COVID-19 UPDATE | FEBRUARY 26, 2021

Friends and Family of Santa Marta,

Spirits remain high at our community as we approach the end of another week with uplifting news to share.

Our testing for all healthcare residents this week uncovered no positive cases of COVID-19. Similarly, no active cases were uncovered during testing for all healthcare team members. There is only one previously identified case among employees, and we thankfully expect the affected individual to be fully recovered next week.

Independent living residents received their second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine on Wednesday courtesy of Auburn Pharmacy. Residents in assisted living, memory support and skilled nursing, as well as all Santa Marta associates, have previously been offered both doses. One more vaccine clinic for residents and staff in healthcare is scheduled for Monday, March 1, which will cap off immunizations for our entire community. The clinic will be administered by CVS.

Indoor visitations and some small group activities continue in independent living as usual, including the recent reopening of our fitness center and pool. We also recently opened the assisted living dining room in a limited capacity.

While indoor visitation in our health center is suspended for one more week, outdoor visitations in the area are proceeding smoothly, especially given the warmer weather. If you are interested in scheduling a visit, please connect with Admissions Director Riley Mason at 913-323-7175 during business hours from Monday to Friday.

We are encouraged by the promising trajectory locally as Johnson County’s rolling average of cases has fallen below 4%. Coupled with our community rounding out vaccinations soon, we hope to add more activities and visitation opportunities to our schedule in coming weeks. Specifics will be provided in future updates.

In accordance with guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and other health authorities, safety protocols including masks, social distancing and no large gatherings will remain in place at Santa Marta for the foreseeable future despite the ongoing lifting of some restrictions.

Please feel free to reach out to our leadership team at updates@www.santamartaretirement.com with any questions. Our weekly updates will also be shared on our website and Facebook page.

Thank you and God bless,

Chet Surmaczewicz

Executive Director