As we approach the July 4th holiday, I would like to take this moment to reflect on the challenges the creators of this nation faced nearly 250 years ago. Lives were lost, economies were damaged and everyday people paid a heavy toll in their fight for freedom. Every challenge they faced was met with a determination that has come to define what this nation stands for. These past few months we have faced similar challenges as our freedoms have come under attack by a different kind of enemy. I like to think that we too have applied that same American determination to overcome our own obstacles. I’m so proud of everyone at Brandermill Woods for the efforts everyone has made to combat this pandemic.
As you may already know, our Health Care Community is in Phase 1 of a 4-Phase plan to re-open. Our next big step on our path to re-open is conducting point of prevalence testing with all of our residents and staff at The Haven, Assisted Living and Memory Care facilities. While we have had no new cases in over six weeks, we need to demonstrate to our regulatory agencies that we don’t have any asymptomatic carriers within our facilities. Members of the Virginia National Guard will be on hand to assist the Health Department in conducting the testing which is currently scheduled for July 15th. We will provide more information on how that will be accomplished in the coming weeks. We also need the Health Department to approve our latest infection prevention protocols to ensure we have proper procedures in place should we experience a second outbreak once we re-open. If, at all possible, we want to avoid having to take two steps backwards because we rushed into it.
We are in Step 2 of a 4-Step Plan to re-open at the Independent Living Community. Step 3 is schedule to begin July 1 if there are no changes in our COVID-19 status. We plan to offer dine-in seating in our dining facilities on a limited basis to ensure social distancing. We are confident this will be a welcomed treat by our residents. Our other re-opening efforts have gone well to date, and we are encouraged by our progress to date. Please see our ILU Protocol Update June 30, 2020 for more details.
As always, if you have any questions, feel free to contact me. Please stay safe and have a wonderful July 4th.
