Share Facts, Not Fear

John Knox Village remains in close contact with the Jackson County Health Department, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and other local and regional authorities. Staff also monitors the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC).

Stay informed by using reliable information sources, including:

• John Knox Village: JKV.org and www.JKVLife.org. Both sites are updated regularly.
• Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Health.MO.gov
  HOTLINE Available for Reporting, Questions & Concerns: 1-877-435-8411
• Kansas Department of Health and Environment: kdheks.gov
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: cdc.gov
• The Village also has a daily email newsletter called the Daily E-Blast. To subscribe, please send your request to [email protected].

COVID-19 Villagewide Updates

Friday, April 29, 2022

Things have been relatively quiet at the Village, in terms of COVID-19, for several weeks now. I know we have all enjoyed having time to take a deep breath and return to some form of daily life.

I am writing now both because there is some new activity in the Village Care Center’s Long Term Care neighborhood, and because we are gearing up for our on-campus COVID-19 booster shot clinics.

New COVID-19 Positive Test Results in Long Term Care

Because this is affecting a somewhat larger group of people than usual, I wanted to keep you informed. On Monday morning a resident in Long Term Care received a positive test result. This spurred additional testing of all residents and associates in that care neighborhood. I’m happy to say that all associates’ results came back negative. We did end up with a total of 10 residents testing positive, but I want to assure you that, as of now, all residents have either mild or no symptoms and are resting comfortably in our isolation unit until our medical director, releases them to return to their rooms.

Additionally, on April 18, nearly all eligible VCC residents took advantage of the opportunity to have their second COVID-19 booster shot and the added protection that comes with it.

• Additional infection control precautions being used during this time include limits on the number of people in the salons, the Main Dining Room and participating in activities, to ensure adequate social distancing.
• LTC residents will be re-tested on two Mondays, May 2 and 9.

RESIDENT BOOSTER SHOT CLINICS: MARK YOUR CALENDARS

A separate Daily E-Blast was sent out today at 11:45 a.m. with further details. Here are a few quick take-aways you should be aware of:

• John Knox Village will hold COVID-19 booster shot clinics for independent living residents on May 23, 25 and 26. [VCC & VAL residents have already received theirs.] Our pharmacy partner, Symbria, will be on hand again, and will use only the Moderna mRNA vaccine.
• LET US KNOW BY MAY 6 if you DO NOT want to participate. Contact Ginger Warner by 4:30 p.m. Friday, May 6, at 816-347-2031 or [email protected]if you wish to be excluded because you already got your second booster (the second shot AFTER your primary series), or because you will be unavailable on those dates. Voicemails and E-mails are welcome: Please include the name, address and phone number of the resident(s) who do not wish to get the booster, as well as your name and phone if you are calling on their behalf.
• Dates, times and locations have not yet been assigned to households. Once we know how many residents will be participating, we will begin scheduling appointments and transportation. Stay tuned.

On a happier note, this seems like a good time to remind everyone that outdoor visits are still a fantastic option, when possible. A little sunshine and a lot of fresh air make for an even safer way to visit without inadvertently infecting someone with the coronavirus.

Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2022

FDA Grants Full Approval for Moderna’s COVID-19 Vaccine

U.S. Food & Drug Administration last week granted full approval to Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine for those age 18 and over, saying that they have now completed the same standard process for reviewing the quality, safety and effectiveness of medical products as it has for dozens of other long-established vaccines. The process built on the extensive data and information previously submitted for the Emergency Use Authorization and was bolstered by real-world evidence from the more than 200 million doses administered in the U.S. since the FDA granted Emergency Use Authorization in December 2020.

The Moderna vaccine’s brand name will be Spikevax, and the Pfizer vaccine (which received full FDA approval for those age 16 and over last August) will be marketed as Comirnaty. When you see these names in the news or in advertising, please be aware that these are not additional products. They simply have been assigned brand names now that they are fully authorized – just like Tylenol is a brand name for the pain reliever acetaminophen.

Wearing a Well-Fitting Mask

The Village Care Center and Village Assisted Living have both updated their visitation policies due to new guidance issued by the CDC and CMS about infection control procedures for long term care facilities. If you are planning to visit someone in either of our care communities, please review their new guidelines [VCC Guidelines | VAL Guidelines] before you go, so that you know the expectations.

