May 8, 2020
Dear Canterbury Residents, Family Members, Trustees, and Community Partners,
Earlier this week we notified you that we had a resident in our nursing home that was exhibiting signs that may have been COVID-19 related. That resident, their roommate, and many of our staff were tested for the virus. We are thrilled to report that the results of all of those tests have come back negative.
In April we were fortunate to have the assistance of the National Guard to provide sanitation services to our community. The National Guard now has a mission to offer COVID-19 testing at no cost at long term care facilities. We are scheduled for the National Guard to come to our community next Wednesday, May 13th, to provide testing for both our staff and residents. Residents who wish to be tested will have the opportunity to schedule an appointment through our Director of Health Services. Results will take 3-5 days and we will only be notified of positive results.
Last week, the Governor allowed the statewide shelter in place order to expire, however, he extended the shelter in place through June 12th for adults over 65 as well as those with medical conditions. The safety of our community is our number one priority, but we must also balance that with the well-being of our residents. Accordingly, we are making a few changes to our COVID-19 Policies and Protocols.
Beginning May 11th, we will no longer require residents leaving the community for medical appointments to self-quarantine for 14 days upon returning. Residents with medical appointments will need to let our clinic know of their appointment in advance and they will be issued a KN95 mask to wear to, from, and during their appointment. They will be required to wear that mask for the next 14 days when they leave their apartment. Residents must drive themselves to their medical appointment or utilize Canterbury’s transportation services. No ridesharing services will be allowed. If a family member is providing the transportation, we will provide a KN95 mask for them as well.
Our contracted partners for podiatry services as well as audiology services will begin returning to the community during May for scheduled appointments with residents.
All staff and vendors in the building continue to be monitored for temperature and symptoms before coming inside. Anyone experiencing symptoms or a temperature of 100.0 or higher is not allowed in the building.
We will continue to keep you informed of any additional potential cases as well as the results of these tests once received.
If you have any questions or concerns, you can reach me at 470.381.6790 or debimcneil@nullcanterburyccrc.org.
Warmly,
Debi McNeil
President & CEO