COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update: Dr. Weigand Letter about Confirmed Case

Dear National Church Residences Community:

Earlier this week we learned that there was a resident from one of our 340 senior housing communities who tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19). This is our first confirmed case of COVID-19 associated with our organization.

The individual who resides in New Jersey is being treated and we wish them a full and speedy recovery. In addition, we have this senior housing community under a Level IV Care Plan, which follows guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and includes:

• Self-isolation of all residents for the time period specified by the state’s governor.
• Self-isolation of the site staff at their home for the time period specified by their physician and their state Department of Health. (We have provided back-up staff on-site for operations and support service coordination for the senior residents.)
• Restricting visitors to the highest possible extent. (External care providers and essential suppliers will be allowed entry with proper precaution.)
• Encouraging social distancing, hand hygiene, and self-monitoring of the signs, symptoms and risk factors of this illness

We are working closely with the county health department as they investigate anyone on the campus who had close contact with the resident.

Ensuring the anonymity of individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 is important so that they can focus fully on their health and the care they need. While, at the same time, we are protecting our residents and their families, our staff and the community-at-large as we all work together to mitigate the potential impact of this virus.

If you are experiencing signs or symptoms of respiratory illness consistent with COVID-19, believe you may have been exposed to an individual with COVID-19, or have been diagnosed with the virus, please contact your primary care physician.

As one of the largest providers of senior service and housing in the country, we are working night and day to ensure the utmost precautions are being taken at our housing communities, care settings and employment locations across the country.

In addition, National Church Residences is posting updates and resources on its coronavirus blog at www.nationalchurchresidences.org.

The health and well-being of the seniors entrusted in our care and service is our highest priority.

Dr. John Weigand

Medical Director

Disclaimer: Please be aware that due to the rapidly evolving situation, recommendations regarding Coronavirus are constantly being updated as our organization becomes aware of the latest government recommendations and as the situation changes.  The information in this message may become quickly outdated so we advise you to always consult with the CDC and your local health department for the most up-to-date information in your area. National Church Residences is not providing medical or legal advice through this communication and shall not be liable for the action or inaction of third parties based upon the information provided.