Update 6.3.2020
June 3, 2020
Plymouth Place™ Friends and Family,
Much like previous weeks, today’s update is a mixture of optimism and humbling reality. Our spirits continue to be lifted by each and every recovery we’re able to celebrate, whether it’s a resident who returns to their apartment from our Dedicated Isolation Unit, or a team member who rejoins their friends and colleagues from home quarantine. In fact, we’ve seen more than half of all COVID-positive team members recover and return to work.
Unfortunately, this week has also brought a handful of new positive resident and team member cases. Tragically, we also had one of our beloved residents succumb to this illness. This news never gets easier to receive or share, and our entire community grieves with their family, friends and loved ones.
We continue to aggressively pursue this virus through regular testing and contact tracing, particularly with team members. We’re all aware of the complexity that “silent carriers” or asymptomatic individuals bring to this pandemic, and it’s imperative we take steps to identify and mitigate any widespread exposure risk.
That’s why we’ve instituted weekly testing of Health Care Center residents and staff, where the majority of our cases have been identified. As always, we continue to closely correspond with medical experts at the CDC and IDPH, and follow their guidance on testing strategies, cleaning procedures, and all related protocols.
With cleaning in mind, this past week we introduced TRU-D SmartUVC, our new ultraviolet wave disinfection device. This technology enhances our cleaning strategies performed by our dedicated housekeeping staff, who is tasked with disinfecting/sanitizing all high-touch surfaces such as elevator buttons, handrails, and doorknobs.
As we take our first steps into summer, we’re eager to safely and responsibly introduce more outdoor events and activities. This month, in small groups to keep in line with our social distancing guidelines, we’ll offer gardening and a variety of outdoor games such as badminton, pickleball, bags, golf and bocce. On June 22, our health and fitness team will host a pickleball tournament, our 2020 Wellness Trend for this month.
Lastly, we’re incredibly touched by the generous response from residents, families, neighbors and community partners to the Plymouth Place 2020 Special Appeal. We’ve now raised more than $260,000, which includes a $3,500 donation from our friends at the Western Springs Rotary Club for the Employee Food Pantry.
We established this staff-focused pantry at the onset of the pandemic to honor our dedicated team members and provide a measure of support with groceries and other essentials. Our residents selflessly commit time to pack the food so associates can simply grab and go after a shift. The loyalty and philanthropic spirit of all volunteers and donators is humbling and inspiring – it truly takes a village.
Stay safe and stay well,
Jay Biere
President/CEO