Update from Administrator – April 15, 2021

April 15, 2022

Dear Resident & Family member,

I hope this letter finds you doing well. On behalf of our staff, we wish you and your families a blessed Easter and Happy Passover. I would like this letter to provide you updates as is related to the COVID outbreak within our facility and to apprise you of the COVID-19 guidance recently issued by RIDOH to Rhode Island Nursing Facilities. RIDOH and the CDC define outbreak as a solitary case of COVID-19 or three cases of COVID-19 like illness in personnel or residents over a two-week period.

Due to our facility being in outbreak, Yesenia Vargas, DNS remains in communication with the infectious disease preventionist from RIDOH who recommended, that we test (via use of PCR) all the non-positive residents on third floor and those employees who have had direct exposure to the third floor every 5 days. This testing method will continue until we reach 14 days with no positive test results. Any resident who is positive requires isolation for duration of the required l 0-day quarantine. Staff with a positive test result may return to work if asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic (with improving symptoms) after 10 days or 7 days with a negative test. Please understand that longer isolation periods may be appropriate for residents or staff who are immunocompromised or who have severe illness.

Any new admission or resident (s) who have left the facility for more than 24 hours regardless of vaccination status, will be tested upon arrival and, if negative, again 5 to 7 days after admission. Close contacts of someone who bas tested positive for COVID-19 will be tested immediately and 5 to 7 days of exposure. Residents who exhibit any symptoms consistent with COVID-19 infection should also be tested. Residents newly admitted to a nursing facility who are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines do not need to quarantine, however those not up to date with their vaccines should quarantine on admission. All new admissions regardless of vaccination status, should have a test upon arrival and after 5 to 7 days.

This week test results received included a total of four positive results, two residents and two employees. All remain asymptomatic as of this writing. Visitors need to provide proof of vaccination and or a negative PCR test result within 72 hours of visit, or a negative Antigen test result within 48 hours of visit at time of their check-in. When on resident units, N95 masks are required. If you should find anyone not wearing an N95 mask when on the unit, please inform the nurse supervisor who will then address the involved individual(s). Please know that we continue to ensure compliance with the above regulations and our efforts to monitor visitors, staff and contractors for compliance remain. I thank you for your continued cooperation and support and appreciate your patience during the wait imposed during the check-in process at the reception desk.

Best regards,

Lori Levine, BSW, LNHA Administrator