Dear All Residents, Associates and Families of First Colonial Inn,
As we have all learned recently things can change quickly. Since the last update that I sent earlier today I wanted to let to let you know that we have had an Assisted Living associate receive a presumptive positive test result for Covid-19. The healthcare authorities were notified immediately. At this time, the origin of exposure is not known and the associate has self-isolated at home and will not return to the community for a minimum of 14 days and until free of symptoms. Part of our response to this case includes a full review and 1:1 notification to any individuals who may have had exposure and close monitoring to follow. Based on our current protocols, with associates wearing protective equipment (PPE) following CDC guidelines, we are confident of minimal exposure and have notified the individuals who may have had exposure. In accordance with patient privacy laws, additional details about the patient and updates on their condition will be provided only by healthcare authorities. At this time we have no other known cases.
The protocols that we put into place earlier, remain in place. These include restricting visitors, monitoring each resident and associate for temperature and respiratory symptoms, suspending all activities and use of dining rooms (all meals will be ordered ahead and delivered), and increased disinfecting of all high-traffic/high-touch areas. Effective today, we will suspend any new move-ins to Assisted Living for 14 days and reevaluate at that time.
For the safety of all residents, we will continue to require all residents to voluntarily self-isolate in their apartments and have provided masks for residents to wear as well. The measures we implemented earlier this week are aligned with requirements to manage an active COVID-19 case.
We are working with local and state health authorities, as well as following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We are sending our thoughts and prayers to our associate and their family and will continue to provide regular updates on what we can do to protect our residents, associates and greater community to prevent the spread of the virus.
At First Colonial Inn, our top priority is and will always be the health and well-being of our residents and for all of our associates. We understand that you may have questions and concerns. I will continue to keep you informed with updated information as it becomes available. Thank you for your constant support and partnership as we navigate this together.
Sincerely,
Christina Driscoll
Executive Director
Additional resources:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
https://epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov/cd/diseases/COVID19.html