COVID-19 UPDATE | AUGUST 28, 2020

Friends and Family of Santa Marta,

While we are fortunate to have no recent confirmed cases of COVID-19 among residents, we are disheartened to share that two team members have tested positive for the virus. The positive diagnoses were identified following our latest round of proactive bi-weekly testing for all healthcare staff, which was conducted on Wednesday, August 26. Out of the 185 tests administered, 181 came back negative and two are still pending.

The impacted team members – a healthcare dining server and a CNA from skilled nursing – are both successfully recovering at home. We have completed contact tracing and the skilled nursing residents who may have been exposed are being monitored for symptoms twice during every shift. We will conduct tests on residents as needed and share results as they become available.

Strict protocols to prevent the spread of the virus remain in place and we continue to adhere to guidance from local, state and federal health authorities. As we announced last week, outdoor visits are temporarily suspended due to the spike in positive tests in Johnson County and surrounding areas. We encourage families and loved ones to take advantage of window visits and video calls to connect with residents.

We continue to provide haircuts to residents, with prudent use of masks and other PPE, as well as proper hand hygiene. However, this service remains limited in skilled nursing.

Please feel free to contact me or the Santa Marta Management Team if you have any questions.

While this isn’t the news we hoped to share with you this week, we remain resilient and optimistic as we persevere through this challenging period. Your continued support and prayers are very much appreciated.

Thank you and God bless,

Chet Surmaczewicz

Executive Director