June 29, 2020
Dear Sunrise Residents, Families & Friends,
Today Sunrise was notified that two staff members have received positive COVID test results. One individual works in the nursing facility and represents a potential exposure to the residents. The other staff member also works in the nursing facility but was not in the facility for 10 days prior to having symptoms. Both staff members will remain in self-isolation at home until the completion of the recommended isolation time period. Cumulatively, since April 20, we have reported 13 individuals with COVID-19 positive test results. Eleven of the 13 reported staff members who have reported positive test results have completed their isolation periods. No residents have had positive test results at this time.
Our phased relaxation plans are currently in Phase 1, and we are back to day 1 of this period.
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.
It is our understanding that the State may be issuing some new guidance about visitation in nursing facilities early this week. We are waiting to see how they amend their current guidance before posting our plan, however, do anticipate that in the next day or so. We anticipate that we will be able to allow some level of visitation outdoors, in a controlled way, which means by appointment and with screening. Virtual visits are available and window visits are also encouraged. We will use our e-news blast to communicate our visitation policy as soon as we have more information.
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, CEO & Chris Schenkelberg, Administrator