Dear Residents, Families and Associates,
As you may already be aware, COVID positivity rates continue to rise throughout the country. On January 4th, Orange County was at a 20.6% infection rate. Over the last few days, and especially the last 48 hours, Emerald Court has had 7 residents and 10 associates test positive. In doing contact tracing and reviewing each case, the exposure most likely occurred outside the community.
To control the spread of COVID infection in our community and effective January 7 to 17th, we will put the following protocols in place, with the support and guidance from Department of Public Health:
1. Dining Rooms will be closed. You can place an order the day before for each meal and we will deliver it to you at no charge.
2. Activities and Outings will not be available. We will provide activity materials for you as well as run virtual activities through Channel 1390.
3. We will continue transportation for medical appointments only.
4. Visitations will be restricted and will be in accordance with the public health visiting requirements effective January 7th. In addition, the following protocol will be in place:
a. Visits will be by appointment only.
b. Visits will be for 30 minutes starting at 8 am to 4 pm, at the top of each hour.
c. Two visitors per visit.
d. Reservations can be called in to the front desk and it will be on a first come first serve basis.
e. Indoor visits will be located in the Sapphire Family Room, Sapphire Discovery Room, and two areas in the Emerald Court front lobby.
f. Outdoor visits will be located in the Front Patio.
g. We will sanitize after each visit.
We are taking proactive measures to protect our residents and associates. It is very important to let us know immediately if you are experiencing any symptoms or have been exposed to someone who tested positive. For those residents and associates with symptoms, with or without exposure, we have the ability to do rapid tests that will give us results quickly, giving us the opportunity to act appropriately.
People who have completed their vaccination and received the booster vaccine, and people who have had COVID before, are getting infected. It is important to wear a medical surgical or KN95 mask, and appropriately over your nose and mouth. This is significant in preventing any of us from getting infected, along with continued hand washing and sanitizing. We have masks available at the front desks.
The Omicron variant is highly transmissible. However, for those who are fully vaccinated, the symptoms are milder.
We all need to do our part in preventing the spread of infection. Our goal is to avoid a strict community lockdown and control the spread of the virus. Please let me know if you have any questions, comments and/or concerns.
With Gratitude,
Daizel and the Emerald Court Team