October 6, 2020 at 5:30 pm
Dear Village at Belmar Community,
We wanted to provide an update to all of you regarding our community status. Unfortunately, as we have been gearing up with testing for Indoor Visitation, we have identified one positive associate and we have another symptomatic associate whose testing is pending.
The confirmed positive associate had a positive family member identified so they quarantined for 14 days. They came back to work last Thursday, 10/1, after the 14-day period, and participated in our weekly associate testing. Based on results received this morning, this associate is showing as positive. Based on consultation with our Medical Consultant as well as CDC guidance, we believe that this may be a case of a “persistent positive” where her test is still reflecting a positive result but she may not be contagious. We are, however, treating this as a positive case.
The second associate developed symptoms on Sunday while they were off work. They did not come in as scheduled yesterday or today, and were administered a rapid test yesterday. The rapid test indicated a negative result although based on her symptoms and per the advice of her primary care physician, she was administered a PCR test (Covid test sent to a laboratory for processing) as the PCR tests are much more reliable. We are treating this associate as if they are positive and have begun our contact tracing exercise. We should know the result of this PCR test in the next few days.
Based on the nature of both of these associate’s job duties, their interaction are broad and will involve testing of all associates as well as testing of the Assisted Living residents. Once we have results from this round of testing, we will send another update letter. If you participated in an Assisted Living outdoor visit in the last two weeks, you may have had a possible limited exposure and should monitor for any signs or symptoms and seek medical advice if you are not feeling well.
Unfortunately, this will delay the beginning of Indoor Visitation for a minimum of 14 days, as we cannot gain clearance from Jefferson County Health to begin Indoor Visitation until 14 days after the date of our last positive test result. Additionally, until we have results back next week from our contact tracing, we are being advised by both Jefferson County and our Medical Consultant to temporarily suspend Assisted Living dining room service, small group activities and outdoor visitation. Our goal is to re-open all of these amenities next week as soon as we are able, providing that no other positive cases are identified, and all test results come back negative. If you have any further questions, please reach out to Village at Belmar’s Executive Director, Rebecca Norris, at (303) 351-5455.
Sincerely,
Tom Finley and Susie Finley
