Dear Residents and Families of Birch Bay Retirement Village,

Today we were notified that one of our per-diem health services staff members has tested positive for COVID-19. Even after testing positive, the staff member remains asymptomatic. As this staff member had provided care to our residents in the Safe Harbor neighborhood last week, the neighborhood is now closed to visitation until further notice. No other neighborhoods (Pleasant Cove or the Apartments) will be closed to visitation at this time. Any guidance in this notice is subject to change.

In abundance of caution, we completed a round of testing today for staff and residents who may have had contact with the per diem staff member, with no positive results. We are awaiting further guidance from the Maine CDC to determine if further testing and continued closure of the Safe Harbor neighborhood is required.

I know the closure of visitation on Safe Harbor is disappointing news for our residents and their families but in an effort to protect the health of our residents, staff and families we need to remain vigilant during this challenging time.

Throughout the pandemic, Birch Bay has strived for transparency in everything we do. However, please know that we are bound by federal guidelines under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which protect the privacy of our residents and staff. However, we will notify you in the event that we have any concerns about your loved one having suspected or confirmed COVID-19.

It is more important now than ever before that our entire community continue to follow the guidance of the CDC. If you and your families are eligible for vaccination or a vaccine booster, we encourage you to get vaccinated. Please remember that even after you do get vaccinated, we all need to continue to protect ourselves and others by wearing a mask, social distancing and practicing good hand hygiene. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Peter Sullivan, MBA, RN-BC, CDP, LRCA

Executive Director, Birch Bay Retirement Village