Results from last week’s testing in the Care Center resulted in seventeen new residents and two additional employees testing positive. Three residents and one staff member at Chateau have tested positive last week’s tests. The new positive resident resides on the second floor. Total positive cases to date for the Care Center is 24 residents and 23 staff members while at Chateau 39 residents and 27 staff members with one staff member testing positive twice. Three of our residents in the past week who were identified as positive with COVID have passed away.
Active outbreaks have increased to 119 (up from 117 last week) still active in the community with 23 of those being in health facilities/entities. Positives for December through the 22nd are 3358. Parkview Hospital decreased hospitalizations related to COVID with 111 cases as of yesterday while St Mary Corwin also has 11 COVID cases in their care. Yesterday Parkview reported occupancy at 212 while St Mary Corwin is reporting 25 for occupancy. This leaves 48 available beds between the hospitals. Finally, deaths have doubled already this month from the year-to-date number through November.
The vaccination clinic for the Care Center residents and staff is scheduled for 28 Dec as part of the state’s vaccination plan phase 1a. Most residents will be receiving the vaccination (nursing has coordinated with the few families of residents who will not be receiving the vaccine). In addition, approximately half the staff will receive the vaccine. We have been provided the suggestion to proceed in this manner to avoid the possibility of staffing issues that could occur. Although no issues are expected, this recommendation is in place to ensure we will have no problems providing the care you expect of your resident. Two more clinics will be scheduled later and the second round for the group receiving the vaccination on Monday will occur along with the remainder of staff receiving the first shot and any residents who did not receive the first round that meet the criteria (coordination with families will occur if this is the case before the second round of vaccinations is offered).
Chateau will be scheduled for the clinic at the completion of phase 1a as part of the plans designated 1b identified individuals. As we learn more about a proposed date for the clinic the information will be shared. If necessary, Gini will be coordinating with families to provide the insurance card (copy is fine) for any resident cards we do not currently have on file.
As a reminder, the vaccine is at no cost, but the pharmacy will bill insurance for the actual injection. There is no cost to the recipient to receive the vaccine. A booster will be scheduled for approximately 3 weeks after the initial clinic. Personnel from both Chateau and the Care Center will coordinate permission as necessary and answer any questions you may have over the next couple of weeks. Please let us know any questions you have.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our families and friends a Merry Christmas. I know it is very difficult for you not to be able to spend time with your loved ones in person and your patience and civility towards us is appreciated more that I can express. Please contact the facilities with your questions and I appreciate your patience with our return calls to address your concerns or questions.
Sincerely,
Keith Jackson
Executive Director
