Independent Living – COVID-19 Update – 5/1/20
Dear Independent Living Residents and Family Members,
Please read this important update completely for new information and policies here at Culpepper Garden.
The safety and well being of our residents and team members remains our top priority. As of today, there are over 1000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Arlington County. We are continuing work every day in our efforts to keep the novel coronavirus out of the Culpepper Garden community. We are in regular contact with the Arlington Department of Health and actively follow the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Virginia Department of Health. Overall, our community has done an outstanding job in following the measures that have been put into place and we thank you for your continued support and patience as we focus on the safety, well-being and health of all who live here.
Unfortunately, Culpepper Garden was notified by a home health company that provides services for Culpepper Garden residents that one of their home health aides tested positive for COVID-19. Thankfully, this home health aide provided services for only one Culpepper Garden resident more than 15 days ago. That resident was notified and contacted her physician. The resident reported no signs or symptoms of the coronavirus and is now past the 14-day incubation period. The aide is currently home under quarantine and recovering. We continue to work with the home health agency and Arlington County Health Department to monitor this situation.
Out of an abundance of caution and in consultation with the home health agency, the following additional protocols are in place:
- The home health agency office located on the Garden Level is being professionally cleaned and sanitized. It will remain quarantined and closed for 14 days.
- Home health aides are not permitted to pick up resident meals from Dining Services. Meals will be delivered to the resident’s apartment by Culpepper Garden staff.
- Home health aides are not permitted to use any common areas of the building. They are to proceed directly after screening to their assigned resident unit and remain with the resident for the duration of the visit. Laundry and walks with the resident outside on the Culpepper Garden campus are permitted.
- All aides doing resident laundry will be restricted to using a specifically designated laundry room. Residents are asked to use laundry rooms on the other floors.
- All aides will continue to be screened for COVID upon entry, including temperature checks.
- All aides must continue to wear masks in the building and follow infection control and standard precautions.
As a reminder for all residents, the following rules and restrictions remain in effect at Culpepper Garden:
- Visitation for all visitors is restricted on our campus. We encourage residents and families to engage virtually during this time.
- Everyone in public areas of the building must wear a mask and observe social distancing per CDC guidelines.
- Only essential visitors, emergency contractors or registered private aides are permitted. ALL approved individuals must be registered with management for approval prior to any visit. All unscheduled visits will be denied entry. All individuals entering the community are screened, required to wear a face mask, wash their hands, and wear their name tag.
- All non-medical deliveries from any source, including families, must be left at the front desk for resident pick up or delivery by staff for residents unable to pick up.
- All residents should maintain a social separation distance of at least 6 feet everywhere.
- No more than two people on an elevator at a time.
- Communal dining and common areas are closed; no group activities or events are being held.
- We strongly advise all residents to remain in their apartment, the grounds or their building to limit exposure.
- We are strongly advising residents to not leave the Culpepper Garden campus, except for medically necessary appointments. Any resident leaving the campus is strongly advised to wear a mask as well as observe social distancing. Upon return to Culpepper Garden, the resident will be screened, asked to wash their hands or use the hand sanitizer available at the front desk, and answer the required CDC questionnaire. Residents who leave campus or who answer yes to any screening question will be informed to self-quarantine for 14 days.
- Residents must notify management if they are tested for COVID-19, have direct contact or exposure to an individual who has tested positive or is symptomatic for COVID-19, or if experiencing signs and symptoms of COVID-19 illness.
We continue to encourage everyone to comply with our infection control measures and those provided by the CDC, meaning:
- Regular and often washing and sanitizing of hands and avoid touching face, mouth, and eyes
- Wear your mask when leaving your apartment
- Covering a cough or sneeze
- Maintaining a “social distance” of six (6) feet
- Monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and stay away from others if sick
- Frequent disinfecting areas of activity and touch points
These are extraordinary times. The choices our residents, their families and staff make in limiting possible exposure or transmission are critical. My team is committed to the safety and well-being of our residents and ask that everyone assist us in this fight by making the determined choice for safety. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Paul Timpane
Director of Property Operations
