Dear Colleagues,
As we head into the holiday weekend, we want to bring to your attention the realities of what is happening in our community. COVID-19 is on the rise again. Many of you may already have a family member who has either been exposed or tested positive. Your diligence in practicing social distancing is more important than ever. Wear your mask; wash your hands frequently. Disinfect your environment both at work and home frequently. If you need additional supplies for doing all this, please let us know.
We learned yesterday that one of our clients at a Senior Living Community tested positive for COVID-19. They were tested following exposure to a family member who also tested positive. One Personal Care Employee worked with the client. She has tested negative for the virus and will be tested again next week. She is displaying no symptoms.
At this time, no Personal Care employees have tested positive for COVID-19. Your hand washing, mask wearing, and physical distancing are working. COVID-19 still poses a real threat and we must continue to take all precautions possible to remain safe. If you have a fever or do not feel well, we ask that you contact us immediately.
If you are exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 please contact us immediately. You will be required to take a COVID-19 test before returning to work. If you travel out of Georgia you are required to get a COVID-19 test upon your return. If your family members travel and you do not, please refer to all of our directions around social distancing, mask wearing, and disinfecting. If you are planning to travel please let us know before you depart and we can schedule the COVID-19 testing when you return. All office staff have had several COVID-19 tests. They are uncomfortable but not painful, and not frightening. We have been to CVS, Walgreens, and the Department of Public Health sites. All of them have been well run and staffed with compassionate people. We understand the inconveniences of our new reality and we are committed to getting through this together.
If you are interested in a COVID-19 test please contact us. We encourage you to take advantage of testing opportunities when they become available throughout the community. We will continue to send you testing resources as we learn of them. Some of our facility clients are now requiring regular COVID-19 testing, so we may be calling you to schedule you for mandated testing. We will work to find a site near your home when possible.
Many facilities have extended their restrictions on visitation until July 15th or later. The continued isolation and limited social engagement are difficult on everyone, particularly our clients. You continue to provide a lifeline and much-needed companionship to your clients and for that we and their families are grateful. The work you do is more critical now than ever and we appreciate your continued commitment to being as safe as possible. We will continue in our commitment to be as transparent as possible in our communication to you. Like you, we had hoped that this summer would find us recovering from this pandemic. Self-care is important in these times and we encourage you to find ways to renew yourself.
If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me at 404-373-2727.
Stay safe!
Danielle Grabol
COO/Owner