One term the CDC is placing greater emphasis on in this guidance is “well-fitting mask.” To effectively filter air, masks and fabric face coverings have to fit closely to your face, with a minimum of air gaps around the edges. Wearing a mask loosely lowers its ability to protect others from any germs you may exhale and it also allows it to slip down under your nose as you talk, which offers even less protection. An easy way to fix this if you’re using a paper mask is known in the medical community as “knot and tuck.”

When you knot the ear loops, you need to push the knot as closely as possible to the place where the material meets.

Then use your finger to tuck in the extra material by the knots. When you are finished, it should look like the photo below.

COVID-19 at John Knox Village

• The Village Care Center had only 1 resident and 3 associates test positive for COVID-19 last week, and nothing new so far this week. Residents in Long Term Care and the Village Rehabilitation Unit had a scheduled testing on Monday and all residents tested negative.
• Village Assisted Living. There are no positive cases reported in the building so far this week, and they currently have no resident testing scheduled for this week.
• Independent Living Residents. As of Monday, zero independent living residents had active cases of COVID-19.
• Associates Outside of VCC and VAL. As of Tuesday afternoon, there were 3 active cases in various parts of the Village.

Visits. Both the VCC and VAL are able to continue with visitors. All visitors must wear masks while in the building.

They ask that you use extreme caution and NOT visit if you have any symptoms – even if it just seems like a cold or the flu.

Friday, Jan. 21, 2022

Masking 101

Because Omicron is so much more infectious than previous variants of COVID-19, this is a good time to provide a refresher for those who aren’t direct patient-care providers and aren’t “living” infection control day-in and day-out. If we each do our part to get mask-wearing right, we can help slow the spread.
Masks ranked in effectiveness in reducing COVID-19 transmission

Key Facts to Remember:

• A mask is always better than no mask when around others.
• Two people wearing masks is more effective than just one.
• Multi-layer cloth masks can be quite effective if worn properly.
• Surgical masks can be less effective than cloth if worn improperly.
• Double-masking can provide additional protection – if needed. You can combine:

• • two cloth masks.
  • a surgical and a cloth mask (cloth mask on the outside).

• N95 masks are likely not necessary for day to day use outside of working in healthcare.

Best Strategies:

• Avoid large groups and keep six feet apart from those who are not part of your household.
• Make sure your mask stays in place while talking. If it keeps slipping down and you’re always touching it, it’s only half working.
• Sanitize your hands after touching your mask. Or touching your face, etc.
• Eliminate air gaps at the top, bottom and sides of your mask. Your mask should be
  tight against your face and cover your mouth and nose completely.

• • Adjust the nose wire at the top, if you have one.
  • Try tying knots at the end of your ear loops to shorten them.
  • Try twisting your ear loops before putting them around your ears.
  • Use the “knot and tuck” method used by many healthcare professionals.
    Watch this very quick video.

COVID-19 at John Knox Village.

• The Village Care Center has had zero VCC residents and a number of associates who work in a variety of roles test positive for COVID-19 in the past week. We are not finding any common trend regarding where the associates work, or their roles. The next round of testing will take place on Monday.

• Village Assisted Living. Three residents and three associates currently have active cases of COVID-19. The next round of testing will take place Monday.
• Independent Living Residents have reported only a small number of new cases since last week.
• Associates Outside of VCC and VAL. There are four active cases in various parts of the Village.

Visits. Both the VCC and VAL are able to continue with visitors.  All visitors must wear masks while in the building. They ask that you use extreme caution and NOT visit if you have any symptoms – even if it just seems like a cold or the flu.

Friday, Jan. 14, 2022

I’d like to take time today to address a few questions that I hear a lot these days:

What does the new US Supreme Court Ruling mean?
The ruling regarding vaccination of health care workers will affect John Knox Village. Watch for more information on this next week.

Why should I worry? Omicron’s not as severe, right?
Perhaps. But it is significantly more contagious, so a lot more people are testing positive. While a smaller percentage end up hospitalized, that still means a LOT of patients in the Intensive Care Units, Emergency Departments and inpatient hospitals stays. So once again, our area hospitals are running out of room and having to cancel surgeries in order to deal with the high volume of COVID-19 patients. Hospitals have been reporting that roughly 90% of those COVID-19 patients who are hospitalized or in ICU beds are unvaccinated.

