May 15, 2020
Dear Sunrise Residents, Families & Friends,
As I explained in yesterday’s communication, this week Sunrise Retirement Community requested all staff to participate in the TestIowa Covid-19 testing. As a result, as of May 15, 2020, an additional 4 staff members have tested positive for COVID-19. These staff members had direct contact with some of our residents and have presented an exposure risk to our facility according to IDPH guidelines. Consistent with IDPH guidelines, the staff members are in self-isolation at home, and will not return to work until they have completed the recommended isolation in accordance with public health guidance. So to clarify, the current count of employees with positive test results is 7.
Sunrise continues to implement the following:
- Implementing all CMS and CDC guidelines for limiting guests or outside entities in the facility, cancelled all resident activities and residents continue to stay in their rooms/apartments as much as possible including at meals when possible.
- Residents are assessed every shift and they are closely monitored for any changes in their condition.
- Staff are monitored at the beginning and end of each of their shifts and are encouraged to be careful of where they are going in public and stay home if they do not feel well. Staff are also encouraged to stay home if they live with someone who is experiencing symptoms, even if they are not.
- Staff continue to wear appropriate personal protection equipment at all times in the facility and residents are encouraged to wear masks or cover their noses/mouths during personal care with nursing staff.
Previously we had reported on 2 other staff members that had tested positive. One of those has recovered and I will no longer report on her status. The other is completing the self-isolation period this coming Sunday.
We have been discussing testing all residents with the Iowa Department of Public Health and have requested materials for this. We are unsure at this time when that will be completed, but we will notify residents and family prior to completing this, as we have received several questions about this.
Please continue to use our website as a resource for more information from Sunrise as well as the following agencies: Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Center for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS), Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), Department of Inspections & Appeals (DIA) and Siouxland District Health.
We will follow the reporting guidelines and be sure our residents, resident representatives & families have current information as required. We desire to be transparent in our communications, while protecting the privacy of those who become sick.
Please sign up for our e-newsletter and/or following our Facebook page so that you have quick access to up-to-date information on the status of the health of our residents and staff. All of our notices are also posted on our website – www.sunriseretirement.com. You can sign up for the newsletter at the bottom of the homepage.
Please continue to pray for the health and safety of all our residents and staff and we look forward to a time when we will have the chance to be together again!
Sincerely,
Hallie Salmen, CEO Chris Schenkelberg, Administrator
Sunrise Retirement Community Sunrise Retirement Community