May 8th Letter

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May 8, 2020

Facility Update

We are very fortunate to report that we continue to remain absent from any cases of Covid-19. There have been significant efforts put in place on a daily basis at every level of our organization. There has been a true commitment from everyone involved to continue to do everything possible to keep our residents and staff as healthy as possible.

A few weeks ago, we mentioned that we were able to obtain rapid result Covid-19 serology tests. We originally only purchased enough to use on a case by case scenario, should we have any concerns.

Again, we are very fortunate that we have not had any positive cases at this point.  Whether it be a serology test that we have performed at Mari de Villa or a test that had been administered at a hospital, all tests have returned negative.

Our intent from the very beginning of this has been to provide every available option of protection and safety. We intend to continue to do just that.  From the very beginning we took measures to identify symptoms and to prevent the virus from spreading such as daily temperature readings and specific hand washing stations throughout the facility.

In recent weeks, there has been concerns of individuals throughout the general population, in our county, state and Country, that there may be those who are infected and contagious, but do not show any symptoms.
We have had all employees wear a surgical mask during their shift. This process has been very well received and we make sure that the mask is clean and replaced frequently. New masks are given on every shift and are never reused. Should someone be asymptomatic, yet contagious, and we are unaware, we wanted to take an additional preventative measure from the virus spreading.  This is the same process that has been recommended by the CDC.

Late last week we had placed and received an order for additional serology test kits. After much review and discussions with our medical team, we have decided to administer a rapid result Covid-19 serology test to all staff at Mari de Villa and would like to pursue administering the test to all residents as well.  We want to make it understood, we do not have any cases nor do we have any suspicion of cases at this time.

This testing will help us to continue to identify areas of success as well as concern. The serology tests can indicate if someone has been infected with the virus and if their body has produced antibodies against the virus. Both the IgG and IgM antibodies can be indicated with these tests, and depending if either, or both, antibodies are present it will give an understanding on how recent the person has been infected.

Our goal has always been to offer full transparency and openness during all of this. While hopefully understanding that over the past 60 days, we have done our best, we recognize there have been times that we could have improved as well.  Testing everyone involved will continue that intention of transparency.  We have had great success over the past 60 days without having any cases, and we could continue on without testing. However, we want to do everything that we can to ensure our facility and community stays healthy. While we have had a very stringent screening process in place, we are looking to improve that process even more.  Out of an abundance of caution, we want to take the next step.

With the state and local community beginning to reopen, we are reviewing our plans for adjusting as well. Mari de Villa has been blessed and fortunate to be able to stay ahead of the recommendations put in place and we will continue that process. Like everyone else, we cannot wait for the day for families to visit, for afternoon happy hours, and most importantly the outdoor parties! We will hopefully be able to celebrate together again, one day soon.

Please do not hesitate to reach out should you have any questions. We appreciate everyone’s understanding throughout all of this.

As the surrounding areas begin to loosen restrictions and reopen, our facility will have policies that may vary from other establishments. We will continue to update the website ( MDVcontact.com ) daily with any status update and changes to the visitation policy.

Just as a reminder, we will continue to collect non-perishable food and toiletry items through Sunday, May 10^th.  Everything collected will be donated to the Circle of Concern Food Pantry.

All of us at Mari de Villa understand this is a very difficult time for our families and we want to do everything we can to ensure that your loved ones are taken care of. We are continuing to provide the same level of care, and then some! Please reach out at anytime for updates, questions, concerns.
As always, we can be reached 24 hours per day. Do not hesitate to reach out at anytime.

636-227-5347
Info@MarideVilla.com