Update from Administrator – February 10, 2021
We are happy to report that we are currently COVID FREE! Our employee that tested positive at the end of last month has returned to work and our positive resident has recovered. We have conducted two rounds of resident testing during this quarantine period with no new positives identified and we have another round of testing scheduled for this week.
If we complete the next round of resident testing with no new positive cases identified, then we will be reopening for indoor visitation. Please keep your fingers crossed! I will send a follow up email announcing our opening as soon as all test results are received. Remember we always offer visitations using our technology (iPads, tablets, calls, etc.) during this restricted time and we will do our best to accommodate window visits whenever possible.
We are very excited that our residents and staff have now had the opportunity to receive their doses of the COVID-19 vaccine from CVS here at our center. Any resident and staff member who did not participate or may be new to our center since the clinics were offered, continue to be eligible to receive the vaccine under the Phase 1a category. However, the vaccine will be administered outside of our center. If your loved one is new to our center, we will contact you about your options as we continue to receive information from the state and CVS on the evolving plans.
With most nursing home residents having already received their first, and in many cases, second doses of the vaccine, the state has already reported a significant decrease in nursing home cases of COVID among residents and staff, further proof that the vaccine works and we’re doing our part to eliminate COVID!
While the vaccination plan in our state is well underway, we continue to take all necessary precautions, including wearing personal protective equipment and conducting regular testing, to ensure the safety of our residents and staff.
We continue to receive many questions on whether in-center visitation can resume once vaccination of the center is complete. The vaccine will not provide immediate protection and we still need to see prevalence in the surrounding communities decline. Currently, community prevalence remains high. Therefore, we need to continue with the same visitation and infection control practices put in place and enhanced throughout this pandemic. We will also continue to follow the guidance and recommendations of our public health officials (CDC, CMS, DPH) to determine how and when to adjust our policies for visitations and social activities and keep you updated.
As a reminder, our next “Town Hall” meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 11th 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.
Thank you and please stay safe and healthy!