Update from the Administrator on 11-16-2020
DATE: 11/16/2020
Dear Residents and Representatives,
We were notified today that two resident COVID-19 tests were positive from our testing conducted on Friday, November 13th. Those residents and their first contacts have been notified of the positive test results. Their attending physicians have also been notified and consulted for treatment plans. Residents who had symptoms or tested positive were immediately isolated to their rooms with full COVID precautions in place. In addition we have isolated positive residents to an area at the end of the hall to provide separation from others and maintain strict infection control protocols.
We were also notified of two additional staff positive tests. One staff had no resident contact during the infectious period and we are doing contact tracing for the other staff person. We have continued to screen staff for symptoms as well as train and audit for good infection control practices to keep our residents and staff safe.
Testing will be done twice per week for all staff and at least weekly for all residents. It is critical that we identify people who have the virus as soon as possible to reduce the risk of transmission to others. The incubation period for COVID-19 is up to 14 days. This means that someone can test negative during that time frame and then test positive toward the end of that 14 days. We will be monitoring all residents closely and will be alert to any signs and symptoms of illness. Rapid tests are available to use for symptomatic individuals.
The Medical Director, Monroe County Health Department and Wisconsin Department of Health Services have been notified and are assisting in our response.
I want to assure you that we will follow all CDC and CMS guidance in an effort to limit further transmission of the virus and provide the best possible care. The extremely high rate of community spread of the virus is impacting us. Please take measures to reduce the spread of the virus by masking when around others, avoid gatherings and use good hand hygiene.
We are preparing to provide COVID vaccinations when they become available. There will be more information that will be sent out as we are notified of the plan from federal and state partners.
Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns!
Sincerely,
Linda Smith NHA
Administrator