On July 30, 2021, Covenant Village mandated both the COVID-19 and Influenza Vaccinations for Employees. We said at the time,

“Given the escalation of active cases and hospitalizations, as well as the growing impact of the Delta variant, COVID-19 Vaccinations remain the most proven effective intervention to protect individuals from the Virus. In making the COVID-19 vaccination a condition of employment, Covenant Village continues to respond with a clear focus on positioning our Residents and Staff to mitigate this and future resurgences.”

Since then, the County, State, and Nation has experienced the spike in cases, hospitalizations, and deaths that the Omicron variant brought to the pandemic. In our Village, we have faced an uptick in Staff cases over the last number of months. Most of these cases have been with Staff who were not boosted.

Although COVID-19 vaccines remain effective in preventing severe disease, hospitalization, and death, recent data suggest their effectiveness at preventing infection or severe illness wanes over time. The recent emergence of the Omicron variant further emphasizes the importance of vaccination, boosters, and prevention efforts needed to protect against COVID-19—particularly in a healthcare and/or long-term care environment like Covenant Village.

Today, Covenant Village continues to respond to best position our Residents and Staff to confront the remaining embers of this pandemic by mandating the COVID-19 Booster Shot for Employees. Per the CDC, to be optimally protected, a person needs to get a booster shot when and if eligible.

The deadline for the first Booster documentation or Exemption documentation is March 31^st.

You will recall Residents and some Staff received the Booster back in mid- November 2021 when we had on-campus Booster Clinics. We will work with our partners, Edgeway Pharmacy, to provide a clinic between now and the deadline.

For Staff, if you have any questions, please reach out to Jenn Barker, Senior Director of Human Resources, for assistance.

COVID-19 Update

As of this morning, we have no known Resident positive cases, and only one (1) known Staff positive case. The Staff has mild symptoms but is doing well. We have one additional Staff member out with symptoms but awaiting test results.

The Health Center remains in “outbreak” status with the State due to not having a clean 14-day window of no new cases. Therefore, they continue to operate on a more limited scale with respect to group gatherings and activities.

The independent living portion of the Village is back to normal group gatherings, if Staffing allows. The Wellness Center continues to monitor a measured return to all class offerings. We are down significantly in Food & Nutrition Staff, particularly Cooks, so there is no seated dining this week. All meals are “to go.”

Everyone should continue to physically distance and wear masks when out. Please continue to monitor yourself and any symptoms. Do not hesitate to call the Arbor Wing Nurses Station (704.917.7857) with any concerns or questions.

Covenant Village is strong and resilient, because you are strong and resilient. Even now, we see how Covenant Village is Where Life Is Filled With Promise!

We will continue to provide the latest information via community memos; Covenant Conversations; the Covenant Village website (www.covenantvillagenc.com); on our Facebook page; and our Resident Portal—Wellzesta.