Update from the Administrator 10-5-2020
DATE: 10/05/2020
Dear Residents and Representatives,
We received confirmation that one staff person tested positive for COVID-19 during our testing on Friday, 10-2-2020. All resident tests conducted last week were negative for COVID -19. We have tested all nursing home residents again yesterday and are waiting for test results. We will continue testing residents weekly and if they have any symptoms until we have 14 days with no positive staff or resident tests. Staff are currently being tested twice per week to give us the opportunity to identify individuals who may have the virus but are not having symptoms.
Testing is just a portion of our COVID-19 control plan. It is used to identify and isolate any individuals who have the virus and may or may not show symptoms. In addition we continue to screen staff and monitor residents for symptoms daily. Staff continue to wear masks and face shields when working with residents. Full personal protective equipment is worn per CDC guidelines with newly admitted residents, those with a possible exposure to the virus and residents who exhibit any possible symptoms. Residents are also encouraged to wear masks when out of their rooms and hand sanitize frequently.
Residents and resident representatives will be notified directly if they test positive for the virus or have a known exposure to a COVID positive individual. If you have questions or concerns please reach out!
All family visits will continue to be on hold until testing shows that we have no positive staff or residents for 14 days. Window visits, phone calls and video visits will continue so please continue to stay in touch with your loved ones! I am so sorry that we are not able to provide face to face visits right now but know that as soon as it is safe to do so we will resume them.
Please continue to be cautious and follow health guidelines. Much of Wisconsin, including our area, has rapid spread of the virus. Monroe County has been identified as a “red” county for the past two weeks due to the high percentage of positive tests. Masking when out in public and when gathering with friends or family can help reduce the spread of the virus significantly.
Thank you for your support and understanding as we work through this very challenging time. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns! Stay safe.
Sincerely,
Linda Smith NHA
Administrator