Three years ago, the world was in crisis. COVID-19 had just been discovered and there were many unknowns causing warranted fear and panic. At our campuses, as with all long term care facilities, we were mandated to close our doors and isolate from the world. In many ways, the world has come a long way since then. We have a better understanding of the virus. We have access to vaccines. Our doors have reopened, allowing families and friends to visit.
While we are far from the crisis and panic that were so prevalent at that time, COVID-19 has not gone away. Since the vaccine became available, we continue to experience sporadic outbreaks at our locations. Including now, at our Eventide on Eighth care center in Moorhead, which is experiencing a significant outbreak at this time. Because of the vaccine, most residents and employees experience mild symptoms, but unfortunately that is not always the case.
As we continue to navigate COVID-19 in our daily operations, we follow the guidance of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Employees are required to have the primary series of the COVID-19 vaccine and are screened each time they report to work. Masks continue to be required for all staff in our care centers and Minnesota apartment buildings. Staff are not required to wear masks in North Dakota senior living apartment communities unless there is an outbreak. We perform COVID-19 testing according to CDC guidance. If a resident tests positive, we follow CDC direction for isolation and treatment options with the guidance of the resident’s primary care provider. If an employee tests positive, we will perform contact tracing and testing. Positive employees are unable to work for a minimum of seven days.
Visitors to our communities are strongly encouraged to use hand sanitizer, which is available throughout our communities. Visitors to our Moorhead locations and North Dakota care centers must wear masks. Anyone that is not feeling well, even with minor symptoms such as a runny nose or new cough, are strongly encouraged to delay their visit until symptoms have subsided.
With the end of the federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) coming in May, we will continue to follow the CDC’s guidance and we will continue to wear masks as outlined by CDC and CMS. Testing will continue for exposures and symptomatic residents and staff.
If you have questions, please feel free to contact us.
Eventide on Eighth/ The Linden in Moorhead: (218) 233-7508
Eventide Fargo: (701) 478-1800
Eventide Sheyenne Crossings in West Fargo: (701) 478-6000
Eventide Jamestown: (701) 252-5881
Eventide Devils Lake/Eventide Heartland: (701) 662-4905
Or email info@eventide.org.
