April 23, 2020
To Family Members and Friends:
Our goal is always to keep you informed as changes come available that may impact your loved one. Thankfully as of this morning, we have not received any additional Resident positive results. The number of positive COVID Residents currently remains 26 totals in house. The last round of testing for employees indicated 5 additional positives and 17 negative employees which brings the total employee count to 15 positives. We did receive additional guidance from the Illinois State Department of Health on managing the facility during this challenging time. We apologize, in advance, for multiple communications. Infection control protocols evolve and change, sometimes daily, and we are always following the CDC and local and state departments of health. Below are latest updates:
• COVID-19 Positive Unit – In accordance with new guidance delivered by the local and state departments of health, the entire facility, Newton Care Center will continue to operate a separate COVID unit in the facility. North Hallway will continue to operate as the COVID unit. All positive Residents will remain on the COVID unit as space allows.
• Contact Droplet Precautions – Regardless of Resident’s COVID status, all Residents will remain on contact droplet precautions to assist with protecting Residents and staff. As a reminder, contact droplet precautions means all staff, caring for Residents, will be in full protective gear including masks, eye protection, gowns and gloves.
• COVID Status for Employees – Essential staff that have tested positive for COVID, who are asymptomatic, will provide care for Residents that also tested positive for COVID. Essential staff that have tested negative may provide care for Residents that have tested positive for COVID. The COVID unit will provide (2) areas for staff breaks – one for COVID positive employees and one for COVID negative employees. Essential staff that have tested negative will provide the care for the Residents that have tested negative for COVID. This is in accordance with local and state departments of health’s guidance. • Further Testing – Coronavirus testing will occur on a 1-week interval for any Residents or staff who have tested negative previously. The interval testing will continue until no new positive COVID cases occur. This testing strategy follows recommendations received by the local and state departments of health as well.
• COVID-19 Positive Phone Number – Reminder that we have a new number for families to call for updates on their loved ones who are positive for the virus. You may reach a nurse at (618) 852-9051. Please be patient if trying to reach us during shift changes or mealtimes as our staff are working tirelessly to be all hands-on deck for our Residents.
• Safekeeping App – Signing up for the safe keeping app will allow you to receive quick updates and stay engaged in your loved one’s care. This is a free service to our families as a continued way to communicate with you. For install instructions visit install.safekeepingapp.com. Please reach out to Jo Donaldson at (618) 783-2309 for more information.
• Stay in touch – We encourage you to stay in close contact with your loved one through telephone calls, emails, texts, ecards, video chat or social media. Thank you for continued support during this difficult time! Our hearts remain grateful for such loving families and a loving community! At Your Service, Paula Schoonover, Administrator
