Dear Sunrise residents, family and friends,
This letter is to report on COVID positive staff and residents.
Sunrise continues to test staff two times per week for COVID surveillance. In testing over the past 24 hours, 2 staff members tested positive for COVID-19. The current number of active, COVID positive staff members is 8, as one person is completing their isolation today. Staff members who test positive are isolating at home. Since April 20, a total of 81 staff members have tested positive for COVID-19.
We also continue to test residents every 3-7 days for surveillance or if there are any suspicions of illness. In testing for residents & tenants, Sunrise is reporting 1 assisted living tenant has tested positive for COVID and 2 nursing facility residents. There are currently 8 residents in isolation from nursing and 3 in assisted living. Staff continue monitoring residents for any signs or symptoms of illness on each shift (3 times per day).
To reiterate, our vaccine clinic will be held January 14 at Sunrise for assisted living tenants, nursing residents and staff. Independent living has not been allocated vaccine at this time but we will inform those residents when it is determined they are eligible. Information is posted on our website regarding frequently asked questions and facts. The majority of vaccine request forms have been returned already & I want to thank you for your quick response to this request!
Sunrise’s nursing facility is currently considered in “outbreak” status by the CMS definition (1 staff or resident reporting positive) and the IDPH definition (3 residents reporting positive within 14 days). If you have the opportunity to speak to any of your family members by phone, please encourage them to wear their face masks if they are out of their rooms and when caregivers are in their rooms. If they cannot tolerate a facemask, we also recommend holding a tissue over their mouth and nose.
By regulation we are required to limit visiting in the nursing facility due to the “outbreak” status. We will continue limiting visitation to closed window visits and limited compassionate care visits until we have gone 14 days without reporting a resident infection. At this time, 14 days from the most recent resident infection will be January 21 for both nursing and assisted living. Contact Erin Anderson at 712-276-3821 x 3130 to schedule visits or to set up video chats!
Other mitigation efforts in both nursing & assisted living include staff screening at the beginning and end of shift for exposure, symptoms and temperature; wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE); increased cleaning & disinfecting of surfaces throughout the building; and regular COVID surveillance testing of staff members and residents.
We are working closely with our local public health department, the Iowa Department of Public Health, and our medical director and following their recommendations. We are notifying our constituents and all regulatory bodies necessary to keep them informed about this current situation as required. Thank you for your continued support & understanding during this trying time.
Sincerely,
Hallie Salmen, CEO