COVID-19 Virus Update

June 4, 2020

COVID-19 Virus Update

 

Dear Residents, Family and Friends:

On behalf of the entire team at Monte Vista Hills Healthcare Center, we want to thank you for allowing us to care for you or your loved one.  We recognize the high level of trust that you place in us, and we are committed to providing excellent care to those whom we have the privilege to serve.

As you are aware, the country is currently united in its attempt to navigate the challenges presented by the COVID-19 virus. Since the outset, we at Monte Vista Hills have consistently been following the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including following strict handwashing procedures and wearing personal protective equipment when indicated by the resident’s presenting condition. We are also current with the existing CMS Guidance, and update our protocols as new information becomes available.  Likewise, we remain in close contact with the local and state health departments, and appreciate their ongoing guidance and support.

We learned today that one of our staff members tested positive for COVID-19. The employee does not provide patient care, and has not been in the Facility nor have they worked since reporting symptoms.  The employee will remain out of the Facility until receiving clearance to return as per the CDC criteria. Based on the information we received from the employee, we believe that the exposure to the virus was not connected to Monte Vista Hills and occurred outside the Facility. In any event, and in response to the above, we contacted the County Department of Health (as we are required to do), and received additional direction on infection prevention interventions. We currently have in place a robust infection surveillance protocol at Monte Vista Hills, and are taking every precaution to protect our residents and staff.  As an important reminder, we do not currently have any COVID-19 positive residents in the Facility.

With respect to our efforts to manage this development, we will continue following the guidance provided by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in the restriction on visitation; these restrictions have been in place since March 14, 2020. We remain happy to facilitate virtual visitation by phone or FaceTime, and encourage you to remain in contact with your loved ones without in-person visitation until such time as we are able to welcome you back. In addition to the visitor restriction, we are continuing to be proactive regarding any infections that could impact our community.  For your information, we have listed below a sampling of some of the ways in which we are responding to the COVID-19 situation:

• Frequent handwashing
• Frequent use of hand sanitizer
• All staff are wearing masks from time of entry into the Facility through the time they depart at the end of their shift
• Staff and medical professionals will continue to be assessed and screened prior to entering the Facility and starting their shift; if they present with any sign or symptom of illness, they will be sent home
• Continued social distancing
• Enhanced cleaning and sanitizing throughout the Facility
• Enhanced infection surveillance protocol, including taking resident temperatures regularly and monitoring for potential changes in condition
  • If any changes are identified, the care team will respond immediately
• Infection prevention/control is our highest priority, and we are laser focused on it

Please know that we are all fully engaged in taking action to minimize the possible exposure associated with this virus. We thank you for your continuing confidence, and for helping us in our attempts to keep our residents and staff safe.  Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions, concerns or requests for assistance.  We will keep you updated as additional information becomes available.

~The Team at Monte Vista Hills Health Care Center