Update from Administrator – May 29, 2020
I hope this finds you all staying safe and healthy.
We appreciate your patience and ongoing support.
We seemed to have jumped headlong into summer! Now that our AC is operational, and we have been providing extra hydration on hot days through distribution of Popsicle’s and cool liquids. We also are mindful of those that, despite the hot weather, have a need to wear extra clothing and care plan accordingly.
As you know, this virus has impacted nursing homes at a disproportionately high rate. In Massachusetts, patients and staff have tested positive in 347 centers as of the 27th, which is 91%. On a sad note, the country has reached another milestone with over 100 thousand victims of this deadly disease.
We currently have NO COVID-19 positive residents! I would ask that you consider that our population had an average age of 88 at the time the Pandemic hit, so while we have many recovered patients, they are still very fragile and susceptible to the diseases they had prior to the Pandemic.
I can now report that 76 previously positive residents are now considered recovered and symptom-free! There are 68 still here and some have discharged. We have 10 residents that are in quarantine; they have no symptoms and were considered negative on admission but have to remain in quarantine for at least 14 days after admission. We have seven that are now confirmed Negative.
Northwood has had a total of 70 staff that has tested positive and 43 are recovered and have been back to work. We met the minimum requirement of DPH that at least 90% of our staff be tested, with 99% compliance.
In accordance with guidance from the state Department of Public Health, we continue to keep negative and recovered patients segregated from new admissions to the extent possible.
We continue to be in daily touch with the Department of Public Health and our local Health Department. We also are following all CDC and state guidelines and receive regular updates on new guidelines that are offered. This information is shared with our staff and additional training is continually taking place.
Tim Churchill