HEALTHCARE ALERT – ImageFIRST Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update #1

The purpose of this communication is to align our handling procedures of soiled textiles, particularly those that have potentially been exposed to the coronavirus COVID-19.

As healthcare and public policy officials determine effective strategies to contain the coronavirus outbreak, ImageFIRST is requesting clients with potentially coronavirus contaminated soiled linen and garments to treat them as medical waste and dispose of pursuant to federal and state requirements.

Please notify your Service Representative should this occur.

This is a good opportunity to reinforce adherence to established practices for handling soiled textiles, which plays a critical role in reducing environmental transmission and averting a medical crisis.  Per the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council (HLAC) Standards, all soiled linen and garments should be handled as if it is contaminated.  It is imperative anyone handling soiled linen and garments follow universal precautions ensuring proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), soiled textiles are properly bagged, and hands are thoroughly washed.  As requested, soiled linen and garments potentially contaminated with the coronavirus COVID-19 should be discarded as medical waste pursuant to federal and state requirements.  We encourage our clients to remind their staff of the importance of following these standards and of their essential role in reducing the risk of an epidemic.

ImageFIRST is already engaged in and committed to infection prevention best practices in this regard and, except for not accepting product potentially contaminated with the coronavirus COVID-19, does not plan on deviating from their current processes. The CDC and HLAC have not issued additional or special procedure directives.  We will monitor and make the necessary enhancement to our infection prevention practices.

This is a rapidly evolving situation.  We will share information and changes in our practices as necessary.

We appreciate our customers' cooperation and want to thank them for their partnership. Together, we can continue to ensure we provide patients and staff as safe of an environment as we can. Rest assured we will continue to proactively stay informed and communicate as needed.