Blog Post

COVID-19 Testing Program Update: April 30, 2020

As of today, all residents and staff at The Cove and The Willows have been swabbed and screened for COVID-19.  Results of this onsite testing mandate, per the Rhode Island Department of Heath (DOH), are expected to be returned to us on or before May 1, 2020.

No one in either building is exhibiting symptoms of the coronavirus. Residents are not experiencing any coughing or breathing issues, and show no other signs of the virus that warrants any concern.

We opted not to take advantage of the National Guard’s offer of assistance in performing the testing, since our residents would be more at ease with familiar staff they are used to seeing on a daily basis.

Should any resident test positive, we will inform their family member first via phone and follow the Centers for Disease Control and DOH protocols for providing specialized care via designated staff wearing high-grade personal protective equipment (PPE).  We have an ample supply of PPE – not to worry!

Infection control continues to be a high priority. The staff screening process in place at entrances to The Cove and The Willows enables us to take their temperatures, ask in-depth questions as to their health status, and provide a fresh facemask and supplies to begin their shifts. We monitor their health at regular intervals throughout each shift, as well.

Please note that, should a resident test positive, we will put our Skype, FaceTime and Zoom communications program on hold temporarily to avoid movement of residents within the building. This is a necessary social distancing and additional protective procedure for infection control purposes.

Thank you for your continued understanding and compliance with our ‘no visitor’ restriction that remains in effect. We recognize it’s difficult not to see your loved ones in person, and vice versa. Right now, we are their defacto family and are caring for them as though they are one of our own.

We will continue to keep you apprised of the testing results.

Sincerely,

Mark Lescault, Administrator
Mary Beth Lescault, Director of Nursing
Benjamin Lescault, Assistant Administrator