May 6 – Letter to Families
5/6/2020
Dear Family and Friends,
Good Afternoon. I hope this letter finds everyone safe and healthy. I would like to update everyone on some new developments at Alameda Center. In recent days we have been fortunate enough to have many our staff return from being out sick. We are glad they are all doing ok and are excited to have them back! As per my notice last week, we were working on having the entire facility tested for COVID-19. As we got all the results in this week, we were able to divide and cohort the building into the following three separate groups.
One- a “positive unit”
Two- a negative unit
And three- a “PUI unit”
A PUI unit is a designated wing where we would place a resident that we suspect may have COVID-19 but it is not yet confirmed or denied. Such cases may be a resident displaying symptoms of COVID-19 and we do not have test results back yet or has returned from an environment such as an extended stay in the ER or from home where family members were ill. Anyone placed in the PUI wing will be tested for COVID-19 and will be kept there on isolation for the length required by the CDC and DOH, depending on the circumstance. I cannot stress the following statement enough:
EACH UNIT HAS THEIR OWN DESIGNATED NURSING AND HOUSEKEEPING STAFF. THERE WILL BE NO CROSS CONTAMINATION WHATSOEVER. EACH UNIT HAS THEIR OWN DESIGNATED PPE CART AT THE ENTRANCE OF THE UNIT.
The “Positive unit” is set up on the north and south wings of the second floor. The “PUI unit is set up on the 2nd floor west wing.
I would like to thank everyone for their continued support as we navigate the stormy seas of this war. I said this yesterday and I will say this every day, our staff members that are here now are the cream of the crop, the bravest, caring, dedicated and selfless human beings on the planet! To put themselves in the front line of the battle like that is truly an act of heroism that needs to be applauded. So please take comfort knowing these are the special people taking care of your loved ones today. Here is an update on the current cases, both confirmed and pending, that we have in the building.
Total positive cases to date: 55
Current positive cases in Alameda: 17
Current positive cases in the hospital: 5
Current pending cases in Alameda: 1
Total COVID-19 positive deaths: 21
Recovered from COVID-19- 12
Contrary to what some of you might have seen online or in the news, we have provided ALL our staff with ALL the proper protective equipment. Each and every person that enters this building is issued a mask, isolation gown, gloves and a face shield. Everyone will continue to be vigilant with PPE usage and maintain a safe social distance from each other.
Together we WILL protect or residents and staff together we WILL get through this.
Thank you and have a great day.
Sincerely,
David Fischer, LNHA
Administrator
Alameda Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation
