Update from the Administrator 3/30/2023

DATE: 03/30/2023

Dear Residents, Families and Representatives,

We had test results from Monday reported to us from the lab early this morning and additional rapid tests were also conducted today. We had five residents with positive tests. I do not have any new staff cases to report at this time. The total COVID-19 cases in this outbreak is 26 residents and 13 staff. These numbers are the combined numbers for our entire community including the nursing home and assisted living.

We will continue to do PCR and rapid antigen testing to identify new cases as quickly as possible so precautions can be put into place. The first residents to test positive are recovering well and will be ending their isolation period very soon. We are thankful that no residents have required hospitalization so far and symptoms are generally mild for most. Review of our quality data shows a very high percentage of residents are up to date with COVID boosters which likely has helped reduce the severity of symptoms.

This is an extremely contagious variant of the virus. This is the largest outbreak we have seen since the beginning of the pandemic. We are evaluating to see if there are any other measures we could have taken to prevent the outbreak or to better respond to it. The approaches we used in the past included more restrictive approaches such as quarantine for those that may have been exposed but did not have symptoms and restriction on all communal meals, activities and restriction on visitors. It was effective, necessary and required at that time but we now are more focused on quality of life. Visitors are important to the happiness and well-being of residents, however, with the return to more normal life, including outings to church, stores, restaurants and family gatherings, there are more opportunities to come into contact with people who have COVID. We are responding with stepped up cleaning and disinfection, wearing of personal protective equipment, testing to identify cases, monitoring for symptoms and isolating ill residents to their rooms under precautions until they recover. We are discouraging residents from visiting between the various households to prevent additional spread. We have two areas that have so far been able to remain free of COVID.

I will continue to keep you informed as we work our way through this outbreak. Be sure to reach out if you have any questions or if there is something we can do to help you stay in touch with your loved ones.

Respectfully,

Linda Smith LNHA

Administrator