Update from Administrator – December 2, 2020
As many of you were made aware, today we learned that one of our residents tested positive for COVID-19 through use of our antigen testing machine. We have taken all necessary precautions to minimize exposure and all residents will be receiving a PCR test through our care partner tomorrow. There is a chance of this positive result being a false positive, but we are treating it as a true Covid positive until results from the PCR are received to confirm or negate the antigen test. Regardless, we are hopeful that this positive test remains an isolated incident as did our previous employee tests.
As I continue to mention, this pandemic is still very much active in our state and region. Connecticut, as well as other states across the country, is experiencing an uptick in positive COVID cases throughout many communities. Our recent positive test results serve as scary reminders that we must all remain vigilant in following all guidelines, recommendations, and best practices to stay safe and fight this pandemic. We are reminding our staff to not only practice safeguards against COVID in our center, but to be vigilant outside of our center and share these practices with their friends and loved ones. A slight sacrifice over the holidays if worth keeping many lives safe!
“COVID Fatigue” is the new thing we hear about on the news: people are tired of wearing their mask and being vigilant in their hand washing and social distancing. This is leading to an uptick in COVID cases. These are simple things we must continue to do, not just in our centers, but in our personal lives to keep COVID out!
PLEASE wear your mask, wash your hands, and watch your distance.
As stated previously and on our update calls made today, in-person visits are paused at this time for at least the next 14 days. We are hopeful that we can remain free of any new cases and resume visitation soon. I will send out further communication as updates become available. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. Unfortunately, the parade that many of you had agreed to participate in for Friday afternoon has to be postponed at this time. Please know that we will continue to share the holiday spirit with your loved ones while we remain within our infection control parameters.
Please know that “alternative” visitation continues. Remember that we do offer iPads for our residents to use for video visits, phone calls, etc. to ensure that you and your loved ones remain in contact, as best as you can during these very uncertain times. Our team will do their best to accommodate requests for window visits as well.
As a reminder, our next “Town Hall” meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 3rd at 1pm. We encourage all residents and family members to call in with any questions or concerns you may have. Our commitment is to be as transparent as possible and work to address any issues that arise. Please know we are doing everything we can to keep our residents and staff safe during this ongoing pandemic.
We appreciate the support of our community during this time.
Marisa Jones LNHA, MBA
Administrator