I am saddened to share with you that very late yesterday we learned one of our employees tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19). After careful review and consideration of CDC guidance, the Pennsylvania Health Alert Network Advisories and contact tracing, it has been determined that no residents nor staff were in close contact with this employee whose last date on campus was Thursday November 5th; therefore, no quarantine for residents is necessary at this time. Join me in keeping this employee in your thoughts, along with all of the other WEL residents and staff across our WEL communities that have tested positive recently. Please, too, understand that privacy regulations preclude me from sharing more specific information.
Currently, no residents or any other employees have tested positive for the coronavirus and no residents in Personal Care or Skilled Nursing are showing any symptoms related to coronavirus. We continue to screen all residents residing in Personal Care and Skilled Nursing daily. We also screen all staff and visitors each time they come to campus. Staff are advised to stay home when ill and are advised to test prior to returning to work, per CDC and DOH guidelines.
For residents residing in Independent Living, if you have new onset of COVID 19 symptoms, including, shortness of breath, cough, loss of taste or smell, fever, chills, body aches, sore throat, nausea/vomiting, headache, congestion/runny nose or diarrhea, please do not leave your apartment. Notify your doctor, your family and then notify the Wellness Center or reception desk for further instruction. Do not leave your apartment if you do not feel well. We can help with meal delivery, trash removal and other services if you are not well. Also, please notify the Wellness Center or the reception desk if you have been admitted to the hospital.
This development is a reminder of how important it is that we all play our part in limiting the spread of this virus. As of today, Bucks County is at a 9.5 positivity rate, up from 6.2 last week. Please continue to adhere to the preventive measures we have implemented, including wearing masks on campus, social distancing and hand washing; they are critical in reducing the spread of COVID 19 and keeping our campus safe and open. We continue to review our Personal Protective Equipment and have determined we have sufficient supplies on hand.
I will be sharing information on our Holiday Visitation policies next week and continue to share updates with you as information becomes available.
Sincerely,
Maureen Casey
Executive Director