COVID-19 UPDATE | FEBRUARY 5, 2021

Friends and Family of Santa Marta,

We are thankful to be kickstarting February with many causes for celebration. No new positive cases of COVID-19 were identified during our weekly testing for all healthcare residents this week. With previously affected residents now fully recovered, there are no active cases among residents communitywide.

Similar results were found among staff as we uncovered no new positive cases during our twice weekly testing for all healthcare team members. However, there are seven previously identified positive cases among employees, all of whom are recovering at home. We wish them all a speedy recovery.

With this promising decline in cases, we have reached the threshold to decrease our testing interval. Beginning next week, residents will be tested if direct exposure to the virus is suspected or when a Santa Marta employee tests positive. Testing for all healthcare team members will now be conducted once a week.

In addition to our ongoing safety protocols, we credit this positive trajectory to the vaccinations that were administered campuswide last month. CVS will be on hand Monday, February 8, to offer second doses to residents in assisted living, memory support and skilled nursing, as well as Santa Marta associates. Residents in independent living will receive their second doses on February 24 courtesy of AuBurn Pharmacy.

Indoor visitations and some small group activities continue in independent living. We tentatively plan to begin indoor visitations and some small group activities in our health center next week. Brian Haase, our administrator, will be in touch with additional details in the next few days.

While we’re lifting some restrictions, safety protocols will remain in place at Santa Marta for the foreseeable future per guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and other health authorities. This includes masks, social distancing, and no large gatherings.

Please feel free to reach out to our leadership team at updates@www.santamartaretirement.com with any questions. As usual, our weekly updates will also be shared on our website and Facebook page.

Thank you and God bless,

Chet Surmaczewicz

Executive Director