Except Center for Recovery:

• Notify your direct supervisor and HR before coming to work.
• If experiencing any symptoms and/or has received a positive test, remain out of work for at least 5 days.
• Following a COVID positive test result, you can return to work after 5 days if you are asymptomatic for at least 24 hours and have a negative rapid test result.
• If you continue to test positive after 5 days and are asymptomatic, you must wait 10 days following your initial positive test before returning to work following a negative rapid test result.
• If you continue to test positive after 10 days following your initial positive test, senior leadership will review your case and determine the appropriate timeline for your return to work.
• Wear an N95 mask while working

Vaccinated Staff at Center for Recovery:

• Notify your direct supervisor and HR before coming to work.
• If experiencing any symptoms and/or has received a positive test, remain out of work for at least 5 days.
• Following a COVID positive test result, you can return to work after 5 days if you are asymptomatic for at least 24 hours and have a negative rapid test result.
• If you continue to test positive after 5 days and are asymptomatic, you must wait 10 days following your initial positive test before returning to work following a negative rapid test result.
• If you continue to test positive after 10 days following your initial positive test, senior leadership will review your case and determine the appropriate timeline for your return to work.
• Wear an N95 mask while working.
• If you were exposed but are asymptomatic, you must receive a rapid and PCR test prior to beginning shift. If the rapid result is negative, you can resume your shift as per usual.

Unvaccinated Staff at All Facilities:

• Notify their direct supervisor and HR before coming to work.
• If experiencing any symptoms and/or has received a positive test, remain out of work for 10 days.
• Receive two negative tests to return to work taken on day 1 and day 5 following the date of exposure.
• Wear an N95 mask while working.