MEMO FOR ALL APARTMENT RESIDENTS – TE, TW, PAVILION

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MEMO 

Date:  December 29, 2021  

To: TE, TW, Pavilion Residents  

Re: COVID-19 Positive in Primrose Gardens – TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTIONS 

COVID-19 POSITIVE – PRIMROSE GARDENS 

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

ALL APARTMENT BUILDINGS: As the Omicron variant of COVID becomes VERY prevalent in our community, the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 increases for us all. This is the time to take extra precautions to keep yourself safe. As a member of a vulnerable population and a resident on a campus-of-care, you need to exercise extra safety measures. 

EXTRA PRECAUTIONS: The Omicron variant of COVID is extremely transmissible and can infect those who have had all vaccinations (including 3rd booster shot) as well as those who previously tested positive for COVID. Take ALL precautions, including self-isolating for your own protection. Wear a medical mask (do not wash) provided in the foyer. Take 2 or 3 to carry with you so you always have one available. 

VISITORS: Your visitors must have a negative rapid test result before entering the apartment building/your suite. All (you and your visitor) must wear a mask at all times, including in your suite while visiting. Use hand sanitizer frequently and wash hands with warm, soapy water often. No unvaccinated people are permitted inside the apartment buildings, including your family members, housekeepers, service providers or friends. 

GET PREPARED FOR LOCKDOWN: This is a good time for your essential visitors to ensure you have EVERYTHING you need in your apartment. Ensure you have medications, groceries and clean laundry for the next 7 – 10 days. 

KEEP YOUR CONTACT GROUP SMALL: It is time now to reduce your contact with people to only those who provide you with essential services such as laundry, driving to essential appointments and grocery delivery. Visit with others on the phone instead of in person, even within this apartment building. 

WHAT IF YOU ARE FULLY VACCINATED? Omicron is infecting those who are fully vaccinated, including those who have the 3rd booster shot. Your illness will likely be more mild than if you were not vaccinated, but it can still be very debilitating or even cause hospitalization or death. 

ESSENTIAL OUTINGS: This is a good time to reduce your outings to essential outings only, such as medical appointments. Choose to watch church online or on Channel 10. Since the Omicron variant is so prevalent in our community, it’s better to have an essential visitor bring you groceries if possible.  

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS? If you have any of the symptoms on the list below, go immediately to the Haida Center for a COVID-19 gargle or nasal swab test (PCR). Tell them that you live on a campus of care and that you are part of a vulnerable population. This will get you priority access to the testing. 

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO SOMEONE WHO HAS COVID? Take a rapid test to see if you are positive at this time. If you are, go to the COVID test center for a PCR test to confirm the diagnosis. If you are negative, isolate and re-take the test in 24 hours. 

WHAT TO DO WITH TEST RESULTS? Phone Reception to report all test results, including rapid tests. If there is no answer, leave a voicemail message. 

RAPID TESTS: You may also ask for a rapid test from Reception or the Dining Team. This test is a simple test that will tell if you have enough viral load at that moment to indicate if you are positive for COVID-19. It is not a definitive test. A PCR test is still required (gargle or nasal swab).  

WHAT ABOUT THE COMMON COLD? The common cold is VERY intense this year. If you have cold symptoms AND received a negative gargle or nasal swab test, you likely have a cold. DO NOT SPREAD IT. Stay isolated until symptoms are gone.  

Do you have any of these COVID symptoms – even mildly? Get tested for COVID and let us know: Reception: 604.851.4000 

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? 

 

Add 15 minutes BEFORE your visit – Point-of-Care Rapid Testing is Now Mandatory for all Visitors to LTC and AL

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Effective immediately:
A rapid test with a negative result is required to enter Menno Home, Menno Hospital or Terrace East.
This is by order of the Public Health Officer.

Visiting Hours:
The COVID rapid test will be provided by the Visitation Host between 10am and 6pm. Phone the nurse to arrange a visit outside of these hours for essential visitors.

In order to enter, you must show proof of vaccination, government issued ID card and a negative rapid test result.

