Update for Friday, November 27, 2020

Dear Residents, Resident Representatives, Concerned Families, and Employees,

Since the beginning of this pandemic, Stonehill has worked diligently to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. However, with a 26.8% positivity rate in the Dubuque Community this has become challenging for all, especially healthcare providers.

I wanted to provide an update as we have reached the definition of an outbreak status as defined by the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH). IDPH defines “outbreak” as three (3) resident cases within the same fourteen (14) day period. As of today, we have 4 residents who are COVID-19 positive within that fourteen (14) day period. Stonehill is working closely with local and state health providers.

Stonehill Communities has initiated some additional measures in order to localize the outbreak. At this point, we will continue with no visitors at the Stonehill Communities Health center, except in end of life circumstances. Residents and their families are encouraged to utilize the virtual visit options and information can be found at https://www.stonehilldbq.com/visitor-information/.

We are encouraging residents to remain in their respective units and for those living in the area where residents have tested positive, we are requiring those residents to remain in their rooms and will continue to test residents according to CMS guidance. All beauty shop appointments will be postponed until further notice.

Stonehill continues to require all employees to screen for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 at the beginning of each shift and throughout their shift and are tested twice weekly for COVID-19. Stonehill Communities continues the appropriate use of PPE, handwashing, and increased environmental cleaning and disinfecting.

For full COVID-19 testing results please see below.

COVID-19 Testing Results for Stonehill Communities Health Center as of 11/27/20

Number of Positive Resident Cases at Stonehill Communities Health Center: 4 Positive; 6 Recovered

Number of Positive Employee Cases: 7 Positive; 53 Recovered

Number of Residents at the Stonehill Communities Health Center Tested w/ COVID-19 Symptoms (including pending): 67 (0 Pending)

Number of Employees Tested for COVID-19 for Symptoms or Exposure (Including Pending): 242 (3 Pending)

All previous COVID-19 updates can be found on our website at: www.stonehilldbq.com/coronavirus.

If you have questions please contact Peggy Stockel, V.P. of Operations/Administrator or Matt Jahn, Director of Health Services at 563-557-7180.