Update from Charmaine Preiss, Executive Director: 12/28/21Brandermill Woods independent living angle

Update from Charmaine Preiss, Executive Director: 12/28/21

Tuesday, December 28, 2021

To all Independent Living Community residents:

As of today, the COVID-19 positivity rate has increased to 16.09% in Chesterfield County. With the increase in cases in our community, we decided to close down the dining rooms and offer to-go meals from the Bistro only until January 10, 2022. Oscars will not be offering any to-go meals at this time. We are also requiring everyone to upgrade from a cloth mask to a surgical mask for better protection.  

Currently, we have seven (7) employees who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are quarantined at home. Five (5) of our Independent Living residents have tested positive for COVID-19. The residents are quarantined at home for 10 days from the date of the positive test result. We have completed all of the contact tracings of residents and employees who were potentially exposed and have been notified. 

Thank you for your patience and support. Please continue to follow the social distancing of six (6) feet and wash hands. Please wear your masks at all times when not in your own home. Anyone who has not had the booster is still required to wear a KN95 mask or higher. The best way to protect yourself during these busy holiday weeks as you spend time with friends and family is to follow the core principles of COVID-19 Infection Prevention.

  • Be vaccinated for COVID-19 and get a booster shot when you are eligible. 
  • CMS recommends that everyone wear a mask in public, indoor settings.
  • Avoid crowded spaces or spaces with poor ventilation or wear a mask in these spaces.
  • Wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer.
  • Maintain social distancing of at least six feet.
  • Follow CDC travel guidance.
  • Follow quarantine guidance after exposure to someone with COVID-19.

The Centers for Disease Control refer to vaccinations, boosters, masks and, testing kits as tools, I like to refer to them as weapons. So far we are experiencing very minor symptoms, for which we are thankful. We are seeing symptoms of sore throat, severe lingering headache, sinus/head pressure, head congestion, runny nose, nausea, cough, and fatigue. If you experience any of these symptoms, please contact your doctor and then the Wellness Nurses.  

Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year!