Update from Administrator – may 13, 2022

May 12, 2022

Dear Resident & Family member,

Please accept this letter as update to the COVID outbreak status within our home. As you know, Jess Vargas and I have been in regular communications with RIDOH since the outbreak began. Today, the infectious disease nurse from RIDOH recommended changes that we Immediately implemented. Since yesterday, there are five new confirmed positive cases giving us a total of seven confirmed COVID-19 test results. This news is unfortunate however, not surprising. This COVID variant appears to be highly contagious and according to what RIDOH told us today, this outbreak is happening in other facilities as well.

The positive residents have been moved to rooms designated on third and fourth floor quarantine areas. Due to this surge in cases, we now have quarantine units on both third and fourth floors. There are two test results that are pending which could provide us with more positive cases. I will update you to any changes. Any resident who tested negative however, starts to exhibit any symptoms of COVID, we are doing a rapid test which is being followed up by a PCR.

Unfortunately, the RIDOH has advised us to stop all social dining and group activities. However, please be assured that structured activities are being provided and offered to residents while in the comfort of their rooms. Room visits are being offered/provided and visitors continue to be welcomed. Any resident who is not positive or in quarantine, can go out on LOA’s and of course to scheduled medical appointments. Smokers remain able to go outdoors, however on a 1:1 basis. All activities planned today and tomorrow for Nursing Home Week that unfortunately required cancellation, will be rescheduled.

We continue to test all residents and staff twice a week and N95 masks and PPE are being utilized by staff and all visitors are required to wear N95 masks on units. It appears at this time that symptoms are being experienced however, they are mild respiratory and a low-grade fever. Any resident who tests positive is being offered the recommended infusion or Paxlovid.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to myself or Jess Vargas, DNS. I will continue to provide you with updates.

Best Regards,
Lori Levine, BSW, LNHA