July 3, 2020
This past Monday, June 29, Ingersoll Place residents were tested for COVID-19 as part of a NYS Department of Health initiative in nursing homes and assisted living facilities throughout the state. Results were received, and no new cases of the coronavirus were identified. However, two residents on the Memory Care Unit that previously tested positive in April - during the initial round of testing - have again tested positive. They remain asymptomatic and in overall good health. According to health officials, it is not uncommon for some individuals to test positive for weeks, even months, after initially testing positive. Since there is no conclusive evidence that individuals who previously tested positive have developed immunity to the disease, we are following recommendations from the Department of Health to "err on the side of caution" and place both residents in isolation for the next 14 days. They will be monitored closely and any changes in health status will be reported to their physicians. Staff caring for these individuals will resume the use of full PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).
With regard to staff testing, Ingersoll was notified that three employee's weekly test results came back as inconclusive/incomplete. After discussions with Public Health Officials, and to exercise an abundance of caution, these employees are being treated as "presumed positive" and are in self-quarantine at home until July 8th, after which they can return to work provided they are symptom free. All have been retested and are negative.
Daily routines will continue on both the Assisted Living and Memory Care wings. Emphasis on hand washing, the wearing of masks and social distancing is part of the daily dialogue among residents and staff.
Please direct questions or concerns regarding resident test results or other resident care issues to Kim Towne, RN or Adriana Colonno, Executive Director. Both can be reached at 518-370-4419.
Please continue to direct non-urgent questions and concerns to Ceil Mack, 518-370-4419, ext. 303.
