Dear Dedicated and Valued Staff Persons:
It has always been evident how the team members of Spring Valley Health and Rehabilitation Center and Valley Villas Assisted Living have taken on the important and noble task of caring for vulnerable elderly and disabled members of our community. What has become awe-inspiring during the last 10 weeks has been the dedication and perseverance our team members have displayed in protecting and keeping safe each and every vulnerable elderly and disabled persons of our community, day in and day out, shift after shift. Frail elders have a significantly increased health risk if they are exposed to COVID-19. We know that you take this responsibility very seriously. THANK YOU!
Moving forward, we ask that you consider the increased risk of spread of COVID-19 to our residents and tenants as you make decisions on how to spend your personal time. Please exercise caution and remember to practice responsible social distancing and other interventions to protect yourself whenever possible. Large groups and public crowds should still be avoided. Air travel or travel to areas outside of the immediate area is strongly discouraged. To borrow a concept from author Peter Singer, “the life you can save” may be someone you care for, or a co-worker, or your own family member. Please think about your personal activities and continue to act wisely, responsibly, and unselfishly.
By now, you have likely heard that the Wisconsin Supreme Court on May 13 overturned Wisconsin’s “Safer-at-Home” Order, which prohibited many businesses – like restaurants, nonessential shops, and bars – from allowing customers to enter their premises. First, please know that federal directives that restrict visitors and non-essential persons from entering long term care facilities remain active and in full effect. Next, all staff persons are still required to screen for symptoms and check temperatures at the start of every shift and then again at the mid-point of the shift. A face mask covering both mouth and nose are always to be worn while in the buildings. Maintain the 6-foot physical distancing guidelines when possible.
Additionally, please continue to closely monitor your own health and let us know immediately if you develop any symptoms: a fever or feel feverish, unusual or new cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, difficulty in breathing, headache, muscle pain, chills, or a new loss of taste or smell. If you develop any of these symptoms while at work (or within 14 days of when you were last in the buildings), please let us know immediately. In addition, if you have been directly exposed to a person positive for COVID-19, immediately inform your Department Director. Finally, please continue practicing proper hand hygiene and use hand sanitizer frequently. Clean hands before putting on and taking off PPE. When needed, make sure you don and doff PPE in the proper sequence.
We are fortunate to be part of a family and be in a place where we help others, and where we support one another as we navigate through this world pandemic. Please know that we are here to support you – as together, we continue to do what we do best: provide quality care.
If you have any questions, please let your Department Director or myself know. We are here for you!
Peace be with you,
Kevin