Pittsboro, NC – The Laurels of Chatham, a skilled nursing center in Pittsboro, has released a statement confirming “positive cases of COVID-19″ at its facility.
Statement to Interested Parties — April 7 2020
The Laurels of Chatham recently received confirmation of positive cases of COVID-19 at the facility. As the safety and well-being of our residents, employees, visitors, and surrounding community is our top priority, we are doing everything we can to limit the spread of the virus.
The Laurels has been implementing and acting on guidance from external agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and the Department of Health and Human Services since February 28, 2020. We have restricted visitors from entering our facility since the national advisement on March 11th, ceased group activities within the building for the time being, and have continually monitored residents and screened staff members and essential external personnel for symptoms daily. Our leadership team has maintained close communication with local and state health officials to ensure we are following recommended preventative steps, and we modify our actions based on the guidance we are given.
The impacted resident is receiving supportive treatment at a local hospital. Affected staff are being treated off-site and will not be returning to work until cleared to do so, consistent with CDC guidelines.
We greatly appreciate everyone’s cooperation, understanding and support during this unprecedented time.
The Laurels does have COVID-19 policies in place, which was outlined in a letter to guests & families from CEO Mohammad Qazi.
A Letter to Guests & Families from CEO Mohammad Qazi
Following the declaration of a National State of Emergency in relation to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) on March 13, all skilled nursing centers and assisted living communities – Laurel Health Care Company facilities included – will be restricting visitors, volunteers and non-essential health care personnel for the foreseeable future. Exceptions will only be made for certain compassionate care circumstances, such as end-of-life situations.
The health and safety of our guests is our first and foremost priority. Because the population we work with is especially vulnerable to potential infection, it is absolutely essential – and now mandated – that we take these preventive steps.
We understand visitor prohibition will disrupt important and meaningful family and friend interactions with our guests. Our caring and compassionate associates will do their best to utilize alternative means to facilitate communication between guests and loved ones such as telephone conference calls, text message, Face Time, or Skype.
To further protect against the transmission of COVID-19, all associates, essential health care vendors and emergent visitors will continually be screened for:
- Confirmed/suspected contact with any individual diagnosed with COVID-19 in the preceding 14 days.
- Confirmed/suspected contact with anyone who has traveled to/from any international country with a CDC Level 3 travel advisory in the preceding 14 days.
- Fever with a history of international travel within the last 14 days.
- A diagnosis of pneumonia or lower respiratory tract infection in the last 14 days.
These enhanced measures are also in place:
- Daily temperature readings for all associates, guests, and emergent visitors.
- Monitoring for respiratory symptoms which include dry cough and shortness of breath.
- Suspending non-essential group outings.
- Applying social distancing of six feet for any required group engagement.
- Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Encouraging associates to stay home when sick or when a loved one is sick
We will continue to proactively monitor, evaluate and respond to the impact of COVID-19 and keep you apprised of any necessary updates. Thank you so much for your support, understanding and cooperation during this challenging time.