6/19/2020

Dear friends,

We want to inform you that we had two team members who work at Friendship Health and Rehab Center (FHRC) North test positive for COVID-19. 

Both individuals work in the dietary department.  Based upon contact tracing of these two cases and the definition of “close contact,” (defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention means within six feet or less for 15 minutes for the two days prior to the onset of symptoms), there will be some team members who may be able to return to work immediately following a negative test result.  However, there may be some individuals who will test negative but will need to remain on quarantine until being tested again with a negative result before returning to work.  Any individuals testing positive will be placed on 14-day quarantine along with the two individuals who tested positive originally. 

Please know that this testing and quarantine strategy was discussed and agreed upon with the local health department.  We continue to monitor resident vital signs multiple times daily, and no residents have shown an increase in symptoms or change of condition.  Thank you for your continued encouragement and understanding.  

Also, we want to let family members know that we will be reaching out in the coming weeks regarding consents for a Point Prevalence Study (PPS).  The PPS is completed jointly with Friendship, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Virginia National Guard (VANG) and allows for 100% testing of residents and staff in our facilities.  VDH requires that we obtain consent for the PPS which is scheduled for July 7, 2020 for FHRC-North and Friendship Assisted Living, and July 14, 2020 for FHRC-South and Salem Terrace at Harrogate.  Thank you in advance for your cooperation and support.

We will continue to keep you updated as we receive test results and other additional information.  In the meanwhile, take care and stay well.

Sincerely,

Ben Higgins

Vice President of Healthcare Operations

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