Health Care Community
I am very pleased to report the results from our routine testing performed over the last two weeks for all employees and residents in our Health Care Community, (The Haven, Assisted Living and Memory Care). All test results were negative for COVID-19. As previously stated, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) testing mandate is based on County positivity rates.
On September 16, 2020, the CMS website reported that Chesterfield County’s positivity rate was 9.8%. Per CMS testing requirements, we are able to decrease testing to once a week for our Health Care Community employees, due to the positivity rate dropping below 10%. We plan to conduct the next round of tests for employees at The Haven, Assisted Living and Memory Care on Monday, September 21 and Monday, September 28, 2020.
I am also excited to announce that we have met the requirements set forth by the VDH to move forward to Phase II reopening. Beginning September 21, 2020, we will be offering outdoor visits with family members and friends. These outdoor visits will depend on the weather, the resident’s condition and their individual physical ability. The rules that we enforce will include wearing a mask, practicing social distancing of six feet and specific timeframes. Please call extension #178 to schedule an outdoor visit.
We are also finalizing a plan to offer Country Rides, after September 28, 2020. You will be notified as soon as we complete our plans.
Should we have one new resident case of the virus in our Health Care Community, we will need to return to Phase I per state guidance.
Independent LivingCommunity
It is exciting to observe our ILU community coming to life as we have begun to reopen. Fitness and Pool classes are very well attended and best of all, our families are allowed to visit more often. Management is in the process of finalizing Step 4 part 2 of reopening. The steps will be sent to the Resident Council for review and will be distributed as soon as completed. Step 4 part 2 is scheduled to begin on October 1, 2020.
Speaking for all of the Brandermill Woods team, we know these may feel like minor steps towards reopening but based upon what we are seeing around the country, we feel this is the appropriate way to move forward and stay compliant with all agencies. We know that following proper guidelines give us a much better chance of returning to normal faster. We remain diligent in our efforts to avoid any widespread coronavirus outbreaks by following the safety protocols from the CDC and local health department.
As we continue to cautiously reopen, it is critical that all residents, families and friends remain diligent in staying healthy to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Wear a mask correctly. Wash your hands and use hand sanitizer frequently. Maintain social distancing of six feet or more from others everywhere you go. Stay home if you do not feel well. Thank you for protecting yourselves and those around you! We continue to be very grateful for your support and cooperation!
