Dear Residents, Families, and Associates of Byron Park,
I had shared yesterday that one of our pools from our testing date of December 15th, 2020 has tested positive for COVID19. All residents, associates in Pool #2 and essential visitors were negative. As a reminder we conduct twice a week ongoing pooled polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, which requires the collection of a small amount of saliva that we send (in individual vials) to our laboratory partner.
Our second round of testing this week from the December 17th testing date produced the same results. Our associate pool # 1 consisting of approximately 40 people is positive. All associates in pool #1 have completed individual nasal PCR testing and tests have been overnighted to our lab partner. All residents, associates in Pool #2 and essential visitors continue to be negative. Contra Costa Public health and Community Care Licensing have been notified.
As of today, our county positivity rate is 7.6% (7-day average) and with the holidays in full swing we may see an increase in positive cases in our County. This reinforces the importance of all associates, providers, and residents to participate in our twice a week testing. It is also just as important for our families to take advantage of the individual PCR testing offered at Byron Park. This allows for safe interactions between you and your loved ones, especially when an essential outing needs to occur. We know that early detection through our testing programs, along with social distancing, proper mask use, hand hygiene, and ongoing health monitoring, we can provide an excellent line of defense in the fight against Covid-19.
In exciting news, we are only a few weeks away from safe and highly effective vaccine. As previously shared, we have confirmed our registration and have identified CVS as our clinic provider. While our community is in the first tier (Phase 1) there is a phased allocation of COVID19 vaccines. Our associates and assisted living residents are in Phase 1a and our Independent Living residents are in Phase 1c. Many of you have asked and I have received confirmation from Contra Costa Public Health for the advocacy of community wide vaccination, while our county Medical Director is supportive and in alignment with this request, ultimately allocation is set at the Federal level, and this decision may be out of their jurisdiction.
We thank you for your commitment, confidence, and partnership during this difficult holiday season. If you have questions, comments, or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Pastora
Executive Director