Coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQ

Nucleus Network is committed to continuing the vital work undertaken by our clinical trials, with studies continuing to take place.

The safety and quality of our trials and facilities is our number one priority. We have introduced measures to ensure the safety of all clinical trial participants, visitors and staff, and the quality of our trials.

In addition to standard infection control measures, Nucleus Network has implemented risk mitigations associated with Coronavirus (COVID-19). These include:

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) participant/patient screening
• Regular hand sanitizing using alcohol-based hand rub with 70% alcohol,
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are worn by medical officers, nursing, and clinical staff during all participant interactions requiring close physical interaction.
  
• Isolation protocols are in place where additional PPE, are worn as appropriate when required for any person displaying high-risk symptoms
• Rapid PCR testing for participants upon admission as well as Rapid Antigen Testing when needed
• Infection prevention and control procedures in line with World Health Organization (WHO) and best practice guidelines. This includes having participants wear masks when out of their rooms.
• Use of HEPA filters throughout the inpatient unit.

These measures adhere to a gold standard in infection control no matter what we may face. We will continue to update and refine our approach to Coronavirus (COVID-19) as well as any other emerging communicable disease to maximize the safety of anyone at Nucleus Network.

Participants will be questioned over the phone to determine if they have any risk factors for Coronavirus (COVID-19) exposure:

• Had direct contact with anyone known to be infected with Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the past 10 days

Anyone who answers ‘yes’ to the question above or if you are feeling unwell, should not visit the unit. If you already have a screening appointment planned, please call 612-315-6490 and we will work with you to reschedule your appointment.

The above question will again be asked when the participant presents for their screening visit and if any cold or flu-like symptoms are noted we will advise the most appropriate action. Volunteers will have an opportunity to talk about the risk of COVID-19 or any other possible communicable disease with one of our experienced medical officers. Again, if you are feeling ill we ask that you stay home and we will reschedule your appointment.

Active trial participants attending the site for an inpatient or outpatient visit will be required to undergo the same process as described above. It is important for participant safety that all outpatient visits are attended as scheduled during the trial process. However, we ask that if participants do have any cold or flu-like symptoms, they inform the clinic and not attend their medical screening. We will advise the most appropriate action.

Trial participants who begin to experience side effects, changes in their health, or have concerns should always speak with the clinical staff/study health care team as soon as possible. In relation to Coronavirus (COVID-19), any fever, cough or other flu-like symptoms noted should immediately be brought to the attention of clinical staff. We will need to medically assess participants and, if necessary, relocate to a different area for further diagnosis and potential treatment while we established what the root cause is.

Visitors are usually permitted during long-stay trial admissions. However, to reduce the risk of Coronavirus (COVID-19) transmission we will be restricting visitor access at our facilities until further notice. We apologize for this inconvenience and understand the stress this may cause in some cases. We will work with trial participants to find alternative ways to remain in contact with family and friends.