Please watch these two short videos on how to perform a Rapid Point-of-Care test:
CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

From the Ministry of Health:
In recognition of the increased transmissibility of the Omicron variant of concern and given the vulnerability of the Omicron variant of concern and given the vulnerability of residents in long-term care and assisted living, even when fully vaccinated themselves, individuals visiting long-term care homes (both essential and social visitors) must be screened for COVID-19 by receiving a rapid point-of-care (POC) test prior to their visit.

Rapid POC tests provide the opportunity to rapidly screen people for COVID-19, with results ready in approximately 20 minutes. These tests can help reduce the potential for introduction and spread of COVID-19 in long-term care. The rapid POC screening requirement for all visitors is in addition to the current requirements for visitors to be fully vaccinated and to adhere to infection prevention and control measures.

Visitors who receive a positive rapid POC test result, choose not to receive a rapid POC test, or who do not demonstrate that they are fully vaccinated will not be able to enter the long-term care or assisted living building, including passing through the facility to access an outdoor space.

There are no exceptions to the rapid POC screening requirement based on medical exemption from vaccination, essential or social visitor status, including compassionate visits related to end-of-life. The rapid POC screening requirement in long-term care excludes children under age 12.

  • Visitors who receive a negative test result, provide proof of full vaccination, and are compliant with masking requirements and other infection control practices will be able to enter a facility.
  • Visitors who are screened as having symptoms or who receive a positive test result will not be able to enter a facility. They are required to self-isolate and seek further direction from public health. Their test result must be reported to Public Health.
  • Individuals who receive an inconclusive test result will be required to undergo another rapid POC test.
  • There are no exceptions to the rapid POC screening requirement based on medical exemption from vaccination, essential or social visitor status, including compassionate visits related to end-of-life. Rapid POC screening in long-term care and assisted living excludes children under age 12.

We thank you for all your hard work in keeping yourself safe, and in caring for your loved one in a time that is stressful and ever-changing.

Sharon Simpson
Director, Community Enrichment

APARTMENTS – Social Leave Memo – Rapid Test required if going away overnight

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MEMO delivered in Menno Apartments

Date:         December 16, 2021
To:             All Menno Apartments Residents
Re:             Overnight trips and rapid tests
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Dear Residents,

As we get closer to Christmas you may be planning an overnight trip to visit friends and family. If you are away from home overnight or longer you need to do a COVID rapid test when you get home.

This is NOT the same as a full COVID swab test. The rapid test is an easy test that you can do yourself right here on campus. Rapid tests are painless, far less invasive and the results are available in 15 minutes.

If you are going to be away overnight:

  1. Get a rapid test kit before you go. Kits are available at reception, in the dining room, from the visitation hosts and from Tamara, Life Enrichment Associate, in Pavilion. Each kit contains the test along with an instruction card that shows you how to do it.
  2. When you get home, go directly your apartment and take the rapid test. Stay in your apartment until you have your test results. This will take 15 minutes.

If the test is negative, call reception to report your negative result. Then throw the test away and there’s nothing else you need to do. Welcome home!

If the test is positive call reception to report your positive result.  On the weekend, call the kitchen to let them know you need your meal(s) delivered. You will need to the COVID testing site at 32470 Haida Drive for a swab or gargle test. Isolate and follow the instructions from the testing site.

Enjoy your visits and thank you for working with us to keep everyone safe.

Merry Christmas!

TERRACE EAST DINING ROOM – DECEMBER 16, 2021 – REOPENING MEMO

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MEMO DISTRIBUTED TO ALL TERRACE EAST RESIDENTS

Date:                December 15, 2021
To:                   All Terrace East Residents
Re:                   In-Person Dining Room 7 Days a Week!
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Dear Terrace East Residents,

We are delighted to announce that starting Monday, December 20th Terrace East residents can eat together in the dining room, seven days a week.

  • The dining room will open for residents at 12:00 with lunch served at 12:20.
  • Sanitize your hands before you sit down and again after you’ve eaten.
  • Go directly to your table without visiting at other tables. Keep your mask on.
  • Your spot to sit is arranged with others from your floor. You will remain in this spot for contact tracing purposes.
  • The dining room will open for supper at 4:30 with the meal served at 4:45.

