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.

Boosters

Boosters are available to staff.

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.

Masks

Effective February 15, 2023, masks will be OPTIONAL for staff, patients and visitors in our Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient programs in MA, CT, and GA.

Masks are still required for inpatient and residential level of care. Regardless of vaccination status, all staff must wear a mask unless they are in a private office or are eating, maintaining a 6-foot physical distance from all others. Masks are available at Walden offices and facilities. N95 masks and other PPE needed to safely perform your job are available at all Walden locations. If you do not have access to appropriate PPE, please speak to your manager.

Positive Tests

Staff who test positive, regardless of vaccination status, are required to take the below precautions:

• Notify your direct supervisor and HR.
• Staff who can work remotely should make arrangements with their direct supervisor.
• Stay home for five days.
• For symptomatic staff, day 0 is the first day of symptoms.
• For asymptomatic staff, day 0 is the day of the positive test.
• Return to work on day 6 if you have no fever for 24 hours and symptoms significantly improved. A negative test is not required.
• Wear a well-fitting mask (KN95/N95s are preferred) around others through day 10; eat separated from others days 6-10.

Exposure

Inpatient and Residential staff who have been exposed to someone with COVID (both unmasked for 15 minutes within 6 feet) should continue to be diligent about mask wearing for the next ten days. Masking for ten days after an exposure is highly encouraged for staff, patients and visitors in our Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient programs in MA, CT, and GA.

Patients & Visitors

Per licensing regulations, healthcare organizations are not authorized to restrict visiting or access to care based on vaccination status.

For patients and families attending in-person PHP, please follow the policies in place for staff who test positive or who have been exposed to someone with COVID.