March 19, 2020
We received notification from the CDC that two additional residents in the OceanView community tested presumptive positive for COVID-19. These two new cases are connected to the initial cases reported earlier this week. One resident remains at Maine Medical Center, while the other three residents are recuperating at home in self-quarantine. Treatment is being coordinated by the individual’s healthcare provider and we are working in conjunction with them as appropriate. Due to HIPAA regulations we are prohibited from providing any additional details.
Since the initial positive tests, our wellness team has been conducting daily checks on those determined to have been exposed. Tests were immediately ordered once symptoms were present. Unfortunately, due to the limited supply of testing kits, we have only been able to test residents as they have become symptomatic.
In addition, there were non-residents who were determined to have been exposed to the initial cases. The CDC and relevant local authorities were made aware of this exposure at the outset and have been taking appropriate measures.
In accordance with guidance from the CDC who we continue to work with, residents are being asked to self-monitor for any symptoms, including checking their temperature twice per day for 14 days, and to report any symptoms to their health care providers. In accordance with our planning, we are also strongly recommending that our residents self-quarantine for 14 days and vigilantly adhere to personal hygiene and social distancing best practices.
We will continue our vigilance with frequent cleaning of common areas, prohibiting all non-essential visitors to the campus, and limiting access to our main buildings to essential staff only. All events and activities will remain cancelled until further notice.
To accommodate our residents during this time, our dining team will continue to provide meals to residents’ homes. We are also utilizing our nursing staff for regular phone calls for wellness checks and symptom checks daily for residents. This also creates a structure to minimize loneliness.
The safety and well-being of our residents and staff is our highest priority. Consequently, we began preparing for COVID-19 months in advance and began implementing our plan accordingly as the disease progressed. Our expertise, experience, and resources make our community an ideal place for our residents to reside in this situation.
In this public health crisis, “community” has never been a more apt description of what we are at OceanView. The tremendous solidarity demonstrated by our residents, their families, and our staff has been inspiring. That solidarity will continue to be called upon in the coming days and we thank everyone for their understanding.
Maureen Connolly, RN – Executive Director
Diane Kibbin, RN – Director of Operations