To do our best to keep the dining room open, we need to work together to do our part to stay safe. This means:

  • Wear a mask to the dining room and keep it on until you start to eat or drink.
  • Put your mask back on immediately after you finish your meal.
  • Please do not visit other tables. This will reduce possibility of COVID transmission.
  • If you feel unwell (see COVID symptoms on back) call reception 604-851-4004 and your meal will be delivered at no charge. On the weekend, call the kitchen to make arrangements 604-851-4011.
  • Wear a mask at all times when outside of your apartment – in the hallways,when you are running errands and while at church. These are public health orders. Wear a mask if you visit or drive with any unvaccinated friends or family.
  • If you are concerned about joining the communal dining, please contact Leonard Klassen 604-851-4006 to arrange to have your meals delivered at no charge.

You can read more about the safety measures Menno Place is using to protect residents in the dining rooms during the pandemic on the back of this memo.

If you have any questions about the new guidelines for dining please contact Claire at Reception 604-851-4004 or Leonard, Life Enrichment Coordinator, 604-851-4006.

Menno Place Dining Room Safety Procedures

We are hopeful that the decision to open the dining rooms will continue for the duration of the winter season. If the new COVID variant is prevalent in our community OR the public health orders change OR we have a COVID exposure, we may be required to close the dining room once again.

Why is it possible now to open the dining rooms?

  • CASPR air scrubbers have been installed in all dining rooms in the Apartments (99.96% kill rate on surfaces: bacteria, viruses and mold). This was recommended by Fraser Health of out an abundance of caution.
  • Most residents in your building are fully vaccinated and have also had a third booster shot. All staff have been double vaccinated and many have had their booster.
  • The few residents who have not been vaccinated will be seated together.
  • Residents who have received one or two vaccine shots will be contacted to help them complete their vaccinations.
  • Church services are safer now that masks are mandatory by public health order. When everyone wears their mask (over nose and mouth), it reduces risk of becoming infected at church and bringing it home to your neighbors in this building.

If you have questions or concerns about these safety protocols please contact
Leonard 604-851-4006.

Monitor yourself for any of these symptoms – if you have any symptoms, do not come to the dining room. Go to the COVID testing site at 32470 Haida Drive for a COVID test.

Fever                                  Sore throat                                                   Body aches

Cough                                 Loss of sense of smell                                Loss of sense of taste

Nausea                               Vomiting                                                       Difficulty breathing

Headache                          Loss of appetite                                          Diarrhea

Chills                                   Extreme fatigue or tiredness

 

 

TERRACE EAST – FLU SHOT CLINIC ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021

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Memo delivered to TE residents:

TERRACE EAST FLU SHOT CLINIC

Dear Residents,

The flu shot will be available on Thursday, November 18th for all Terrace East residents who would like to have one. The shots will be given in the dining room.

Here’s what you need to do to get your flu shot:

  • Wear a short-sleeved shirt.
  • Bring your photo ID with you.
  • Wait in your apartment. Staff will come and get you when it’s time to come down to the dining room to get your shot.
  • We will start at 9:30am and expect the clinic to run throughout the day.
  • When you get to the clinic we’ll have a consent form ready for you to sign.

If you do not want to get a flu shot, just let the staff member know when they come to your door.

Lunch will be served to all residents in their apartments on Thursday. Thank you for being patient with us as we get these vaccinations done!

Booster shots are coming – October 28th, November 1 and ?

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We are excited to let you know that Menno Home and Menno Hospital residents will be getting their 3rd booster shot on October 28th!

Terrace East will be getting their 3rd shot on November 1st!

We have confirmation from Fraser Health that the Independent Living apartments WILL be included in the priority for 3rd booster shots – this includes Terrace West, Pavilion and Primrose Gardens.

We are also planning flu clinics for November.

October 18, 2021 – TERRACE EAST (AL) OFF OUTBREAK – STEP-DOWN PHASE 2

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COVID UPDATE – October 18, 2021 – Terrace East OFF Outbreak

At midnight on Monday, October 18th, Terrace East is officially off of Step-Down Phase 2!

