We are pleased to share that we identified no positive cases of COVID-19 among Residents at the Hodges Center following our latest round of resident testing, which was conducted yesterday. While this is great news, strict safety protocols remain in place at our community to safeguard everyone’s health and safety.
As reported in our most recent update, there are currently four Hodges Center Employees and 1 Visitor who previously tested positive for the virus. All impacted individuals are still recovering safely at home.
No one within independent living is experiencing signs or symptoms of COVID-19 at this time.
We continue to administer outbreak protocols at the Hodges Center while adhering to federal and state guidelines. This includes:
• Weekly outbreak testing for Residents. This frequency will commence until there are no new positive cases for a consecutive period of 14 days.
• Mandatory twice weekly testing for Staff communitywide as per the West Virginia Governor’s mandate. This frequency will also commence until there are no new positive cases for a consecutive period of 14 days.
• Additional testing based upon symptoms, travel or contact with someone known to have the virus.
• Strict adherence to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) procedures by all Team Members.
• Screening of all Visitors and Staff before entering campus buildings.
During Thanksgiving, guests at our community will strictly be limited to essential caregivers, individuals providing compassionate care, and end of life visits. As we look ahead toward the December holidays, the following requirements and procedures will be in place throughout the entire month:
• Masks must be properly worn over the mouth and nose by both Residents and Essential Visitors.
• Social distancing of at least 6 feet is recommended.
• No guest dining.
• No overnight visits.
• Essential visits will be conducted outdoors, if possible.
• Sharing of food and beverages is highly discouraged.
• Frequent hand sanitizing is recommended.
• Any Residents leaving campus for holiday celebrations will be required to self-isolate for 14 days as a safety measure upon their return.
• Essential visitors from out-of-state are required to have tested negative for COVID-19 two-to-five days prior to arrival. A copy of the test result is required to grant entry to community buildings.
• Virtual visits are recommended as the safest method of seeing loved ones. The Lifestyles Department can help arrange these by appointment.
Given the dynamic nature of the pandemic, these policies are subject to change at any time with or without prior notice. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and understanding as we take necessary precautions.
With the ongoing wave of COVID-19 countrywide, we encourage vigilance for Residents, Team Members and their loved ones. Positive cases are increasing at a rapid rate and it is our collective responsibility to help ensure the safety of others, especially seniors and people of color who are disproportionally at risk.
We will continue to provide updates as new information is available.
Thank you for your ongoing support as we persevere through this unprecedented period. We’re hopeful for better times ahead.