MEMO – TERRACE WEST RESIDENTS (IL) – October 13, 2021

This memo was handed out to residents of Terrace West on October 13, 2021

MEMO

Date:              October 13, 2021

To:                  Terrace West Residents

Re:                 COVID EXPOSURE – TERRACE WEST

COVID EXPOSURE – TERRACE WEST

A resident of Terrace West has been identified as COVID positive. Those in contact with the resident have been swabbed for COVID and are waiting for their test results.

While we wait for the test results and direction from Public Health, the dining room will be closed.

Your meals will be delivered to your apartment suite until further notice.

You may continue to go out and have visitors in your suite. Wear a mask at all times. Use hand sanitizer frequently and wash hands with warm, soapy water often.

It is time now to reduce your contact with people – keep your circle small. Visit with others on the phone instead of in person.

This is a good time to reduce your outings to essential outings only, such as groceries or medical appointments. Choose to watch church online or on Channel 10 again.

If you do go to church, wear a mask the entire time. Stay 6 feet apart from others. The prevalence of the Delta variant of COVID is very high in our community and it is very contagious.

No unvaccinated people are permitted inside the apartment buildings, including your family members, housekeepers, service providers or friends.

Do you have any of these COVID symptoms – even mildly? Get tested for COVID and let us know: Reception: 604.851.4004

Fever or chills? Cough? Unproductive cough?
Sore throat? Runny nose? Extreme fatigue or tiredness?
Body aches? Muscle aches? Diarrhea?
Difficulty breathing? Loss of sense of smell or taste?
Loss of appetite? Headache? Nausea or vomiting?

MEMO – TERRACE EAST RESIDENTS (AL) – October 4, 2021

PLEASE NOTE: This was not posted to Facebook, as it has been inaccessible world-wide on 04/10/21

MEMO

Date:              October 4, 2021

To:                  Terrace East Residents

Re:                  This COVID Outbreak is over – now what? Step-Down Phase 2


We are thankful that the COVID outbreak in Terrace East has been declared OVER! We have now entered Outbreak Step-Down Phase 2. What does this entail?

Until October 18, 2021:

  1. You may leave your apartment suite. You must be physically distanced from others, remaining 6 feet from others. You may go outside in groups no larger than 4 people, physically distanced from each other. Stay on the Menno Place campus.
  2. If you have any symptoms, stay in your apartment and let the care staff know or phone Reception – 604.851.4004.
  3. Visitors may come to your apartment between 10am and 6pm, going through the screening at the main entrance. All must wear a mask the entire time that they are in your apartment.
  4. No unvaccinated service providers are allowed as per Provincial Health Orders. This includes housekeepers, caregivers, companions, foot care, hearing care, pastors, etc. There are NO exceptions. This is not a Menno Place rule, it is an order from the Provincial Health Officer.
  5. Outings – You may go to essential appointments only. You may not go out to any other events or appointments or public locations. Contact Reception if you have an essential appointment, such as dentist or medical appointment. You may not go shopping or to a friend’s house or to church during this phase.
  6. Bus Trips – these are not permitted in Phase 2 – Step-Down.
  7. Recreation and spiritual care can take place with only those on your floor in groups as large as 4 people who are physically distanced from each other.
  8. Dining Room – You will continue to stay in your apartment suite for 2 weeks to get your meal delivered on the hot cart

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO TO KEEP SAFE?

  1. Wear a mask wherever you go. This includes wearing a mask when you are in the hallway or outside of your apartment suite.
  2. Stay 6 feet apart from people. No hugging, shaking hands, sitting close to others. In a car, you are less than 6 feet apart from others – wear your mask even if you are driving with a friend or family member to go to an essential appointment (medical).
  3. Carry hand sanitizer with you and use it all the time – after you touch a door handle, use the restroom, use a tissue, touch a railing, touch the elevator buttons. Also – when you are near a sink, wash hands with warm soapy water for at least 20 seconds. Count each second. It’s a lot longer than you think!
  4. Sanitize your hands when you enter the apartment building. This is one way that you can protect your neighbours and the staff who live and work in your building.
  5. Monitor yourself for COVID symptoms – even the mildest symptoms are important to report. Report to Reception (604.851.4004) if you have ANY new or worsening symptoms, including runny nose, sore throat, cough, aches, fever, loss of sense of taste or smell, headaches, diarrhea, vomiting & shortness of breath.

