Resident, tenant, and staff safety is and will remain our top priority as it did prior to the existence of COVID-19.
Amid the growing confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Wisconsin and across the river in Minnesota, we are doing everything we can to ensure that we stop the spread of COVID-19 into Spring Valley Health and Rehabilitation Center and Valley Villas Assisted Living. This includes staying in very close communication with local county and village officials and Wisconsin state health officials, along with staying current on CDC and CMS bulletins from federal health officials to ensure we are taking all the appropriate steps. As you know, when we learned of the first case of a confirmed COVID-19 infection in Pierce County, we immediately stopped permitting visitors per the direction of the federal and state health departments. In order to prevent the spread, our entire staff have been putting forth an incredible effort and continue to provide the excellent care that they provide each and every day.
Those of us working in the long-term care profession are here because we felt a calling to help the most vulnerable among us. For me personally it can be found in the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 25, verses 35-40. The COVID-19 pandemic is stressful for everyone, and we understand it is stressful for our dedicated staff too. Given the higher risk facing senior citizens, our residents have likewise been especially concerned. Even with the cases of COVID-19 continuing to grow in the upper Midwest, our team of caregivers will remain dedicated, continue to make a difference in the lives of others, provide the best care possible, and reassure our residents that we are here for them.
We will continue to follow and execute our current COVID-19 management plan so as to control and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 to the very best of our capabilities. We will develop and implement additional protocols as we are directed to do so by the U.S. Department of Health Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and Centers for Disease Control, the WI Department of Health Services, and the Pierce County Public Health Department.
It is imperative that all of our staff members continue our current intensive screening procedures twice every shift, including staff self-monitoring for any changes in their own well-being. Any concerns or questions are to be reported immediately.
I know this is a difficult time for everyone. We will continue to provide you with updates as they become available. Thank you to all team members for your continued commitment to our Spring Valley Senior Living and Health Care Campus residents and tenants who rely on us every day. We will persevere and get through this together!!
Peace be with you,
Kevin Larson
Administrator