Piper Shores’ first priority has always been the health and well-being of our residents and staff. Since the start of the global pandemic, we have worked tirelessly to keep our campus COVID-19 free, and for the first six months of the outbreak, we have done just that.
Unfortunately, last week we learned that a Holbrook Health Center employee had tested positive for COVID-19. Due to HIPAA regulations, we are prohibited from providing details on the identity or condition of this individual. The employee has been instructed to isolate at home pending further instruction from their primary care physician.
Upon learning of the positive test, Piper Shores immediately activated its emergency response protocol working with Piper Shores Medical Director Dr. Rachael Blake, a member of Maine Medical Partners, an affiliate of MaineHealth, and the Maine CDC. Our health care staff began implementing a wide range of campus containment measures, including testing of all Health Center employees, staff who may have come into contact with the employee and all Health Center residents. In two days, we conducted 160 tests. Of the 30 residents and 130 staff tested, we are pleased to share that all tests returned a negative result.
On Wednesday, September 16, a second round of Health Center resident and staff testing will be conducted, which is required by the Maine CDC and the Maine Division of Licensing. We will share the results of those tests.
Please note Holbrook family visits are currently cancelled. All independent living protocols continue, but no additional restrictions have been put in place. We are making every effort to keep the lines of communication open, and we will continue to remain in close communication with the CDC, our Medical Director, our staff and residents, as well as our extended family.
We are fortunate that this is the only confirmed case of COVID-19 on the Piper Shores campus since the COVID-19 outbreak began in March 2020. We will continue to rely on our vigilance and adherence to strict safety protocols.
We would like to extend a special commendation to our clinical staff for the successful implementation of our testing plan. This was a stressful time for all, and they conducted the testing with professionalism and grace for all the residents and staff. Thank you.