Dear Residents, Associates and Families of First Colonial Inn,
I am writing you this letter to update you on the status of COVID-19 testing and cases at our community. The Department of Public Health just sent the list of results from the community-wide baseline test we conducted on July 14th. For your reference, we tested 156 residents and 71 associates. I am pleased to report that all resident tests were negative. Unfortunately, 2 associates were tested positive for a total of four active cases at our community.
Here is a summary regarding the 4 associates who tested positive for COVID-19: One associate from our assisted living department is recovering at home and is expected to be cleared to return to work next week. The second active case is an associate from our dining department, who is in stable condition self-isolating at home. The third positive person works in our assisted living department is believed to have contracted COVID-19 from a family member who recently tested positive. This associate promptly notified us of this exposure and has been off work while results were pending. The last associate who recently tested positive works in resident relations, is asymptomatic and will isolate at home until cleared to return to work. There are no other cases among our associates or residents at this time. Please keep these associates in your positive thoughts as we wish them a full and speedy recovery.
This baseline testing is exactly what it is called, a “baseline” or snapshot of COVID-19. Our testing results tell us who was infected last week only and does not change the reality of COVID-19 all around us. We are relieved to have no positives among our residents from our recent testing, though we are also cognizant that each day presents new opportunities for exposure to the virus. One associate who tested positive for example, had tested negative on another test two days prior. This reinforces how important it is for us all to remain diligent with wearing masks, washing hands, social distancing, and daily screening for symptoms to protect our residents and each other.
For the safety of all residents, we will continue to require all residents to wear masks when outside of their apartments, and we will require all residents, who choose to leave the community on their own, to self-isolate for a period of 14 days upon their return. Communal amenities are not available to these residents during their self-isolation period. We continue to offer small group wellness programs by reservation, dining services delivered, the FCI Pantry for small purchases, and the visit station and virtual visits to safely visit with friends and family by appointment. Our team is working hard to provide hospitality, essential services, and meaningful experiences for our residents as safely and plentiful as we can. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to better accommodate your needs during this time.
At First Colonial Inn, our top priority is and will always be the health and well-being of our residents and for all our associates. We understand that you may have questions and concerns. I will continue to keep you informed with updated information as it becomes available. Thank you for your constant support, goodwill, and partnership as we navigate this together.
Sincerely,
Christina Driscoll, Executive Director
Additional resources:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html https://epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov/cd/diseases/COVID19.html