Author: pcfroma_org

Prevention in General

Emergency contacts:

• for any emergency: 112
• Regione Lazio operatori sanitari: 800118800
• your medico di famiglia: put in your phone book
• PCF Administration, Socials Commission Chairman and your batch Capo
• please advise the Rector (directly or through another) as soon as you have symptoms or had a test (whether positive or negative)

Universal recommendations:

• always maintain a distance of 2 meters / 6 feet
• wear mask at all times in common areas (FFP2 required in buses, metros, etc.)
• washing hands with soap and water is better than using alcohol and gels (at least 70% isopropyl alcohol)
• avoid touching face, shaking hands, patting others’ backs
• whenever possible avoid using the elevator (enclosed space, no distancing when with others, handle and buttons frequently touched, no exercise, less eco-friendly)
• sneeze into your handkerchief or upper arm rather into your hands
• whenever possible, use your wrist sleeve or elbows to open or close doors or for switches
• avoid staying in another’s room for more than 10 minutes; use common areas for meetings or conversations
• the usual cleaning procedures of rooms and other spaces greatly help lessen bacterial and viral infections, including Covid
• measure your temperature using the thermometer at the lobby
• eat healthy, sleep, rest and pray well
• be familiar with and follow the guidelines issued by the Italian Government and your university

Access and Collegio Spaces

In general

• when coming from outside Collegio, please go direct to the lobby restroom to wash your hands.
• while cases are high in Italy, we may receive guests outside the building, or if weather is bad, at the lobby near the main entrance; in such cases visitors should show their Green Pass; please wear mask and maintain social distance
• even if not required, those returning from outside Italy are requested to do some quarantine for at least three days, and do a swab test if not yet done

Common Activities

• always wear mask and maintain distancing
• for ventilation after activities in the Main Chapel, please leave the main door open; the Sisters will open a window and a doors to the sacristy and close everything after 30 minutes or so
• in the Multi-Purpose Hall leave one window on each side open for 15 minutes, and close them after to conserve heat (during winter) and for security
• in smaller rooms, leave the door and window open for five minutes, then close them after to conserve heat (during winter) and for security

In other rooms without group activities

• please ventilate by opening a window for at least 5 minutes, then close it again
• you might also wish to ventilate before using
• during winter, opening the windows for 5 or 10 minutes will change the air inside the room, and the room will quickly become warm again because the walls, floor, ceiling and furniture still maintain the heat; on the other hand, leaving windows open for long periods will just unnecessarily cool down these surfaces as well, and will require more energy to heat the room up again

Meals in the refectory

• wash hands with soap and water before serving oneself
• maintain distance
• continue to wear mask until we have taken food and sat down; avoid speaking without masks when in front of the serving table and utensils
• we may use our fresh utensils (instead of the serving spoons) when taking our first serving
• for ventilation after meals, those seated nearest the middle windows of each side may kindly open them; our refectorian will close them afterwards

Kitchen during and outside the pandemic

• we maintain the kitchen off limits (except for the Administration, Sisters and Personnel) for hygiene considerations, and also out of consideration for the work load and pacing of those in charge
• volunteers (whether residents or outsiders) may be allowed on a case to case basis outside serious pandemic situations
• requests may be made through the Administration rather than through the Sisters or Personnel

Confirmed Cases, Close Contacts and Covid tests

Terms

• “Isolation” refers to the Covid-positive, while “Quarantine” refers to a close contact. In both cases they do not mingle with the community.
• “Close contact” with a Covid positive: * face to face (with or without mask) * within 2 meters * for 15 minutes * starting 2 days before the symptoms of the patient (who tested positive) appeared

Italian guidelines constantly change. As of early January 2022:

• positive cases have to isolate 10 days (if vaccinated with no booster yet) or 7 days (with booster), with covid test on the last day (but without symptoms in the 3 previous days)
• close contacts vaccinated but with no booster yet: quarantine for 5 days from last contact, and test on day 5
• close contacts with booster: no quarantine, but self-observation for 5 days and use of FFP2 mask for 10 days, from last contact

Covid tests nearby

• Lab Aurelia (at nearby Via Aurelia, 475/477, Mon-Fri 7am to 8 pm, Sat up to 11:30 am, Sundays closed ) offers the COI rapid swab test highly recommended by our medico di famiglia
• Istituto Dermopatico dell’Immacolata (Via dei Monti di Creta, 104 – accepts the SSN for molecular test)
• Casa di Cura Pio XI (Via Aurelia, 559)
• any pharmacy (setting an appointment is recommended)

Residents take turns in bringing food for those in isolation or quarantine

• plastic plates are used
• priest is given a set of utensils and glasses for use during isolation or quarantine
• preparation is done at the refectory rather than at the kitchen (to minimize entry to the kitchen for hygienic reasons, and to lessen work for the Sisters and personnel; also because priests are more in touch with each other and know their preferences including skipping meals)

Thank you very much for all our efforts in promoting a healthy home in Rome, and in helping those in need!