We had 4 new COVID positive cases on January 9. We did some additional resident testing as a result and to ensure we are picking up any cases as early as we can.

Our COVID update since March 2020: Villa St. Joseph has 22 Active Staff and Resident Cases. We have a total of 156 resident and staff cases. Memory Care Assisted Living at Villa St Joseph has 5 active Resident or Staff cases and a cumulative total of 13 cases. Marymount Place has 4 Active Resident or Staff cases — and a cumulative total of 30 resident/staff cases.

Last week The New York Times reported that infectious disease models indicate the Omicron variant will peak by January 21. The variant likely will produce more new infections in January than in any month of the pandemic so far.

As we have seen, COVID affects different people in different ways. Infected people have had a wide range of symptoms reported – from mild symptoms to severe illness. Nationwide, U.S. daily infections almost doubled over the last week, with hospitalizations rising rapidly and fatalities trending upward.

If you are caring for someone at home who has COVID, then here are a few helpful tips. Always practice the Three W’s: wear a mask – N95 if you have access to one is preferred. Wash your hands and watch your distance when in the presence of others.

If you are handling clothes soiled by the sick person, wear disposable gloves and keep the items away from your body. Wash your hands after removing the gloves. Clean and disinfect clothes hampers and wash your hands again.

Be careful with dishes. Wear gloves when handling dishes, cups or utensils used by the sick person. Wash items with soap and hot water or in the dishwasher. Wash hands after taking off the gloves or handling used items.

Trust we’re doing all we can to curb the Omicron spread and keep your loved one safe and healthy. Thank you!