ABOUT THE COVID OUTBREAK IN TERRACE EAST

In Terrace East, more people were exposed to the index case and 9 residents tested positive for COVID. Three of these have passed away from COVID and 2 are in hospital. We are very sorry to have lost these friends and neighbours. Please pray for those who are in hospital battling this disease.

WHAT ABOUT THE BOOSTER SHOT?

We are pleased that Dr. Bonnie Henry announced that elderly seniors living in care homes or on a campus of care will be receiving a 3rd vaccine shot (a booster) within the next several weeks. This will give you an additional layer of protection from COVID.

October 2, 2021 – TERRACE WEST (IL) OUTBREAK – CALLED OVER BY MEDICAL HEALTH OFFICER!

COVID UPDATE – October 2, 2021 – Terrace West Outbreak CALLED OVER!

NEW COVID POSITIVE CASES = 0

TOTAL COVID POSITIVE CASES = 1 (1 residents TW | 0 staff)

MOST RECENT COVID CASE = September 22, 2021

We are so pleased to tell you that the COVID outbreak in Terrace West has been declared OVER! Visitors may resume to visit with residents in their apartments. You must sign-in for contact tracing in the event of another COVID exposure. Masks are mandatory in common areas. Unvaccinated individuals must wear a mask for the full duration of their time in the building. Fully vaccinated visitors are encouraged to keep their masks on for their visit as a layer of protection for their elderly loved one. There are no unvaccinated service providers permitted in the building. This includes housekeepers, foot care, personal care or companionship. This is by order of the Provincial Health Officer.

We have lost 3 residents in Terrace East to COVID during the Terrace East outbreak (which continues). This reminds us that, although full vaccination is the best protection for the elderly, there is still a vulnerability for our elders, particularly when they have other health considerations. Please encourage your loved one to follow all safety protocols, including wearing a mask, keeping a six foot distance from others and practicing hand hygiene. Those who attend church are encouraged to wear a mask for the whole service. There are increased protocols by the Provincial Health Officer for the eastern part of the Fraser Valley, including Abbotsford. This is due to some of the lowest vaccination rates in the province as well as increasing cases of COVID. Now is the time to be cautious, particularly for the elderly. We appreciate your support in encouraging safety measures for your loved one. As you know, if one resident in the building is COVID positive, it can put all residents in isolation which is very challenging for both residents and families.

October 1, 2021 – TERRACE WEST (IL) OUTBREAK – New COVID positive = 0 (T=1)

COVID UPDATE – October 1, 2021 – Terrace West Outbreak

NEW COVID POSITIVE CASES = 0

TOTAL COVID POSITIVE CASES = 1 (1 residents TW | 0 staff)

MOST RECENT COVID CASE = September 22, 2021

There are no new cases of COVID to report today in Terrace West. Terrace West outbreak protocols continue – no social visitors. Only essential visitors permitted in the resident apartments. Please connect with Cheryl Dawes, Manager, Community Enrichment (604.851.4020) if you would like to speak about a concern with your loved one and their specific circumstances.

There have been several symptomatic residents who have been swabbed in the past week and are being monitored. The Medical Health Officer considers all the factors when making a decision to call the outbreak off.