The chart below from the Mid-American Regional Council shows the rapid – and continuing – rise in daily new positive COVID-19 cases in the 9-county region that includes Kansas City.

So if I’m vaccinated, am I OK? Right now, those who are fully vaccinated are having breakthrough infections, though most appear to have few, or relatively mild symptoms, unless they have underlying health conditions. However, you still need to be careful, because vaccinated people can pass the virus along to others.

But I feel healthy…
Remember, age itself is still a significant risk factor. Therefore we each must be careful, and we must remain vigilant.

Please monitor yourself for symptoms carefully each day. Don’t self-diagnose. Be diligent in using infection control protocols.

1. 1. Wash or sanitize your hands frequently.
2. 2. Physically distance by 6 feet.
3. 3. Wear a mask.
4. 4. Medically grade masks are more readily available now and are considered more effective against the new variant.
5. 5. Cough or sneeze into your elbow.
6. 6. Don’t touch your eyes or face.
7. 7. Stay home if you are sick.
8. • Village Assisted Living. At Village Assisted Living, they have had several Memory Care 3 residents who have tested positive recently. Unfortunately, one more tested positive yesterday and will need to be in isolation for a period of time. But they also had one resident return after isolation Thursday, and two more today. They will be doing more testing, on Jan. 19. Visitors are allowed, but, like us, they are asking for extreme caution and for people to NOT visit if they have any symptoms – even if it just seems like a cold or the flu. They are still accepting visitors.
   • Village Care Center. At the Village Care Center, zero residents have tested positive to date this week, but some associates have tested Since these associates are in a variety of roles and locations, there will be additional rounds of testing for all residents in the VCC. COVID+ associates have had no, or mild, symptoms. They are still accepting visitors,
   • Independent Living. There currently are two independent living residents who have active cases of COVID-19. Contact tracing has taken place, and the appropriate parties have been notified.COVID-19 at John Knox Village
   • All Areas Outside of the VCC & VAL. The chart reflects the number of associates who work outside of the Village Care Center and Village Assisted Living who have tested positive for COVID-19. Contact tracing has taken place, as necessary, and these associates are now isolating at home.

Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022

I cannot over-emphasize the need for caution right now.

We’ve had dozens of calls a day coming in to human resources and public safety for several days. From all corners of the Village. Front-line associates. Management. Residents. Family members. We are still trying to quantify the number of exposures, possible exposures, positive test results, plus those who need to be tested, those who need to isolate….

As you can see in the numbers below, there has been a SIGNIFICANT increase in the number of cases on campus – especially on the associate side of the chart. This reflects the same trends happening across the metro area. And the numbers are continuing to grow. Because of this, it’s time to talk about using masks again:

• Residents & Guests:I strongly recommend that everyone – regardless of vaccination status – wear masks when you gather with others from outside your household, or in situations where you cannot keep six feet apart from others.
• If you need a mask, you can request one at the Concierge desk. They have a limited supply of multi-layer fabric masks that were made by volunteers. (One per person, please.)
• Associates: Effective Thursday, Jan. 6, the Village is re-instating the requirement for all associates to wear masks while at John Knox Village, when they are in public areas of buildings or in a situation where they are likely to come within 6 feet of another person.
• Volunteers: While in your volunteer role – even if you are a Village resident – you are considered to be an “agent or representative” of the Village. So, like associates, you must wear a mask consistently and appropriately any time that you are serving in a volunteer capacity, regardless of your vaccination status. If you have any questions, please contact Director of Life Enrichment Kelli Snell at 816-347-2883.
• Examples: In a committee meeting, at the Hobby Hut, in an office setting, speaking on behalf of the Lifestyles department at an activity, or performing any other volunteer activity.

Be diligent in using infection control protocols.

