- MAY 2021 – UPDATE: Following CDC guidance the HeartCert masking policy has been updated. All students should bring a mask to class but those individuals who are fully vaccinated will not be required to wear their mask in class unless there are special circumstances. We will continue to provide social distancing and extra hygiene/sanitization measures. For classes scheduled at a client’s location we will adhere to the regulations of that building and company. For Minneapolis CNA classes there is still a mask mandate from the Mayor so masks are required by all at that location. Please feel free to contact with any questions.
With the recent information on COVID-19 we here at HeartCert wanted to let the public know that we consider your health and safety our top priority and to take this opportunity to share with you our plans for minimizing transmission of this or any flu/flu-like illness during our training courses. We are still running courses but with heightened awareness and measures in place to protect everyone as this is deemed an essential service. We feel it is our duty to continue training people but in a safe manner. We have moved all of our public offerings to our secure location in Eagan and are allowing people to cancel or reschedule for any reason without fee while keeping class sizes minimal to allow for social distancing.
If COVID-19 disease begins to spread in Minnesota communities; state and local public health authorities will issue recommendations that HeartCert will follow. A recent memo from the American Heart Association (AHA) found near the bottom of this article, outlines just some of the steps we are taking to help ensure the health and safety of all of our participants. Decisions about the implementation of community measures would be made by state and local officials based on CDC guidance as well as the scope of the outbreak which will be followed.
We at HeartCert have always made great efforts to make sure our CPR training classes are as clean and safe as can be made and will continue to do so with heightened awareness. All of our training manikins are cleaned/disinfected to manufacturer recommended policies before, during and after each class and use. Students are given their own manikin for practical evolutions. Hand washing before and after all hands on practice shall be conducted. Wearing masks is required by all students and staff. We have a small supply to issue masks for class if needed. Gloves, manikin disinfecting wipes and individual breathing devices with one-way valves are used to prevent contamination and the spread of any germs. We have reduced class sizes to allow a minimum of 6′ of social distancing and now have a variety of online and virtual options as well. We will continue our efforts to keep everyone safe by following these essential practices and the recommendations of the MDH, CDC, ARC, AHA and all pertinent organizations.
If you feel ill, or that you may have been exposed to any kind of illness, you must stay home. We are more than happy to find arrangements, accommodations and reschedule anyone for no cost to reduce the potential of spreading any illnesses. All of our sites have soap, water, gloves, disinfecting wipes, individual breathing barriers and all appropriate precautions as well as social distancing adjustments.
To stay healthy, the Minnesota Department of Health is recommending common
sense precautions such as:
· Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If this is not possible, avoid touching
your eyes, nose and mouth.
· Stay home if you are sick, and for at least 72 hours after you are fever free.
· Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue. Wear a mask when out.
· Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
· Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. (If soap and
water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60%
alcohol.)
You can learn more information about COVID-19 and its status in Minnesota on the
Minnesota Department of Health website: https://www.health.state.mn.us/ . MDH has also set
up a hotline at 651-201-5414 to answer general questions or concerns.
We will continue to do ALL we can to provide the safest environment possible for everyone using our services.
Additionally, the American Heart Association recently released the following recommendations that HeartCert is also following which is standard practice for our business:
