Thankfully, as a result of twice weekly mandated antigen testing of all Employees, Edgewood Summit has had no additional positive COVID tests reported as of Monday, November 30. Employees who previously tested positive remain in self-isolation at home and we wish each of them a speedy recovery.
The Hodges Center has had 14 consecutive days of no new positive COVID cases and therefore is no longer under outbreak protocols. Out of an abundance of caution, the Ridgemont will continue to use outbreak protocols as the 14-day period for this level is still in process. Hodges Center and Ridgemont Employees are being tested twice weekly and all Ridgemont Residents are being tested once weekly until the outbreak protocols are lifted. The next testing date will be Thursday, December 3.
Outbreak protocols include:
- No entry, exit or cross movement of foot traffic through the Ridgemont.
- Only Direct Care Staff are permitted in the Ridgemont. Other Staff may call the Ridgemont for more information.
- Only Direct care, end of life and compassionate care visits to Residents are permitted.
- No group dining of Residents in the Ridgemont dining room.
- No group activities for Ridgemont Residents.
- Housekeeping and maintenance only on an as needed basis.
- All entry screening is through the Hodges Center lobby and main independent living entrance for the main building.
Additionally, the independent dining room temporarily closed following Thanksgiving and will remain closed out of an abundance of caution following the holiday. All meals are delivery only for the next couple of weeks.
Edgewood Summit is encouraged by updates received this week on COVID vaccinations. We anticipate Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to be made available as soon as later this month to the first priority group. This includes health care and long-term care Employees and then seniors who reside in congregate facilities. Plans are underway for a limited number of vaccines to be made available at specific dates and times to the priority groups only. After which, the availability to receive the vaccine will be when supplies are sufficient to be made available to the general public. Therefore, we must take full advantage of our place in the priority and get the vaccine when it first becomes available.
The vaccines will have the full approval of the FDA and are found to be safe, very effective and have little in the way of side effects. Testing has revealed the most common side effects to include soreness at the site of the shot and headache. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses, which will be 21-28 days apart before considered complete. Immunity will then be achieved in the following 2-3 weeks as our bodies accumulate the antibodies needed. Masks, social distancing and hand hygiene will still be required after receiving the vaccine. Only when we have achieved a high level of those vaccinated (approximately 80% or more) can “herd immunity” be assured. The vaccine will be extremely important for our overall health and safety and it is recommended and encouraged for all.
More updates will be provided as additional information becomes known.
Thank you so much.