COVID Update
Edgewood Summit has had no positive COVID cases this week for the 6th straight week! We are encouraged with the high vaccination rate of our Residents (99%) and the number of our Employees who are vaccinated continues to increase each week. The Employee rate now stands at 63% for Employees and Auxiliary Staff. Edgewood Summit is proud to be among those with the safest record throughout the COVID pandemic. We continue to focus on safety and transparency as Employees continue to be tested twice per week as mandated by Governor Jim Justice.
The COVID Vaccination at Edgewood Summit is now being made available with the help of a local pharmacy partnership with RX by Tel. Edgewood Summit helps to vaccinate more people each week and is focusing on: new Residents (as they make plans to move in), existing and new Employees, Auxiliary Staff, private Caregivers, Family Members visiting Residents frequently and when possible, those aged 50 and older. Requests for vaccination can be made at our Reception desks. The Employee Vaccination Campaign is still in progress with our goal for 75 percent of Employees vaccinated. We asked those who have been vaccinated to share their stories of vaccine hesitancy and how their decision was ultimately made to get vaccinated. A story is picked each week to share with all Employees as we continue to encourage vaccination. We will keep everyone updated on our progress. The WV centralized system for the general public continues to be available at 1-833-734-0965 or www.vaccinate.wv.gov.
Edgewood Summit has amended the requirements in place for COVID precautions based upon newly enacted Centers for Disease Control and Center for Medicare Services guidelines. Guidance may vary slightly for Independent Living versus the Health Care Areas (The Ridgemont and Hodges Center). The Independent Living Residents who are fully vaccinated have the following new guidance with respect to visitation in private home/apartment settings. The changes are as follows:
- If the fully vaccinated Resident(s) and their fully vaccinated visitor(s) (who are from the same household), visit in private settings, they do not need to use prevention methods (e.g., masks, social distancing, etc.).
- Likewise, if fully vaccinated Resident(s) visit in private settings with non-vaccinated visitor(s) from the same household who are not fully vaccinated and are low risk, then no prevention methods need to be used.
- However, if fully vaccinated Resident(s) visit with non-vaccinated high-risk visitor(s) or visitors from multiple households within private settings, then prevention protocols must still be maintained such as wearing masks and social distancing.
- In the Health Care Settings of Edgewood Summit (such as the Ridgemont and the Hodges Center Apartments) or for Public, Common area settings such as shared rooms of the Community, masks and proper social distancing are still required with no changes at this time. Fully vaccinated Residents in health care settings may forgo social distancing but masks are required at all times with others.
We are encouraged with the continued downward trend in the infection rate and the lower number of new positive cases. The positive effects of vaccinations are clearly being felt. It is important to remember that the vaccine does not provide complete immunity and therefore, caution and patience are still needed. Please continue to:
- Wear a well-fitted Mask in the public, common areas within the building and when visiting with non-vaccinated individuals at increased risk due to health and when visiting with those non-vaccinated individuals from multiple households and in health care settings.
- Socially distance from others at a minimum of 6 feet in public settings and in private settings if visiting with non-vaccinated individuals who are at increased risk due to health and when visiting with those non-vaccinated individuals from multiple households, in public common areas and in health care apartments.
- Hand wash frequently and use proper cough etiquette.
- Avoid medium and large sized in-person gatherings.
- Get tested if symptoms of COVID are present.
- Avoid Non-essential travel. If travel is necessary, Residents do not need to quarantine upon return if fully vaccinated and have no symptoms and have not been in contact with a COVID positive person. If quarantine is necessary, the requirement is reduced to 10 days for Residents.
- All entry screening is required through the main lobbies/reception areas. Do not enter without being screened. Screening for temperature and questions related to risk, vaccination, etc. is still required. No proof of vaccination or COVID testing is required for entry. Visitors will still need to remain compliant with proper infection control while at the Community. Edgewood Summit encourages testing if symptoms or exposure are applicable. Vaccination is encouraged at the earliest opportunity. A rapid test can be performed by the Nursing Staff onsite with advance notice. Contact the Nursing office to arrange the rapid COVID test at 304-346-2355 or 304-347-1954.
- In-person group activities are taking place and fully vaccinated outside instructors are invited back. Medium and large group activities are now permitted with masks. The Card Room re-opens next week for Residents only. Masks are required.
- The Edgewood Summit Dining Rooms are back in use on a daily basis. A maximum number of those dining at any one time is observed. Non-Resident Guests cannot be accommodated in the Dining Rooms at this time.
More updates will be provided as additional information becomes known. Thank you for your continued support and compliments for our safety record at the Community.
