We had an additional Marymount Place resident test positive for COVID on May 23 during resident testing. The good news is this resident is vaccinated and boostered and is asymptomatic. The resident is isolating in place and is being monitored round the clock by staff. We continue to monitor all residents and staff for signs and symptoms of COVID and will be testing again next week.

Our COVID updatesince March 2020: Villa St. Joseph has 1 Active staff and or Resident Cases. We had a total of 187resident or staff cases. Memory Care Assisted Living at Villa St Joseph has 0 active Resident or Staff cases and a cumulative total of 14 cases. MarymountPlace has 3 Active Resident or Staff cases — and a cumulative total of 33resident/staff cases.

As if COVID isn’t enough to contend with these days … now it looks like we might soon contend with monkeypox. Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by a virus. It’s characterized by a fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a widespread rash. The rash causes lesions on the face and extremities. Most cases of monkeypox occur in central and western Africa.

Several news agencies reported today that the U.S. is responding to a request for the release of monkeypox vaccine from the nation’s Strategic National Stockpile. A global outbreak of monkeypox cases is under investigation.

There is one confirmed case of monkeypox and four suspected cases in the U.S., according to the CDC.

Whether we’re experiencing COVID, the flu, or a potential monkeypox outbreak, my suggestion remains the same with each of these calls. Follow the 3 Ws – wash your hands, watch your distance, and wear a mask. These steps will help protect you from viral exposures and go along way to keeping you safe.

Thank you and stay safe everyone!