We want to provide an update on an exposure to COVID-19 within our Friendship Village of South Hills community. We learned today Friday, November 27th, that one of our team members tested positive for the virus. By way of recap, we have three total team member active cases of the virus; all are self-isolating at home with the support of our Human Resources team.
As previously communicated, we have one independent living resident active case of the virus and they are self-isolating in their apartment.
We know how important our dining and lifestyle activities are to our residents. However, due to rising number of cases at our community and the surging of cases in the county, we feel it is in the best interest for the health and safety of our residents to temporarily close all dining venues and suspend all lifestyle programs, activities and events. This includes the closure of our Beauty Salons, Fitness Centers, Art Studio and Wood Shop. Our Library will remain open at this time. Meals will continue to be available on a take-out or delivery basis.
As a reminder, the most important thing to ensure your safety is to wear a mask, including any time a team member enters your home to provide a service. Washing your hands frequently and practicing social distancing are also vital to prevent the spread of the virus.
If you are identified as having had prolonged contact with any individuals who test positive for COVID-19, you have already been contacted by our management team and instructed to self-quarantine for 14 days, per the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Allegheny County Health Department, and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Pittsburgh Field Office.
We understand that you have concerns about COVID-19 and the current situation in our community, and many of you have questions. Please know we continue in our commitment to protect the health and safety of our residents and team members. Our team continues to be proactive in mitigating the risk of further exposure to the virus within our community.
As a reminder, Lifespace and Friendship Village of South Hills are continuing to follow heightened infection control guidelines and we highly encourage residents to only leave the community for essential needs like groceries or critical medical appointments. As you have heard on the local and national news, our state and federal agencies continue to strongly discourage residents from joining their family members and friends for off-site holiday gatherings that could have the potential to spread COVID-19. Many individuals who have COVID-19 may be asymptomatic or have very mild symptoms, yet they continue to spread the virus to those they come in contact with.
Residents and team members are encouraged to practice social distancing and wear a mask or face covering when you interact with others in public settings. Proper hand hygiene including handwashing and the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer are essential to preventing the spread of the virus. As we have done throughout the last several weeks, we will provide regular updates about our efforts to maintain a safe and healthy community.
We appreciate your support and continued adherence to the protocols we have implemented to protect our residents and team members. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Friendship Village of South Hills management team.
Thank you