Dear Residents, Families, and Associates of Byron Park,
Many of you have inquired about upcoming changes to mask usage, testing protocols, vaccination requirements and visitation at Byron Park. Over the course of the last 15 months our method has been to take a collaborative, mindful, and staged approach with the health and well-being of our residents and associates as our priority.
While we may be ready to continue to move forward with adjusting current protocols, we must do so in alignment with local and state guidelines. A balance in safety and providing an engaging lifestyle remains top of mind.
The Contra Costa County Public Health office has released a new health order which goes into effect on July 27th regarding masking and testing for staff. This new health order exempts vaccinated staff from masking and testing, however, this is not consistent with the Department of Social Services (DSS) guidance or our companies’ standards. Byron Park will continue to require all associates to adhere to face coverings and testing regardless of vaccination status. As a reminder our organization due to the significant impact of the pandemic has made the decision to require Covid19 vaccinations for all associates by August 7th, 2021. Byron Park is grateful to share our associates are committed to the health and safety of those we serve and that nearly all our community associates are already fully vaccinated.
Contra Costa County Public Health has deferred to the Department of Social Service’s (DSS) guidance about indoor mask usage for residents. As a reminder, residents are not required to wear masks when outdoors. DSS issued guidance giving conditional approval for the removal of masks indoors if the following is met:
- If all residents participating in communal dining or a group activity are fully vaccinated, then residents can choose to not wear a face covering.
- If resident vaccination status cannot be determined or residents who are not fully vaccinated are present, then all participants are to wear a well-fitting face covering except while eating or drinking.
Due to resident rights and privacy standards, Byron Park will not share resident vaccination status with other residents. Byron Park does not require vaccination for incoming or current residents. While very few, we do have residents who have chosen not to vaccinate for health, religious or personal reasons. Until this state/local guidance is updated we are required to comply with indoor mask usage for all residents.
Due to high vaccination rates and a low county positivity rate (2.3%) testing will continue to be bi-monthly for fully vaccinated residents and associates. Non-vaccinated residents and associates are required to test every week.
Byron Park is pleased to offer peace of mind through our screening and testing practices, and we are absolutely delighted to see so many friends and family members joining our wellness events, dining, and imbibing with us in our dining room and visiting their loved ones in their homes! As a reminder, vaccinated visitors can visit with no restrictions, documentation of your vaccination card is required upon arrival each time you sign in at the front desk. To support our unvaccinated and untested visitors our visitation station remains open by reservation only in the bistro. Masking and social distancing standards apply. Unvaccinated visitors who complete a saliva PCR COVID19 test with us (Sensiva Labs) can join in community events, dining and visit resident apartments. Masking indoors is required for all visitors unless actively eating or drinking. All visitors ages 12+ are required to provide documentation of vaccine or test in advance. Children 2+ are required to wear a mask for the duration of their visit.
Lastly, we wanted to thank Byron Parkers and their loved ones for joining our Town Hall and Emergency Preparedness meeting this month. A gentle etiquette reminder was requested, please note many of these items of resident concern are addressed in our community handbook.
Byron Park has adopted a country club casual dress code. Swimsuits, coverups, housecoat, sleepwear, slippers, or bare feet are not permitted in common areas. Our dining room dress code for dinner include the above and prohibits shorts and hats. Reasonable accommodations are made for those with health issues that require a need to wear shorts or a hat. These standards apply to our visiting guests as well.
Byron Park is a pet friendly community. Pets are allowed in common areas that do not serve food. In alignment with ADA laws, service animals are exempt. Pets are welcome to visit in the courtyard, but it is not a relief area. All pets are required to be on leash and leashes should not longer then 3 feet. A detailed pet policy can be found at the front desk. We are creating a new play/relief area for our furry friends; future plans and a pet fashion show will be announced soon!
The swimming pool is open to all residents and guests. All guests must be accompanied by a resident when using the pool. All swimmers swim at their own risk as there is no lifeguard on duty. Eating and drinking is limited to the pool deck. Pets are not allowed in the pool area; service animals may be exempt. All residents and guests are prohibited from using the pool when feeling unwell or have any open or healing injuries. We ask all swimmers to be considerate of suntan lotion/oils and sunscreen usage. All swimmers are required to shower before entering the pool. For more details or any questions, please see your resident handbook or call the front desk.
Attached you will find a copy of the recommended GO BAG checklist and a secondary copy of this Quarter’s POD Evacuation training schedule. If you have questions, comments, kudos or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out. Thank you for your continued partnership.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Pastora, Executive Director