Congratulations to all of the residents and staff who kept each other safe in a very difficult time at Terrace East.

Social visits resume inside Terrace East. Please enter only by the front entrance of the building, preferred visiting time is between 10am and 6pm. Visitors must show evidence of full vaccination as ordered by the Provincial Health Officer. Please bring your Vaccination Card (QR code) and government issued photo ID for verification. Medical masks provided by the Visitation Host are mandatory. Only visit with your loved one in their apartment suite in order to keep others safe. Residents may resume going outside, enjoying walks and Mill Lake.

This is a time for caution as the prevalence of COVID continues to be high in our community. Please encourage your loved one to wear a mask at all times when they are with others. If they attend a church service, encourage them to wear a mask, use hand sanitizer and remain 6 feet away from others regardless of the practice of their individual church. These protocols are for their own protection.

We will not be resuming dining in Terrace East for another week while we put in place a plan that will keep residents safe as they socialize. Our Fraser Health Outbreak Response Lead provided feedback on our  initial dining room plan and is supportive of the social aspects and the social distancing. Terrace East residents, staff and visitors are all fully vaccinated.

Thank you to everyone for your vigilance and care during this outbreak. We remember the 4 residents who succumbed to COVID and pray for the recovery of 1 resident who remains in hospital. We express our condolences to the families who lost a loved one and pray for the resident in hospital.

In addition, there is an outbreak at Terrace West. There is no walk-through between these buildings. Four residents are COVID positive, two of whom are in hospital. Please pray for these residents and their families as they navigate difficult decisions related to health and medical treatment.

Thank you – and be safe!

NEW COVID POSITIVE CASES = 0

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

MOST RECENT COVID POSTIVE: September 27, 2021

PASSED AWAY OCT 6/21/21: 1 (T=4 residents TE)

October 7, 2021 – TERRACE EAST OUTBREAK – A fourth resident passed away (T=4)

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COVID UPDATE – October 7, 2021 – Terrace East Outbreak

We are sorry to report that, after a lengthy battle with COVID, a fourth resident from Terrace East has succumbed to COVID. Our condolences go out to the family and friends of this resident. We are saddened to report the continued hospitalization of another Terrace East resident who continues his battle with COVID.

Please pray for the families who lost their loved ones due to COVID at Terrace East. Please pray for the resident who is in hospital – for healing and relief from this illness. Please pray for the staff who love and serve these residents. They are very impacted by these losses. The residents who live at Menno Place become a source of joy and deep connection for our staff. We will miss these residents in our community.

We are reminded that the average age of residents living at Menno Place is 89, an age where, despite the COVID vaccination, they can contract and pass away from this virus. Please do everything in your effort to keep your loved ones safe. Encourage them to wear masks when they are outside of their apartment, even with their loved ones. Wear a mask when you are with them to provide another layer of protection. Encourage your loved ones to use hand sanitizer often. Make sure that they have hand sanitizer with them when they go out. Reinforce with them what 6 feet of distance looks and feels like – it is a long distance for social interaction and can feel uncomfortably far away. If you are unvaccinated, please recognize that you are at a greater risk to contract and transmit COVID to your loved one. Regardless of your position on the vaccine, the government or the vaccine passport, please follow every guideline for safety for your loved one. They are counting on you to keep them safe from a virus that could take their life.

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NEW COVID POSITIVE CASES = 0

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

MOST RECENT COVID POSTIVE: September 27, 2021

PASSED AWAY OCT 6/21/21: 1 (T=4 residents TE)

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

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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 EAST OUTBREAK – New COVID positive = 0 (T=9 in TE) 1 Resident passed away (T=3)

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COVID UPDATE – October 2, 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 OCT 1/21: 1 (T=3 residents TE)

We are sad to report that a third Terrace East resident has succumbed to COVID. Our condolences go out to the family and our staff who loved and served this resident. Please continue to pray for the two Terrace East residents who are in hospital, battling this illness.

We are waiting for a few more COVID test results to come back from residents and staff from the point prevalence test that was done on Sept. 28th. All results received are negative. Hopefully, we will receive the remaining results tomorrow for the full report tomorrow.

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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.