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 today, 2 staff members tested positive who recently worked in the health center. The current number of active, COVID positive staff members is 5, with several staff completing their isolation time frames. Staff members who test positive are isolating at home. Since April 20, a total of 67 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 today 2 residents tested positive and were moved into the quarantine neighborhood. There are currently 4 residents in the COVID isolation neighborhood. Staff continue monitoring residents for any signs or symptoms of illness on each shift (3 times per day).
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). We will continue limiting visiting until we have gone 14 days without reporting a resident infection. We will only be allowing closed window and limited compassionate care visits for nursing facility residents and outdoor or closed window visits for assisted living. At this time, 14 days from the most recent resident infection will be December 28. We do need our visitors to follow the visiting guidelines as established by CMS, including checking in/out for appointments, wear masks appropriately and throughout their visit & keep social distance during the visit. Visitors who refuse to comply with these requirements will not be scheduled. Please be sure to schedule these visits with the Activities department prior to coming to the facility.
Our staff screen for exposure, symptoms and temperature at the beginning and end of each shift and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) throughout their shift. This has been our policy for months now and will continue to be the policy indefinitely. Our staff members are also testing regularly as part of our surveillance program.
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.
Sincerely,
Hallie Salmen, CEO