COVID-19 UPDATE 7.29.2020

At Fleet Landing, we take the safety of our Residents and staff very seriously. Each time every team member reports to work, they are screened for illness, including mandatory temperature testing. In April, we developed and implemented a testing program for our most critical healthcare workers in the highest level of living, the Derfer HealthCare Pavilion. We conducted baseline testing of practically all staff in May. Now, in partnership with the state of Florida, all of our staff in every healthcare environment is tested every 14 days, and in some cases every 7 days, in an attempt to identify asymptomatic carriers of the virus.

Since our last update, we have had 7 Residents test positive for the coronavirus in Derfer Pavilion, 2 late last week and 5 this week.  Four Residents have been relocated within the Derfer Pavilion to a designated COVID isolation unit.  The unit offers a dedicated team of nurses, CNAs, therapists, and housekeepers who will work strictly within that area.  Operational procedures have been put in place for this unit per CDC guidelines regarding personal protective equipment, meal delivery, housekeeping, and physician services, to ensure the safety of Residents and team members.  We are fortunate to be able to provide care for them right here on our campus.  Two Residents were transferred to the hospital per physician recommendation.  Sadly, one Resident who was transferred to the hospital for further evaluation and treatment has passed away.  Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, and together, as a community, we grieve the loss of their loved one.

Through the bi-weekly State of Florida sponsored testing initiative, five team members have tested positive for the coronavirus.  Four of those team members work in the Derfer Pavilion, one works in Leeward Manor.  All have been asymptomatic and are currently isolating at home.  Contract tracing has been initiated for both Resident and team members who have tested positive.  In response to these new cases, Fleet Landing has increased the frequency of testing team members in Derfer Pavilion to every 7 days and testing of Residents every 3 days.  Testing for all Residents in Nancy House and Leeward Manor has also been initiated.  It is our goal to expand our COVID-19 testing program to also include staff members working in Independent Living departments. Starting this week, we will begin testing Independent Living housekeeping team members every two weeks.

Finally, with increased cases of COVID-19 in the Jacksonville community, it is more important now, than ever before, for us to remain vigilant. Please do not become complacent! Continue to use a face-covering when outside of your home, maintain six feet of physical separation between people, and thoroughly clean your hands on a regular-basis. The Fleet Landing family is determined to stay vigilant and compassionate for those around us. We will get through this, and we will be a stronger community because of this experience.