The Six Pillars of Infection Prevention and Control

1. Wash/sanitize your hands
2. Physically distance by 6 feet
3. Wear a mask. Medical grade masks are more readily available now and are considered more effective against the new variant. That said, a two-layer cloth mask still adds more protection.
4. Cough or sneeze into your elbow
5. Don’t touch your eyes or face
6. Stay home if you’re sick

COVID-19 at John Knox Village

• Village Assisted Living. On Monday, Village Assisted Living announced that they had three residents who tested positive. They will test all residents and associates tomorrow (Wednesday). Visitation is still available.
• Village Care Center. They reported yesterday that three associates had tested positive. All residents and associates were tested and all remaining results were negative. Additional testing will take place next week. Today the isolation unit will re-open, and there will be two Village residents staying there by the end of the day. Visitation is still available.
• Independent Living. There currently are five independent living residents who have active cases of COVID-19. Contact tracing has taken place, and the appropriate parties have been notified.
• All Areas Outside of the VCC & VAL. There are currently 20 associates who work outside of the Village Care Center and Village Assisted Living who have tested positive for COVID-19. Contact tracing has taken place, as necessary, and these associates are now isolating at home.

Other Masking Requirements on Campus

• Village Care Center and Village Assisted Living visitors are required to wear a mask while in public areas in the building. Masks may be removed once in the resident’s room/apartment, with that resident’s permission.

Friday, Dec. 31, 2021

Consider your choices carefully for New Year’s Eve

Leaders and public health experts across the country are urging Americans to cancel their New Year’s Eve plans and stay home as the nation’s seven-day average of new COVID-19 infections hit an all-time high on Tuesday, topping 266,000.

Because the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that people, especially those who are older, unvaccinated, and/or have underlying health conditions, avoid large indoor gatherings with people from multiple households, John Knox Village has decided to cancel this year’s New Year’s Eve party at The Pavilion. At last count, we had 180 people registered for this event.

While even small gatherings are not risk-free, we believe holding a large-scale event just wasn’t prudent. We would rather cancel this celebration – in an abundance of caution – and re-schedule it at a later date when we can gather together more safely.

What’s happening here

I was on campus around Christmas, and I was so pleased to see how many families chose to meet with others outside – or with doors and windows open – thanks to the unseasonably warm weather! Unfortunately, this weekend’s temperatures are predicted to plummet to the teens, so that won’t be an option.

Metropolitan area data shows a rapid increase in the number of people testing positive again, and area hospitals are also showing a significant increase in COVID-19 patients in their Intensive Care Units. For example:

There is still so much that is unknown about the new omicron variant, and every decision we make affects countless others. But with vaccination, high-quality masks, the ability to social distance, use of excellent hand hygiene, and access to testing, we each are better equipped to manage risk.

Here’s what is happening around the Village related to COVID-19

• Village Care Center. Resident testing that was related to an exposure was completed and all residents tested negative for COVID-19. The three associates who previously tested positive have all recovered. On Dec. 31, the VCC received the results of one associate who did test positive. However, because this associate was exposed after the last shift, they worked at the VCC and has not been in contact with any residents since then, no further testing is needed within the VCC at this time. Finally, the VCC currently does not have any resident on isolation precautions related to COVID-19.
• Village Assisted Living. After three staff members tested positive, testing was conducted yesterday in Memory Care 2 and the main assisted living area. No residents tested positive; one associate has tested positive.

All Areas Outside of the VCC and VAL. Two residents have tested positive. In addition, eight associates have tested positive.

Stay safe.

Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021
It’s Christmas again.
I know that we all had hoped this would be behind us by Christmas 2021.
I know that you are tired of being cautious and taking precautions.
I know that you are tired of missing out, staying home, visiting virtually, and assessing the risk of each opportunity to gather with others.
And yet, here we are, with another holiday season and another COVID-19 variant that is so new the scientists are still assessing how it behaves.

USE SEVERAL LAYERS OF PROTECTION
So as we are making our final holiday plans, let’s all go back home to what we know about infection control. You are protecting OTHERS while you are also protecting yourself. No single intervention is perfect at preventing the spread of the coronavirus. Think of it as a stack of slices of Swill cheese. Each slice may have holes, but they don’t always line up with the slice below. Therefore, a pea dropped in a hole in the cheese may get through a couple of slices and then get stopped. Similarly, if we wear a mask, keep our distance, practice good hand hygiene, limit time in crowded spaces, test when we’ve been exposed or have symptoms, get vaccinated – every action acts as another layer of protection.

