UDPATE: Masks Are Now Optional for Residents

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Effective April 27, 2022 residents will have the choice of whether or not to wear their mask when they are in the common spaces of the apartment building.

Although we will no longer ask residents to put a mask on, we do recommend that they wear a mask as an additional layer of protection from this very infectious variant of COVID. Their decision to wear a mask or not should be based on how “at-risk” they are for severe illness if they contract COVID. Residents can figure out their risk by filling out this worksheet.

On the risk assessment page you will see a list of “at-risk” conditions along with a chart that indicates how  age, gender and number of vaccinations factor into the risk of hospitalization. The average fully vaccinated female who is over 80 years of age with 2 at-risk conditions will have a 2.9% risk of severe COVID and hospitalization. A male in the same category has a 3.9% risk of severe COVID and hospitalization.

The highest risk is for those who are unvaccinated where the risk of severe illness and hospitalization is as high as 83.7%. If a resident has not yet been vaccinated, consider how the risk of severe COVID can be as low as 1.1% if they are fully vaccinated and have no “at-risk” conditions. Once the risk percentage has been calculated, residents can make an informed decision about how many layers of protection they will use to keep safe from COVID. Layers of protection include hand sanitizing, mask wearing, social distancing (6 feet) and vaccination, including the 4th booster shot.

The highest risk of contracting COVID is when a resident and another individual are without masks and within 6 feet from each other. This can happen in the elevator, at the dining room table, playing pool, in a car, at church and passing each other or talking in the hallway. If a resident is concerned about their own safety in any of these situations, it’s safest to wear a  mask. It is a good choice, no matter what others are doing.

Visitors, family, friends, contracted help and all staff must continue to wear masks inside the apartment buildings and when providing residents with personal care. Unvaccinated visitors are not permitted to visit inside the apartment buildings.

Please report any symptoms of COVID to the Receptionist.

PRIMROSE GARDENS – January 20, 2022- COVID POSITIVE = 9

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COVID UPDATE – January 20, 2022 – Primrose Gardens

NEW COVID POSITIVE CASES = 8 residents

TOTAL COVID POSITIVE CASES = 9 (9 residents | 0 staff)

MOST RECENT COVID CASE = January 20, 2022

We are sorry to inform you that there are 8 additional COVID positive residents at Primrose Gardens. We have tested all symptomatic and all close contacts of the 8 COVID positive residents. We are doing contact tracing to determine if there is transmission between residents in the apartment building. This is still in progress. The first 3 residents who were discovered to be COVID positive did not have contact with each other. The high prevalence of COVID in our community is now impacting our seniors as they have been out and about in the past several days or have had a COVID positive visitor. Residents are experiencing mild symptoms or no symptoms. Residents were all called by phone prior to today’s lunch to inform them of the news that the dining room has closed at this time.

COVID positive residents have an isolation cart at their room. Any visitors must follow the PPE protocols to enter.

Residents who are COVID positive, have COVID symptoms or have been a close contact of a COVID exposed individual are given a package of material that includes an Action Sheet. This material can be viewed here – CLICK HERE

This memo was distributed at the end of the day to residents:

MEMO

Date:                January 20, 2022
To:                   All Primrose Gardens Residents
Re:                   COVID Positive Residents: Total = 9
________________________________________________________________________

Dear Residents,

We are sorry to inform you that there are eight new COVID positive residents in Primrose Gardens, bringing the total to nine. These residents have been informed and asked to call their families. At this time we have to make some changes to resident services in order to limit the possibility of  further transmission.

As of today, January 20th the following changes are in effect:

  1. Dining Room is closed – Residents will be served their meal in their apartments. Most residents will be served from the hot carts. Residents who have tested positive will receive tray service.
  2. All visitors will be screened – There will be a host at the door to screen all visitors. Anyone who comes inside Primrose Gardens will be required to show proof of double vaccination. (The booster shot is not required.)
  3. All in-person recreation activities are cancelled. Recreation programming on channel 10 will continue. Please do not meet in groups with other residents. Keep any social gatherings with family small.
  4. Menno Place housekeeping service has been suspended for those who are isolating or COVID positive.
  5. Limit your outings as much as possible. Primrose Gardens has NOT been declared on outbreak at this time. If you are not on isolation, you are allowed to move about the building, go outside and go out into the community but please follow safety protocols (wear your mask).

We are awaiting further instructions from Public Health and will update you as things change. Please monitor yourself for symptoms. Wear your mask. Practice social distancing. If you feel sick, call reception 604-851-4000.

PRIMROSE GARDENS – January 2, 2022- COVID POSITIVE: T = 2

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COVID UPDATE – January 2, 2022 – Primrose Gardens

NEW COVID POSITIVE CASES = 1 staff

TOTAL COVID POSITIVE CASES = 2 (1 resident | 1 staff)

MOST RECENT COVID CASE = January 2, 2022

We are sorry to bring the news that a staff member has tested COVID positive. This is believed to be unrelated to the resident who is COVID positive.

Please continue to be cautious when you visit, practicing all layers of protection. Unvaccinated visitors are not permitted in any of the buildings on the Menno Place campus. Vaccinated visitors must wear a mask at all times, including while visiting their loved one. Practice hand hygiene by sanitizing upon entrance to the apartment building. Remain 6 feet away from other visitors, residents and staff.

When rapid tests are available, they are mandatory for visitors. At this time, there is not inventory for visitors to rapid test prior to visit.

