Dear Sunrise residents, families and staff members,
I feel very fortunate that we have not had any COVID cases to report through this communication for the past several weeks – and I hope that trend holds steady! This week we are again able to report that there are no current COVID infections in any residents or staff members, nor are any residents or staff members in quarantine. For that reason, we will discontinue communicating these messages on a weekly basis – hopefully this is one more sign of progress as we continue to get our lives back to normal after the pandemic. Please be assured that if we do have a positive case to report, we will do so with full transparency.
Sunrise continues to follow current recommendations and directives from the CDC and CMS. Fully vaccinated individuals (staff and residents) will not need to complete surveillance testing as previously required. Staff and residents are still tested if they are showing signs/symptoms of illness or if Sunrise is in outbreak status. Unvaccinated staff are required to test routinely. Staff continue to regularly monitor residents for any signs or symptoms of illness. Sunrise may adjust this policy if the county positivity goes over 5%.
We are open for visiting, but please follow our visitation guidelines carefully. The policy is available on our website and at the reception desk. Guests must check in and out when coming to the building and wear masks when in common areas of the building, regardless of vaccination status. We appreciate your cooperation with this requirement. The relaxed masking guidance from the CDC for fully vaccinated individuals does not generally apply in healthcare settings, which includes the nursing and assisted living. Sunrise is allowing some relaxed mask usage by residents as allowed under the guidance (which applies only in circumstances when all individuals in a room/activity are fully vaccinated). Sunrise Retirement Community will continue to require mask wearing for staff members and contractors while working.
Other mitigation efforts in both nursing & assisted living include staff screening for exposure, symptoms and temperature; wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE); increased cleaning & disinfecting of surfaces throughout the building.
Hallie Salmen, CEO