Recently, The Mayflower Community (Grinnell IA) announced that our Health Center and Beebe Assisted Living had completed “Phase I” of requirements for long-term care facilities set by the Iowa Department of Health (IDPH) and the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA). Shortly thereafter, an active case of COVID-19—the first ever at Mayflower—was diagnosed with an employee of our Health Center.
We performed contact tracing among employees and residents, seeking information about possible symptoms and providing personal choice to receive COVID-19 testing for those who are asymptomatic. As a result, 12 staff members were tested. In some cases, this was not their first test. On Monday, June 29th, we received all of the results. 100% of the tests came back negative for COVID-19.
Because of the initial single case, we put on hold transitioning to Phase II of reopening.
We continue to follow our enhanced COVID-19 protocols and to stay in touch with officials. All staff must wear face masks and face shields and, when required, gowns and gloves.
In order to move from one phase of reopening to the next, a long-term care facility must remain COVID-19-free for at least 14 days. During Phase I, visitation is limited. The State is in the process of fine-tuning those guidelines. We are still on track to move from Phase I to Phase II later in July.
Mayflower’s 210 independent living residents in campus apartments and surrounding patio homes are not subject to these strict requirements. However, we have asked that the basic COVID-19 precautions be followed—staying home as much as possible, face masks in public, social distancing, enhanced hygiene, no gatherings of more than 10, suspension of Mayflower community events and activities, and limitation on travels.
Mayflower independent living residents have been extraordinary in the practice of COVID-19 precautions. In no small part because of this, there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 among this group, even though there have been over 100 cases diagnosed in Poweshiek County.
Mayflower will begin soon to slowly expand the independent living offerings that have been curtailed. The first step will be the opening of an interim hair salon located in the lower level of our Buckley building. Within the month, a local podiatrist and an audiologist will also use this space on alternate assigned days.
We are planning to reopen slowly the independent living Buckley Dining Room with fewer people at tables, which will be widely spaced. Other amenities will eventually again be available.
— Bob Mann, Sales & Marketing Director