September 29, 2021 – TERRACE WEST (IL) OUTBREAK – New COVID positive = 0 (T=1)

COVID UPDATE – September 29, 2021 – Terrace West Outbreak

NEW COVID POSITIVE CASES = 0

TOTAL COVID POSITIVE CASES = 1 (1 residents TW | 0 staff)

MOST RECENT COVID CASE = September 22, 2021

There are no new cases of COVID to report today in Terrace West. Terrace West outbreak protocols continue – no social visitors. Only essential visitors permitted in the resident apartments. Please connect with Cheryl Dawes, Manager, Community Enrichment (604.851.4020) if you would like to speak about a concern with your loved one and their specific circumstances.

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The residents who were swabbed and put on isolation as a result of contact tracing from the Terrace West index case are no longer on isolation!! Families have been contacted.

NOTE – Some residents remain on isolation. Residents on isolation due to a return from Hospital or due to COVID symptoms are not released from isolation in this announcement. You will receive individual information that pertains to your loved one.

We continue with the Outbreak orders by the Medical Health Officer including no social visitors, lunch served to each apartment suite and no gathering of residents. Essential deliveries can be brought into the foyer of Terrace West and the resident may meet you in the foyer to pick up deliveries.

If you were (in the past) a Registered Visitor, please note that this program is no longer active. There are no social visitors allowed in Terrace West.

September 29, 2021 – TERRACE EAST OUTBREAK – New COVID positive = 0 (T=9 in TE)

COVID UPDATE – September 29, 2021 – Terrace East Outbreak

NEW COVID POSITIVE CASES = 0

TOTAL COVID POSITIVE CASES = 9 (9 residents TE / 0 staff)

MOST RECENT COVID POSTIVE: September 27, 2021

PASSED AWAY TODAY: 0 (T=1 resident TE)

Today, we wait as the results of the PPT (point-prevalence testing) are reported to us. It’s tough to wait, but it may take a few days to get the complete set of PPT results together. Assisted Living residents results of their COVID swab are reported to Menno Place. Staff receive their own results and report them to Menno Place.

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There are no changes to the orders for TE residents. No social visitors. All residents remain on isolation.

If you are concerned about your loved one and wish to discuss the specifics, please call Cheryl Dawes, Manager, Community Enrichment (604.851.4020) to express your concerns and determine if there is anything that can be done for your loved one specifically.

September 28, 2021 – TERRACE WEST (IL) OUTBREAK – New COVID positive = 0 (T=1)

COVID UPDATE – September 28, 2021 – Terrace West Outbreak

NEW COVID POSITIVE CASES = 0

TOTAL COVID POSITIVE CASES = 1 (1 residents TW | 0 staff)

MOST RECENT COVID CASE = September 22, 2021

There are no new cases of COVID to report today in Terrace West. Residents swabbed and put on isolation as a result of contact tracing from the Terrace West index case are no longer on isolation!! Families have been contacted.

NOTE – Some residents remain on isolation. Residents on isolation due to a return from Hospital or due to COVID symptoms are not released from isolation in this announcement. You will receive individual information that pertains to your loved one.

We continue with the Outbreak orders by the Medical Health Officer including no social visitors, lunch served to each apartment suite and no gathering of residents. Essential deliveries can be brought into the foyer of Terrace West and the resident may meet you in the foyer to pick up deliveries.

If you were (in the past) a Registered Visitor, please note that this program is no longer active. There are no social visitors allowed in Terrace West.

September 28, 2021 – TERRACE EAST OUTBREAK – New COVID positive = 0 (T=9 in TE)

COVID UPDATE – September 28, 2021 – Terrace East Outbreak

NEW COVID POSITIVE CASES = 0

TOTAL COVID POSITIVE CASES = 9 (9 residents TE / 0 staff)

MOST RECENT COVID POSTIVE: September 27, 2021

PASSED AWAY TODAY: 0 (T=1 resident TE)

Today, the residents and the staff were again tested for COVID. This PPT (point-prevalence test)is necessary to monitor this very unpredictable virus. The results of the PPT will be provided to Menno Place through Public Health.

There are no changes to the orders for TE residents. No social visitors. All residents remain on isolation.