Be extra careful – OMICRON spreads FAST
In just two weeks, omicron has become the dominant variant in the United States. According to the CDC, in the week ending Dec. 4, omicron was an estimated less than 1% of positive cases. Omicron now makes up 73% of positive COVID-19 tests, compared to delta’s 27% of positive tests nationwide.

COVID-19 at the Village

• Village Care Center. After several weeks without new resident COVID-19 cases, on Dec. 17 they announced that a resident who lives in their secured memory care unit tested positive. Additional testing of residents in that part of the VCC took place, and there were no further resident positives. Ongoing testing of associates is continuing, per protocols. One associate has tested positive this month.
• Village Assisted Living has had no new positive cases for residents or associates this month.

All Village Areas Outside of the VCC and VAL. Two associates have tested positive this month. One has recovered.

Please make safe choices over the holidays
At the rate that Omicron is moving, it will again put tremendous stress on the metro area health care system if we don’t slow it down.

But we can slow down a disease’s transmission with proven infection control practices.
You can CHOOSE to wear a mask around others.
You can CHOOSE to sit several feet away from someone when you visit.
You can CHOOSE to cough into your elbow, avoid crowded spaces or large groups, get tested, get vaccinated, get boosted.
And sometimes, maybe you choose to stay at home.

Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021

In terms of safety, the ideal Thanksgiving this year probably looks like something in between these two pictures.

My wish is for you and your loved ones to be able to have a safe AND fun holiday season. The greatest gift you can give is to protect your loved ones. Please wear a mask if you will be attending a large group gathering, or if you will be around unvaccinated children or seniors who may still be vulnerable to infection, as well as others who may be medically compromised. When you can, keep six feet between you and the next person who’s not from your household. Wash/sanitize your hands, often. None of these actions hurt anyone; but they can help.

What’s News

I think everyone will be happy to know that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has significantly changed the guidelines for Nursing Home Visitation, and Assisted Living Visitation. These changes are bringing back a very real sense of “normalcy” to visiting with loved ones, by allowing for more – and more frequent – visits, more visitors, and no appointments necessary.

[PLEASE NOTE: Visitors are still currently required to wear masks in both the VCC and VAL.]

Village Care Center. In her Friday letter to families, Administrator Tami Hoversten shared this:

• We are now able to allow visitors at all times, with no limit to the number of visitors.
• We MUST continue to follow a set of Core Principles of Infection Control. These require visitors to the Village Care Center to be screened when they arrive, to be diligent in practicing hand hygiene and social distancing, and to wear masks.
• I have attached a new version of Visitation Guidelines specifically for the VCC that further explain this. Please take a moment to review these guidelines prior to your next visit.
• Visits still must be limited to the resident’s room or in a dedicated location. We will be allowing visits in the Main Dining Room when we are able to ensure that physical distancing is maintained.

Tami also said that they are scheduling a great number of activities for residents outside of their rooms, adding: “It is such a beautiful sight to walk around the building and see the residents attending activities and socializing with each other. I attended BINGO this week and we all had such a great time; everyone left a winner. There also was a wine and cheese event recently, and I can assure you this was very well attended.”

Village Assisted Living. In her letter on Friday, Administrator Marie Winter-Calvillo, said:

• We are now able to allow visitors without appointments, with no limit to the number of visitors.
• We MUST continue to follow a set of Core Principles of Infection Control. These require visitors to Village Assisted Living to be screened when they arrive, be diligent in practicing hand hygiene and social distancing, and wear masks.
• I have attached a new version of our Visitation Guidelines specifically for VAL that further explain these. Please take a moment to review these guidelines prior to your next visit.
• Visits still must be limited to the resident’s room or designated visitation area.
• Also, as the holidays are upon us, please let us know if you plan on taking your loved one out. This way, if needed, we can have medications ready for your outing.

COVID-19 at the Village

• Village Assisted Living completed their last round of outbreak testing last week, due to a positive associate identified the week before. All residents and associates in this round of testing had negative results.
• The Village Care Center has zero positive cases.
• Independent Living residents have zero positive cases.
• Three associates who work outside of the VCC & VAL are currently positive and away from work.

The majority of Village residents are fully vaccinated, and have received boosters.

