We’d like to share a video update from Warren Spieker.
covid@continuinglife.com
YOUTUBE.COM
2020.05.22 COVID-19 resident update
We continue to closely monitor the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It remains our goal to stay vigilant and focus on creating the safest possible environment for our residents and employees. Although significant progress is being made against the COVID-19 fight in California, we remind all residents, family members and employees that it is important to “stay the course” and continue to follow all guidance from local, state and federal officials.
We encourage you to access the links below for updated information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and your county’s Health Department.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/retirement/index.html
Ventura County
https://www.vcemergency.com/staywellvc
We are pleased to be hearing some positive news related to COVID-19 in California. This seems to be a direct result of the strong mitigation efforts put into place early on. As the Governor suggests, the curve appears to be bending. This was the initial goal, so critical health resources wouldn’t get overwhelmed early on and result in potentially tragic outcomes. But health officials will now remind us – this also means the curve is stretching out further, since it is likely fewer CA residents have been exposed to COVID-19. The risk remains high.
What does this mean for us? It means that we should be proud of our efforts to date and hopeful for the future. But it also requires that we not let our guard down. We need to continue to closely follow health official guidance even as we’re tempted to relax and visit briefly with friends and family during the holidays or run a quick errand that has been long postponed. Now is not the time to let up.
It remains critically important to keep practicing what we have all been asked to do:
• Social Isolation – Stay at Home and Avoid Social Gatherings
• Physical Distancing – Remain minimum of 6 feet away from others
• Face Coverings – Wearing face covering when you are not able to maintain physical distancing
• Cover Your Coughs and Sneezes
• Wash Your Hands
• Avoid Touching Your Face
We continue to have a strict NO VISITOR policy in place, even over the holidays. We realize this is difficult, but it was put in place to protect everyone.
We look forward to the day we can greet and maybe even hug each other in person. Thank you for taking care of yourself and others and supporting community’s response during these unprecedented times.
We understand that everyone wishes we could regain some degree of normalcy in these continued uncertain and challenging times.
The good news is that health officials believe California’s aggressive efforts are working to “flatten the curve” by slowing the rate of spread so that health care systems will not be as overwhelmed. The tough news is that these efforts must continue and may need to be even more restrictive for a while.
For example, Alameda County just implemented a new, more restrictive health order that is in effect until at least May 3rd.
The order can be found at:
http://www.acphd.org/media/563713/summary-updated-shelter-in-place-order-20200331.pdf
It is likely that other California jurisdictions will enact further restrictions and even tighter definitions on mandatory social distancing, closure of public spaces and non-essential services.
Our lives have all been significantly disrupted and many of the services here in our community have been modified or suspended. While we are continually evaluating which services we could reinstate, we are required to adhere to directives from local, state and federal officials. We appreciate your understanding.
The one service we currently are making plans to partially reinstate is a limited housekeeping service for those who request assistance to maintain healthy and sanitary conditions in your home. The focus is likely to be on resident bathrooms and kitchen and dining areas. Look for more information early next week.
In the meantime, here is new guidance from the CDC:
• Cruise travel and non-essential travel
• Stocking up on prescription medications
Lastly, a message from Warren Spieker, Managing Partner, can be found at:
https://youtu.be/vcaOXSudoAY
We’d like to share a video update from Warren Spieker.
covid@continuinglife.com
YOUTUBE.COM
COVID-19 Message To Residents - covid@continuinglife.com
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Is the company laying people off or reducing hours?
A: Each community is continuing to hire and none are laying employees off or reducing hours. Please refer your friends and family.
Q: How is the community doing with staffing?
A: At this time, we are doing well. We continue to make contingency plans to address staffing shortages if they occur. Additionally, management has made accommodations to assist employees financially with childcare if needed.
Q: When will the community begin allowing guest or vendors on property:
A: Management is continually monitoring the situation. We are following CDC and health official guidance. At this time, we continue to restrict all non-essential visitors.
Q: When will dining, resident activities, bi-weekly housekeeping, routine maintenance and other services resume?
A: Management is continually monitoring the situation. For the safety of all, we are continuing to cancel these services. If you believe you have an immediate need, please contact the appropriate department and your request will be taken under consideration.
Q: Can I take a walk outside?
A: Yes, we encourage you to exercise outside. It is important to observe social distancing of 6 feet or more and not congregate in groups.
Q: Does the company have enough Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for employees?
A: We have significant supplies of necessary PPE and continue to obtain more. However, health providers in the area and nationally are concerned about the shortage of key supplies. Therefore, we are following CDC and health official guidance on “limited res-use” and other strategies to use PPE when most appropriate. We are currently focused on working with department directors to ensure employees are trained on proper use and maintenance of PPE.
Q: Do employees need to wear PPE for their daily jobs?
A: Employees continue wearing the appropriate PPE do safely perform their job. Most community situations, per CDC and health official guidance, indicate no need for employees to wear additional PPE (N95 respirators, face shields or gowns), including delivery of meals unless delivering medical care to a suspected infected or knowingly infected person.
Q: Will we be made aware if any cases of COVID-19 occur in our community?
A: Yes, if the community has any confirmed cases, we will make residents aware. Given the increasing prevalence nationally and locally, this is a likelihood at some point.
Q: How long will the Safety Kiosk be performing additional screening?
A: It is unknown at this time. We will continue to monitor the situation and follow the guidance of local, state and federal officials. It is our goal to create the safest possible environment for all employees and residents.
www.visitoakview.com
At Oakview, residents and staff will be among the first to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Watch our video and hear firsthand why we’re eager to get vaccinated and get back to being together again.
#COVIDVaccine #SleeveUp
VIMEO.COM
Why we're getting the COVID-19 vaccine