COVID-19 UPDATE | OCTOBER 23, 2020

Friends and Family of Santa Marta,

We’re disheartened to share that we identified two positive cases of COVID-19 among independent living residents this week. Both individuals live in a villa, which minimizes the frequency of in-person interactions with others. Contact tracing has been completed and we determined that no residents or team members were exposed. We extend our prayers and well wishes as they both recover in self-isolation at home.

We conducted the latest round of proactive testing for 204 healthcare team members on Tuesday. All came back negative except one – a CNA from memory support. Contact tracing determined that the impacted employee had no close interactions with any residents or staff. Out of an abundance of caution, we tested all memory support residents on-site using rapid test kits. All results came back negative. To validate this outcome, lab tests will also be conducted early next week.

Including this latest employee case, the current number of impacted team members is five. All individuals are safely isolating at home and we wish them a speedy recovery.

We remain focused on finalizing our plan for resuming healthcare visitations and are looking forward to receiving approval from Johnson County health officials soon. However, the newly identified team member case pushes back the resumption of visits for 14 days as per guidance from health authorities.  We understand this is a frustrating setback, but greatly appreciate your continued patience and understanding as we work to reunite you with your loved ones.

Considering this week’s positive diagnoses, window visits, video calls and social media remain the safest methods of staying connected with residents. We’re commencing with outdoor visits for independent living as usual.

While this isn’t the news we were hoping to share today, we remain hopeful and resilient as we continue to do everything in our power to keep residents and team members safe. Strict precautions and procedures remain in place communitywide. Your continued prayers and well wishes are a source of comfort as we persevere through this unprecedented period.

As always, please feel free to direct any questions to me and the rest of the Santa Marta leadership team at updates@www.santamartaretirement.com. Additional updates will be shared in our weekly website and Facebook posts.

Thank you and God bless,

Chet Surmaczewicz

Executive Director