As of Tuesday, May 31, the Covenant Village Health Center (HC) was placed in COVID Outbreak Status, as defined by the Gaston County DHHS Office. A recent resurgence of positive cases has emerged throughout the Village – and in our wider community. Today’s Gaston Gazette reported a 29.6% increase in COVID cases in the County from last week. There is a 21.4% increase across the State. 

The HC Team proactively tested all HC Residents on Tuesday morning in response to the current resurgence and some new Covenant Village Staff cases. As a result, one HC Resident tested positive from Tuesday’s testing. Current symptoms are mild. The last HC Resident to test positive was on February 2, 2022. 

At this time, Outbreak Status requires us to increase testing for the next 28 days with the goal to have a window of 28 days without any new positive cases in the HC. Operationally, 

• Activities continue to take place but are being socially distanced 

• Group dining is still taking place 

• Visitors are welcome 

• Everyone must continue to wear a mask while in the HC 

There are three (3) active Staff cases, and one more (1) who is out with symptoms and awaiting test results. Two serve in the HC. One of the active cases can return to work this weekend, and another one will be able to return on Monday. We continue to monitor closely our situation. 

To help mitigate on-going Outbreak Status, we strongly encourage the use of Masks while out in the Village or out for a trip. Just to be clear: Masks are Optional at this time. While we encourage everyone to wear a Mask, we are not requiring Masks. This step is highly recommended for personal protection, and we recommend everyone to consult their primary care physician (PCP) with questions or concerns. 

We have more than adequate supplies of masks for anyone who needs to replenish or replace masks. Independent living Residents and Staff can inquire about a new mask at the Front Desk. 

Additionally, we had a successful Second Booster Clinic on May 17 when 164 Residents and Staff received the booster. We offered the second booster as an optional service, which has not been mandated at this point. 

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Potential Future Action Steps 

Even though—for now—masks are optional and recommended, we will continue to closely monitor and evaluate the dynamic situation and reserve the decision to implement a future series of additional steps—if we experience further increases in positive cases. These potential steps could include: 

• Masks mandatory for all Outside Visitors; Guests; and Vendors 

• Masks mandatory for all Employees 

• Masks mandatory for all Residents 

• Monitoring and limiting of Group Gatherings 

JUST TO BE CLEAR: We are not acting on these steps at this time. We are simply sharing the possibility of future action steps. 

All that we are doing now, and considering in the future, is tempered by our concern and sustained sensitivity to lingering Behavioral and Mental Health issues resulting from continued coping with COVID and its resurgences, as well as recognizing the uncertain but adverse impact — on our Residents, Staff, and CV Family & Friends — that reverting back to mask-wearing and social limitations could bring. 

As we persevere, I am grateful for your understanding, patience, kindness, and grace towards one another, and to all in our Village, as we navigate this particular leg of the ongoing journey before us! 

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Covenant Village is strong and resilient, because you are strong and resilient. Even now, in these instances, we see how and why 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 (https://www.covenantvillagenc.com); on our Facebook page; and our Resident Portal—Wellzesta.