June 18, 2020
Dear Sunrise Residents, Families & Friends,
Sunrise has been notified that one staff member has been confirmed to have COVID-19. This staff member worked in the nursing facility prior to testing positive. The individual is asymptomatic at this time, and for this reason, at the advice of our medical director and per Sunrise policy, the residents that live in the neighborhood where the staff member worked will be tested for the virus. Residents are assessed on each shift for any signs or symptoms of illness that may be connected to a potential COVID-19 infection, so testing is a proactive step in case there was a transmission during contact between the staff member and any resident. Families of any residents who live in the neighborhood where the exposure occurred have been notified directly.
Consistent with IDPH guidelines, the staff member is in self-isolation at home, and will not return to work until they have completed the recommended isolation in accordance with public health guidance. As of today, Sunrise has two staff members who have been confirmed positive and 9 staff members who have completed their self-isolation, for a cumulative total of 11 staff members having tested positive for infection since the beginning of the pandemic.
This reported infection will put our phased relaxation plans back to day 1.
Sunrise, assisted living and nursing facility, 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.
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. We will be posting our formal relaxation plans on the website in the near future, along with the visitation policy.
We appreciate the support and cooperation of all the residents and families as we work to ensure a safe environment for our residents. Please keep Sunrise residents and staff in your prayers.
Sincerely,
Hallie Salmen, CEOÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â &Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Chris Schenkelberg, Administrator