Dear Family and Friends of South Cove Manor:
Last evening, we received the results of our staff testing conducted on Tuesday. As suspected, the staff member that had tested positive with the BinaxNow test, also tested positive with the more accurate PCR test conducted by our lab. In addition, we identified another staff member that works on the first floor. This staff member was asymptomatic, and was working at the time the results were received. The staff member was educated on what she should do next, and then left the building. She will be excluded from work for at least 10 days.
These test results tell us several things about the virus, and about our processes for handling it. They highlight the fact that ANY symptom, no matter how slight, needs to be reported. With the addition of the Binax Now rapid test to our arsenal, we can now identify a positive case within 15 minutes of the test being conducted, and take immediate action to keep others safe. These results also point out the fact that people can carry the virus without any knowledge that they have it. This shows how imperative it is for all health care workers to follow the guidance related to PPE use while working. It also shows how important it is for the general public to follow the mask mandates and social distancing requirements.
As I had said in yesterday’s e-mail, we are now required to test residents and staff every three days, until we are able to demonstrate 14 consecutive days with no new positive cases in residents, or staff. In-person Visitation is prohibited until we reach that threshold. I will continue to keep you informed with any and all new information as it is received. In the meantime, we continue to work on vaccine preparations in advance of the first vaccine clinic on January 6th. Please feel free to reach out to Li Chen or I with any questions that you may have.
Thank you again for placing your trust in South Cove Manor.
