To Whom It May Concern,
The Department of Health sent a team of seven nurses to our property last Friday, August 14th to swab all residents for COVID-19. We also have been getting materials from the state to administer tests every two weeks for staff. We’re proud to say that all staff and all residents tested NEGATIVE again! We had 100% participation from all residents and we’re glad they all continue to be health-conscious and cooperative.
As of today, nearly 3.5% of all residents in long-term care facilities and 2.5% of all staff currently have COVID-19. These numbers are declining, which is encouraging, but is still concerning for the industry as a whole. Our facility remaining virus-free over the past five months is a testament to the discipline and respect our staff has shown over the past five months and we commend them for everything they have done so far.
The Department of Health as well as the Agency for Health Care Administration continue to send teams to the property for surprise inspections and audits of our protocols in practice. We continue working with them to adjust our infection control approach and make sure it’s as up-to-date as possible.
As a way to introduce more excitement to the property, we’ve still been coordinating food trucks and live music to come to the property every two weeks. We do this without allowing them on property to follow the restrictions put in place by the governor and our own policies to prevent potential exposure. This has turned out to be an extremely popular event and there’s quite a bit of singing and dancing! We have these booked through the end of the year with new vendors each time, so we’re very excited to keep them coming.
Should you have any questions, please reach out to my office. We’re going to have the DOH come out once a month to test all residents and our staff will continue getting tested every two weeks. We will keep you updated as soon as we have more information to give. Hope everyone is staying healthy!
Blake Anderson
Administrator
A Banyan Residence
