COVID-19 UPDATE | NOVEMBER 6, 2020

Friends and Family of Santa Marta,

As we continue to see ominous daily rates of new cases nationwide and in the greater Kansas City metro, we remain buoyed by the perseverance and endeavoring spirit shown by the Santa Marta family.

Thankfully, we continue to have no new resident cases. The two independent living residents we previously identified have quarantined for two weeks and are now considered recovered.

Unfortunately, our latest round of nearly 200 proactive tests of healthcare team members identified two positive cases – an individual in maintenance and a CNA in memory care.

While the CNA had limited contact with colleagues, we believe there was possible exposure to memory care residents. In response, we’ve enhanced our infection control measures and are closely monitoring these residents for any signs or symptoms – none of which have been presented at this time. Additionally, all residents across health services (assisted living, skilled nursing and memory care) will be tested on Monday.

These two team members have self-isolated at home, as are the seven other COVID-positive team members previously identified. Our continued prayers for recovery are with those affected, and we hope to be in a position to announce some recoveries as we head into next week.

On Wednesday, we expanded to indoor visitation for independent living residents and their loved ones. We’re fully aware just how vital these opportunities are for resident morale, and we appreciate how respectful and cooperative guests have been of our protocols.

As we mentioned last week, we’re eager to offer these same visitation opportunities for residents in our Health Services Center. However, per guidance from health authorities, the resumption of visits to higher levels of living can only continue 14 days after the last positive diagnosis.

It should also be noted that if the state and county positivity rate rise above 10%, we’re obligated to suspend indoor visitation, even if new positives weren’t tested at or employed by Santa Marta. We certainly hope that won’t be the case, but must be prepared, nonetheless.

That’s why we continue to strongly encourage window visits and virtual communication, particularly for families and friends who have loved ones in higher levels of living. We’re also exploring constructing a semi-permanent outdoor visitation area and hope to have more information to share in the coming weeks.

This pandemic has certainly tested our personal and collective resolve. I implore all of us to keep the faith and continue the practices that remain our best weapons in the fight against this virus – masks, social distancing and regular hand hygiene.

As always, please direct any questions or comments to me or our leadership team at updates@www.santamartaretirement.com. Weekly updates will also be shared on our website and Facebook page.

Thank you and God bless,

Chet Surmaczewicz

Executive Director