I know we all want to put COVID behind us but unfortunately, Copley does not have that luxury, particularly as variants of the virus continue to emerge. We are home to a vulnerable population, and it is our job and responsibility to keep them safe above all else. That means adhering to our infection control protocols for as long as COVID remains in our community. Despite our efforts, we’ve had an uptick in cases over the last several weeks. The most likely way for one of our residents to catch COVID is from a visitor who is unknowingly positive and symptom-free. The protocols we’ve put in place may seem overly protective, but they are based on CDC guidelines and recommendations from health professionals. We want to do everything in our power to reduce the spread and ask that everyone take responsibility for keeping our residents healthy.
Here’s what Copley continues to do to reduce the risk of spread:
- We continue regular testing of all staff – at least weekly and more in some cases.
- If someone tests positive for COVID, that person leaves the building immediately and must wait five days, be symptom- free and have a negative test before returning to work.
- Staff who are not feeling well are encouraged to test and/or stay home.
- Hand sanitizers are now installed in every resident’s room, and staff sanitize when entering and leaving to further reduce the risk.
- Mask use is mandatory for all staff.
- If a resident tests positive, we put extra protocols in place to protect our staff for their own health and to reduce the risk of spread to other residents.
And here is what we ask of you:
- Please do not visit if you are feeling unwell.
- Test before coming to visit. If that test comes back positive, please stay away for at least five days. If you are symptom-free and test negative, you can visit.
- Wear a mask whenever visiting Copley including inside the room of your loved one. Mask use is mandatory for all staff and strongly encouraged for visitors(but optional for residents).
- Use hand sanitizer when entering and leaving the building, and again when you’re entering and leaving your loved one’s room.
As frustrating as it is, we must all continue to do our part to keep everyone at Copley safe for the sake of our loved ones. That means very simple things such as wearing a mask and washing our hands. Those two actions alone will greatly reduce the risk of COVID.
Thank you for your continued help and vigilance.
-Steve Tyer