If you are concerned about your loved one and wish to discuss the specifics, please call Cheryl Dawes, Manager, Community Enrichment to express your concerns and determine if there is anything that can be done for your loved one specifically.

September 27, 2021 – TERRACE WEST (IL) OUTBREAK – New COVID positive = 0 (T=1)

COVID UPDATE – September 27, 2021 – Terrace West Outbreak

NEW COVID POSITIVE CASES = 0

TOTAL COVID POSITIVE CASES = 1 (1 residents TW | 0 staff)

There are no new cases of COVID to report today in Terrace West. Residents on isolation remain on isolation. Residents who have returned from hospital or who are symptomatic are tested for COVID and put on isolation. We continue with the Outbreak orders by the Medical Health Officer including no social visitors, lunch served to each apartment suite and no gathering of residents. Essential deliveries can be brought into the foyer of Terrace West and the resident (not on isolation) may meet you in the foyer to pick up deliveries.

If you were (in the past) a Registered Visitor, please note that this program is no longer active. There are no social visitors allowed in Terrace West.

September 27, 2021 – TERRACE EAST OUTBREAK – New COVID positive = 1 (T=9 in TE)

COVID UPDATE – September 27, 2021 – Terrace East Outbreak

NEW COVID POSITIVE CASES = 1

TOTAL COVID POSITIVE CASES = 9 (9 residents TE / 0 staff)

MOST RECENT COVID POSTIVE: September 27, 2021

PASSED AWAY TODAY: 0 (T=1 resident TE)

We are sorry to report that one more Terrace East resident has tested positive for COVID. This news is very unfortunate as it highlights how important the isolation and COVID testing is for the residents. This resident showed symptoms of COVID and was tested in between the point-prevalence testing. This is why it is critical that all COVID symptoms are reported to the care team (or Reception for other apartment buildings) as the COVID virus load may take some time to reveal either symptoms or a COVID positive result.

There are no changes to the orders for TE residents. No social visitors. All residents are on isolation.

Tomorrow, Tuesday, September 28th will be another round of point-prevalence testing where all residents and staff will be tested for COVID.

  • Please pray for the residents who are COVID positive. Three are in hospital and struggling as they battle this disease.
  • Please pray for the staff who are getting weary. The lead for Menno Place is Cheryl Dawes, Manager of Community Enrichment who has not had time-off since the first positive case was identified. Please pray for her as she continues to lead the staff and all the infection control protocols.

Every few days, Cheryl’s team conducts 3 types of audits, the results of which are submitted to Fraser Health:

  • Hand hygiene audit – in this audit, the practices of hand hygiene are observed without the knowledge of the staff member. Education for the staff member is provided if required.
  • PPE audit – in this audit, the practices of donning and doffing personal protective equipment are observed. Education for the staff member is provided if required.
  • Environmental audit – in this audit, the auditor places ultraviolet gel or spray on surfaces that should be cleaned in the enhanced cleaning routines. Several days later, the auditor returns with an ultraviolet light and identifies if all the gel/spray has been removed in the course of the cleaning routine.

Fraser Health provides an Educator to help teach and remind staff of these important practices – hand hygiene, ppe usage and enhanced cleaning. We are so pleased with our staff who consistently score above 90% (mostly 100%) in these audits.

Fraser Health also provides mental health support for the staff who are under immense stress and are first-hand observers to the impact of COVID on the individuals whom they love and serve.

  • Please pray for our staff who are supporting the COVID positive residents, knowing that they are exposing themselves to this virus as they provide this support. Pray for them as they grieve the loss of one of the TE residents and understand the gravity of the illness for the three in hospital. Relationships between staff and residents are very strong and meaningful. This is difficult.

As always, we think of the residents who are in isolation in their apartment suites.

  • Please pray for these residents as they find ways to manage the minutes and the hours in isolation. If your loved one is struggling, please call Cheryl Dawes to let her know what is transpiring for them: 604.851.4020