COVID-19 UPDATE | May 26, 2020

May 26, 2020

Friends and Family of Santa Marta,

We hope this holiday weekend was an opportunity for families to enjoy the unofficial start of summer together – virtually or at a safe distance – and reflect on the ultimate sacrifice men and women in our armed forces have made for our freedoms.

While we’re incredibly thankful that we continue to have no COVID-positive residents at Santa Marta, unfortunately, we did learn of our second COVID-positive team member earlier today.

This individual works primarily in skilled nursing and hasn’t been on campus in 10 days (since May 16). Late last week, they were tested based off contact with a COVID-positive person outside our community. The positive result was confirmed this morning, and per our protocols they remain quarantined at home.

We’ve already conducted detailed contact tracing to identify residents and colleagues who may have had potential exposure to this individual. Team members in this group have been notified, tested, and sent home until results are known.

We have also notified a small group of residents, but based on this individual’s role and responsibilities, we believe the exposure risk is very low. While these residents won’t be tested at this time, we will continue to observe and monitor them closely for any signs or symptoms.

We anticipate test results will be available later this week, and an update will be provided then. We should also know more about the status of our first COVID-positive team member, who has been asymptomatic and recovering at home since April 21.

All current protocols and measures remain unchanged and in place until further notice. Our efforts, including our approach to testing, continues to be guided by the experts and medical professionals at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Kansas Department of Health & Environment.

As always, thank you for your continued cooperation and faith in our team. We hope to have better news to share in a few days’ time. In the meantime, please let me or the Santa Marta Management Team know if you have questions or need any assistance.

Stay safe, and God bless.

Chet Surmaczewicz

Executive Director