We want to provide an update on an exposure to COVID-19 within our Village on the Green community. We learned Monday, July 13, that one of our Health Center residents and one of our Residential Living residents tested positive for COVID-19. Both residents are being cared for in the hospital at this time.
In addition, we began receiving test results as part of our state-mandated community-wide testing. While the majority of our test results were negative, we learned today that nine individuals who provide care and service to our residents tested positive for the virus. By way of recap, we have 12 active cases of the virus among individuals who provide care and service to our residents. These individuals are self-isolating at home with the support of our Human Resources team. Any new information regarding COVID-19 in our community will be provided to you when available, as appropriate.
If you are identified as having had prolonged contact with any individuals who test positive for COVID-19, you will be contacted and instructed to self-quarantine for 14 days, per the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Florida Department of Health.
We realize that this situation is concerning to you, and we are committed to being open and transparent, while respecting the privacy of those involved, as we deal with this unprecedented situation. We are implementing our pre-planned infection control protocols and continue to follow COVID-19 protocols at our community under the guidance of our local and state health agencies.
Additionally, Village on the Green has activated our home office emergency response team, and we are working with health and infectious disease experts to take all appropriate steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to our residents, team members, and the greater community. We will also continue to follow all CDC infection control recommendations related to COVID-19.
We know that the COVID-19 pandemic is of the utmost concern to you. We have been diligent and have taken precautions to help our community minimize the risk of exposure to the virus. Those precautions include following protocols for long-term care and senior living communities such as social distancing and requiring the use of appropriate personal protective equipment and masks. We continue to encourage residents and team members to use hand sanitizer and wash their hands frequently. We have restricted gatherings in communal areas, and have suspended all private and public gatherings, including communal dining. We have also restricted visitors to our Health Center and continue to screen and monitor essential caregivers and other essential visitors who enter our community.
You should continue to practice social distancing and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Regularly clean and disinfect objects you frequently touch, like your cellphone, using household cleaning wipes. If any of our residents has or is suspected of having the virus, appropriate isolation protocols will be implemented. If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, you should contact your doctor and our Village on the Green Director of Nursing immediately. The updated list of CDC symptoms includes:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Again, we realize that this is a difficult situation, and we have protocols in place to help control the spread of the virus and to protect our residents and team members. We ask for your continued support and adherence to these important protocols. We thank you for your understanding during this challenging time. We will continue to endeavor to protect our residents and team members during this pandemic.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Village on the Green management team.
The Florida Department of Health offers additional information about COVID-19 in our state.