Greetings,
This week we saw a dramatic decrease in German Centre residents classified as “positive” for COVID-19. On Wednesday, we reported there were 30 positive cases among German Centre residents. On Thursday, that number dropped to one.
According to the CDC, a patient can be considered recovered if they’ve had at least three days with no fever without the use of fever-reducing medications, their respiratory symptoms are improving, and at least 14 days have passed since their symptoms began.
The majority of German Centre residents who tested positive for the virus were asymptomatic (no cough, no fever). It is still possible that those who have surpassed the 14-day threshold will continue to test positive for the virus due to viral shedding. Available evidence indicates, however, that they are likely not infectious.
With this encouraging trend, we remain cautious. Residents have been removed from isolation protocol and staff employ typical (pre-COVID-19) assessments to monitor resident health. While we are all anxious to return to “normal,” the Massachusetts Dept. of Public Health (DPH) does not recommend lifting restrictions on communal activities and visitations. Our full focus is on caring for and protecting our residents.
The decline in positive COVID-19 cases also means our Transitional Care Unit (TCU) is opening beds for short-term rehab. A restrained approach will be used depending on staff availability and the type of referrals. We continue to test all employees who actively worked throughout this health crisis, which may (or, hopefully, may not) impact our ability to adequately staff the unit. More on this in our next report when test results are received.
Finally, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Boston 25 News reporter, Natalie Rubino. Here’s a link to the segment about how we’re using tablets to connect residents with families and healthcare providers.
Be well and stay healthy,
Michael B. Lincoln
Chief Executive Officer
Download the Update: May 15 Update