The Omicron variant is extremely contagious and is asymptomatic for several days prior to symptoms for those who are COVID positive.

Please encourage your loved one at Primrose Gardens to get all 3 vaccinations to increase efficacy of vaccination to 75%.

The dining room is closed until further notice. Meals are delivered to resident suites.

PAVILION – January 1, 2022- COVID POSITIVE RESIDENT = 1

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COVID UPDATE – January 1, 2022 – Pavilion

NEW COVID POSITIVE CASES = 1 resident

TOTAL COVID POSITIVE CASES = 1 (1 resident | 0 staff)

MOST RECENT COVID CASE = January 1, 2022

We are sorry to bring the news that one resident at Pavilion has tested positive for COVID through a rapid test. This test was done as a result of exposure with a COVID positive individual. The resident has been instructed to isolate and monitor their symptoms. Support is provided to the resident by their loved ones.

Meals will be delivered to residents at their apartment suite until further notice.

Visitors to Independent Living – Pavilion, Terrace West, Primrose Gardens

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KEEPING YOUR LOVED ONE AND THEIR NEIGHBOURS SAFE

As the prevalence of COVID increases in our community, please use all the safety measures available to keep your loved one and their neighbours safe.

Although the Public Health Order calls for rapid testing for all visitors on the Menno Place campus, the inventory does not allow for rapid testing at the Independent Living Apartments. Please continue to self-screen (no symptoms), practice safe distance from others (6ft), wear a mask at all times (even with your loved one) and use hand hygiene (frequently) in order to enter the apartment building.

Continue to advise your loved one of all the layers of protection. We heard today from the Medical Health Officer that the efficacy of the vaccine increases from 60% to 75% with the 3rd booster shot. If your loved one is not fully vaccinated, please encourage them to become fully vaccinated.

Currently, our vaccination rates in the Apartments are:

Fully vaccinated (2 shots plus booster):

  • Pavilion: 69%
  • Terrace West: 79%
  • Primrose Gardens: 77%
  • Terrace East: 93%

On Dec. 31, 2021, Dr. Bonnie Henry, BC Public Health Officer announced that only essential visitors will be allowed to visit residents in long-term care: Menno Home and Menno Hospital – CLICK HERE FOR ANNOUNCEMENT

Assisted Living (Terrace East) continues social visits for residents with rapid test.

Independent Living continues social visits for vaccinated visitors.

 

PRIMROSE GARDENS – December 29, 2021- COVID POSITIVE RESIDENT = 1

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COVID UPDATE – December 29, 2021 – Primrose Gardens

NEW COVID POSITIVE CASES = 1 resident

TOTAL COVID POSITIVE CASES = 1 (1 resident | 0 staff)

MOST RECENT COVID CASE = December 29, 2021

We are sorry to bring the news that one resident at Primrose Gardens has tested positive for COVID through a rapid test. This test was done as a result of exposure with a COVID positive individual. A PCR test (nasal swab) has been done – results are pending. Tablemates of this resident have all tested negative to rapid testing.

Screening has been put in place at the entrance of Primrose Gardens.

This is the memo that will be distributed to all residents of Primrose Gardens:

MEMO 

Date:  December 29, 2021  

To: Primrose Gardens Residents  

Re: COVID-19 Positive in Primrose Gardens 

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. Residents who have been tested MUST ISOLATE until further notice from Public Health. 

DINING: 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. 

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. 

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 ABOUT 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: 604.851.4000 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? 

 

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
________________________________________________________________________

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!

PRIMROSE GARDENS DINING ROOM – DECEMBER 16, 2021 – REOPENING MEMO

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MEMO DISTRIBUTED TO ALL PRIMROSE GARDENS RESIDENTS

Date:                December 15, 2021
To:                   All Primrose Gardens Residents
Re:                   In-Person Dining Room 7 Days a Week!
________________________________________________________________________

Dear Primrose Gardens Residents,

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

  • The dining room will open for residents at 11:30 with lunch served at 12:00.
  • 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.

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 604-851-4000 and your meal will be delivered at no charge. On the weekend, call the kitchen to make arrangements 604-851-7398.
  • 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 Lynn at Reception 604-851-4000 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 out of an abundance of caution. (https://casprgroup.com/healthcare/)
  • 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

 

 

PAVILION DINING ROOM – DECEMBER 16, 2021 – REOPENING MEMO

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MEMO PROVIDED TO ALL PAVILION RESIDENTS

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

Dear Pavilion Residents,

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

  • The dining room will open for residents at 11:30 with lunch served at 12:00.
  • 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.

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 604-851-4000 and your meal will be delivered at no charge. On the weekend, call the kitchen to make arrangements 604-870-2926.
  • 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 Lynn at Reception 604-851-4000 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 out of an abundance of caution. (https://casprgroup.com/healthcare/)
  • 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

 

 

PAVILION FLU SHOT CLINIC – NOVEMBER 23

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Memo will be delivered on Monday, November 20

PAVILION FLU SHOT CLINIC – November 23

Dear Residents,

The flu shot will be available on Tuesday, November 23rd for all Pavilion residents who would like to have one.  We will come to your apartment suite to get you. The clinic will take place in the dining room.

These times are estimated:

  • 9:30am – 1st floor
  • 10 am – 2nd floor
  • 11 am – 3rd floor

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

  • Wear a short-sleeved shirt.
  • Have photo ID ready to show.
  • 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.

Thank you for being patient with us as we get these vaccinations done!