We are back on track with our outbreak testing protocol. We tested with the state lab last week and two resident tests (outside of Memory care) were positive at Chateau. Total positive cases to date for the Care Center is 40 residents and 36 staff members while at Chateau 52 residents and 31 staff members.
The results of the testing and coordination with our State contacts resulted in determination to resolve the outbreak for Sharmar. We will begin working on the process for indoor visits in the long term care side only. A separate email will be provided with the procedure shortly. We continue to experience positive results in about half our residents who are beyond the 90 days from initial positive result. Coordination with state personnel indicate this is not a surprise as our older residents take time to shed the dead virus cells to a level below what is detected on the testing. However, we currently are not provided with any guidance other than to continue testing 90 days after the previous positive test per CDC guidelines. We will continue to stress this issue with our infection control experts in the hopes that new guidance will be provided.
Active outbreaks are at 87 (down from 97 last week) still active in the community with 11 of those being in health facilities/entities. Positives for February is 87 which is considerably less than we have seen for the previous 3 months. Parkview Hospital continues to see decreased hospitalizations related to COVID with 5 cases as of Monday while St Mary Corwin also no COVID cases in their care. Monday’s Parkview reported occupancy was 171 while St Mary Corwin is reporting 19 for occupancy. This leaves 95 available beds between the hospitals.
We are finished up with the 3rd COVID clinic for Shamar Village on Monday and the 2nd clinic for Chateau is today. We said goodbye to 5 staff members who elected to not receive the vaccine at Sharmar. No information has been provided yet as to how the vaccination program will affect our direction for changes to our resident’s daily lives or any changes to visitation practice.
Again, the changes to visitation in the near term will be only for Shamar Village as Chateau is still in outbreak status. 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
