With the recent increase in positive COVID-19 cases and reports of cases within both skilled nursing & assisted living campuses; we wanted to provide you with an update of the current precautionary measures we are taking.
As you know, we unfortunately had to restrict access onto our campuses to any non-essential individuals except for certain compassionate situations, such as end-of-life. We do not know how long those restrictions will have to stay in place. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS), our national regulatory agency is now requiring that nursing facilities restrict all non-essential access and recommending that we restrict access on assisted living campuses as well. Because our independent campuses exist on campuses with attached nursing facility or assisted living areas, we extended the access restrictions to the independent areas to try and minimize any cross exposure and protect our residents. We realize that these restrictions are hard on you and also on your loved ones who live on our campuses. Our teams are creatively working to make life fun and enjoyable to the best of our abilities. We have also purchased additional iPads for the campuses to allow our residents to more easily connect with you.
Any team members or essential visitors who are coming onto the campus are assessed for infection risk. Also, all residents are more closely being assessed to identify those who may begin to show symptoms. We are taking new admissions but screening any new residents prior to bringing them onto the campus.
As stated in previous communication, we are following protocols for infection control and protective equipment according to guidance from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and our local and state agencies. If the virus finds its way onto our campuses, we have developed additional procedures to decrease the spread of the virus. Adhering to strict quality, safety and infection control prevention protocols is the best way to increase the safety of our residents and team members.
Questions have been raised about the potential of supply shortages (e.g. masks, gowns and gloves) across the country. We have enough protective supplies for the near future but are concerned about supplies if a large outbreak should occur. We currently have enough on hand to respond to typical flu-like outbreaks but want to be prepared if COVID-19 creates an unusual demand. We are working hard to obtain additional personal protective supplies such as masks, gowns and gloves beyond our normal inventory. We have also appreciated the community donations of extra surgical masks, N95 masks, eye protection and disposable gloves and gowns.
Thank you again for your understanding and patience as we work through these times. If ever you have questions, please contact the campus.
From Nye Health Services CEO, Russ Peterson: