Dear Patients and Families:

I am writing today to share news that 4 patients and 2 staff members have tested positive for COVID-19. Each of these patients has been relocated to the “hot unit”, and we continue to closely monitor and assess all patients. The staff members will remain at home until the CDC’s return to work criteria is met.

According to the CDC, the symptoms of the Omicron variant are similar to other COVID-19 variants and include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches, new loss of taste or smell, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea. Most of our patients and staff who test positive are experiencing the symptoms in bold print above. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed or have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, we encourage you to stay at home and ask that you not visit the Center until your symptoms resolve.

New Changes Regarding Visitation:

• Beginning today and until further notice, visiting hours are from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday, and 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday.
• All visits should be limited to 15 minutes in duration.
• Patients in a semi-private room will have one visitor at a time to ensure social distancing.
• When visiting, please adhere to the core principles of infection control and prevention which include wearing a mask, remain at least 6 feet from staff and other patients, and wash your hands often with an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
• Staff are required to screen all visitors.
• Any visitor who is symptomatic and who does not comply with the core principle of infection control and prevention including the screening process may be asked to leave the Center.

As always, please let me know if you have any questions. While this is a challenging time for the Center and for many of you, we wish you a Happy New Year!

Sincerely,

Wendy M. Walter, MA, LNHA
Interim Administrator