Update From The Administrator 9-18-2020
DATE: 09/18/2020
Dear Residents and Representatives,
We have been notified that we had two additional staff test positive for COVID-19 since my last letter, bringing our total to 3 for this week. The two additional staff who tested positive this week do not have contact with residents. We are identifying any staff who may have had exposure during their contagious period.
We continue to screen staff and monitor residents for symptoms daily. Staff continue to wear masks and face shields when working with residents and proper hand hygiene and extra disinfection of surfaces is occurring. 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.
Testing remains a critical part of our infection prevention and control program. Staff and residents will continue to be tested regularly in an effort to identify individuals who may be carrying the virus but are not showing symptoms. This means we can respond quickly and get precautions in place. We will be testing all residents and staff next week Monday and Tuesday as part of our outbreak protocol. If an individual shows symptoms we will also do a rapid antigen test to get answers more quickly which will be followed up with the regular long test.
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.
All family visits and beauty shop services will continue to be on hold until testing shows that we have no further positive staff or residents. Window visits, phone calls and video visits will continue so please continue to stay in touch with your loved ones!
Please be cautious and follow health guidelines in the community. The number of infections in Monroe and LaCrosse counties has been climbing rapidly the last few weeks, especially with schools back in session. Masking when out in public or when gathering with friends or family that don’t live in your household can help reduce the spread of the virus.
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