Update from the Administrator
DATE: 06/18/2020
Dear Rolling Hills Residents and representatives,
Today, June 18, 2020, we were informed that one staff member tested positive for COVID-19 during our testing this week. This staff person had no resident contact and no close contact with any other staff person. As a result there are no residents or staff that need to be quarantined at this time. This individual has no symptoms but will be quarantining at home as directed by the health department. We continue to work in cooperation with the Monroe County Health Department and the Wisconsin Department of Health to ensure we have all measures in place to try to prevent transmission to our residents or additional staff.
One question that is often asked is how we identify who is considered as having an exposure to someone with the virus. The Health Department guidance states any skin to skin contact (for example – holding hands or a hug) or 15 minutes or more in close proximity (within 6 feet distance) without wearing a mask. We tend to err on the side of caution so if we believe there is a chance of exposure we will quarantine that individual.
I am happy to report that all nursing home resident tests received thus far are negative for COVID-19. We are waiting on only one more test result. All other staff have tested negative.
Rolling Hills had a Focused Infection Control Survey conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Health on Tuesday, June 16th. It went very well with no areas of concern identified or cited! Rolling Hills staff are working diligently to ensure that proper infection control measures are in place and followed consistently to protect our residents.
We will continue to conduct testing of staff and residents periodically as recommended by the CDC and CMS guidance. This is done to monitor for individuals who may carry the virus but are not showing any symptoms. If any residents or staff develop symptoms they will be quarantined and tested immediately.
We continue to screen healthcare workers for illness prior to each shift. Staff are wearing masks at all times, following good hand hygiene protocols and maintaining distancing except when providing direct resident care. Additional cleaning and disinfection is being done in all resident rooms and common areas.
All residents are being monitored daily for signs and symptoms of illness. Residents are encouraged to wear masks when out of their room, use hand sanitizer and practice safe distancing from other residents.
We will continue to provide you with periodic updates with as much information as we can while still abiding by privacy laws. You will be informed if any additional cases are identified. Resident representatives will be contacted directly if your resident has a change in their health or is suspected of having an exposure to COVID-19. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns!
Sincerely,
Linda Smith NHA
Administrator