Update 6.24.2020
June 24, 2020
Plymouth Place™ Friends and Family,
As has been the pattern in recent weeks, we continue to weather highs and lows with this pandemic. Since our update a week ago, two additional residents have recovered and left our Dedicated Isolation Unit for their on-campus homes. They join a growing list of residents who’ve beat this virus, and these small but hugely significant victories drive us forward and remind us that better days are ahead.
Most significantly, we’ve had no new cases to report in all areas of residence and among staff for five days! We did identify one COVID-positive team member nearly a week ago. As has been our protocol, this individual is quarantined at home until health officials determine they’ve fully recovered.
While we remain focused on resident health, particularly those in our Health Care Center (HCC), we continue to monitor staff just as closely. We’re encouraged that the vast majority of team members affected to date have recovered, but we understand their personal responsibilities off campus unfortunately put them at a greater risk of exposure. That’s why we continue weekly testing of all HCC residents and personnel to ensure any potential asymptomatic carriers are identified and isolated quickly.
As we mentioned last week, we’ve started to take initial steps to ease some restrictions for independent living residents through Phase One of our reopening strategy. This phased approach allows us to responsibly gauge the impact of these decisions, and make any adjustments needed to maintain the safety of the Plymouth Place family.
It’s important to note that due to IDPH regulations, visitors are still not allowed on the third floor of the HCC. We hope to be in a position to provide an update on those restrictions in the coming weeks, and greatly appreciate the ongoing cooperation from residents, friends and loved ones.
We pray for a summer in the company of friends and family, and all the activities and entertainment that comes with it. As we all know, it’s long overdue. Please continue to watch for further communication on our reopening strategy, and our plans for Phase Two.
As Illinois moves toward Phase 4 of its statewide reopening plan later this week, and with a possible second wave of the virus forecasted on the horizon, we ask that all of us continue our vigilance to keep ourselves and our neighbors safe and healthy.
As always, we’re incredibly grateful for the commitment and sacrifice from residents and team members, and their loved ones whose unconditional support continues to fuel us.
Stay safe and stay well,
Jay Biere