I hope that everyone will follow the Visitation Guidelines carefully when going to the VCC & VAL, to keep our residents safe. Each of us cares about the safety of our residents – and we care about you. Please make safe choices through the holiday season – especially when it comes to attending large gatherings. The last thing any of us wants is to become infected with the COVID virus and bring it into the Village. And, please be sure to notify us if, after a visit, you learn that you had an exposure or have tested positive for COVID-19.

Monday, Nov. 15, 2021

JKV Associate Vaccinations

Because everyone is seeing an enormous number of news reports about the need for health care workers to become fully vaccinated against COVID-19, I would like to let you know about some recent developments, and how John Knox Village will address this situation.

On Nov. 4, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued new guidelines for organizations that are certified providers for Medicare and Medicaid. According to the CMS rule: all staff members must be vaccinated within 60 days of that mandate. John Knox Village falls under this rule.

Last Friday, Nov. 12, Laurie Johnson, vice president of human resources, sent out communication to our associates detailing the new developments involving a COVID-19 vaccination mandate at John Knox Village.

With the mandate from CMS, all John Knox Village associates, regardless of where they work or their job title, must receive a full primary course of a COVID-19 vaccine (Moderna, Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson) to be employed by John Knox Village. In addition, all John Knox Village volunteers, agency personnel and students also are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Vaccination boosters for individuals who are fully vaccinated are not being mandated at this time.

John Knox Village is required to follow the CMS policy and federal guidelines that have been handed down to all organizations like ours. To ensure the Village is in compliance with the mandate, CMS surveyors will be looking for and reviewing COVID-19 vaccination policies and monitoring associate vaccination rates as part of their survey process.

John Knox Village is a unique place to work, especially since every associate has an opportunity to interact with residents.

Village leaders are in the process of drafting an official policy. Here are important dates tied to the policy.

Vaccination Deadlines

• All associates must receive the first dose of a vaccine, whether it’s by Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson, by Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021.
• All associates must get the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine no later than Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022.
• Associates who are vaccinated, but who did not receive their shots at a John Knox Village-sponsored clinic must provide proof of vaccination to Human Resources no later than Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021.
• All future job offers will be contingent upon obtaining full vaccination or obtaining medical or religious exemption. Requirements must be met before starting employment.

Medical or Religious Exemptions

• Per CMS guidelines, associates can apply for either a medical exemption or a religious exemption no later than Wednesday, Dec. 1, for consideration.
• Associates who are approved for medical or religious exemption will be required to undergo weekly testing for COVID-19 for an undetermined amount of time.

On-campus Vaccination Clinics

To assist associates who are not yet vaccinated, our pharmacy partner, Symbria, will begin offering vaccination clinics more often. Symbria will offer the Moderna vaccination or the Johnson & Johnson vaccination.

Final thoughts

John Knox Village is not alone. Multiple health care organizations throughout the region, and the nation, already have implemented mandates. Locally, HCA Healthcare, Saint Luke’s Health System, University Health (formerly Truman Medical Center), University of Kansas Health System, Children’s Mercy and other organizations had previously decided to mandate the vaccine. Now, all Medicare and Medicaid health care entities are requiring employers to have their employees fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Because this has been a high-visibility issue, it is important to the Village that you hear the facts directly from us, so that you feel well-informed about what is happening right here where you live.

Friday, Nov. 12, 2021

There certainly is a lot going on in the news right now, concerning how communities, regulators, and our nation are making decisions about how to protect one another from COVID-19.

John Knox Village is affected by many of these, and we are doing our best to keep up with – and respond to – the rapidly changing landscape. I would like to make sure you are aware of some important changes that happened today.

Mask Mandates – UPDATED

• Jackson County, Mo. – Today, the Jackson County Legislature rescinded the mask mandate for Jackson County, effective immediately.
• John Knox Village – Also today, John Knox Village is dropping its mask mandate, consistent with the County’s action.

What does this mean for me?

• Fully vaccinated. Residents, associates and guests – outside of the Village Care Center and Village Assisted Living – will NOT be required to wear face masks if they are fully vaccinated.
• Not fully vaccinated. Residents, associates and guests who are not fully vaccinated ARE required to continue wearing face masks.
• What does “fully vaccinated” mean? You must have received the full dose of a COVID-19 vaccine (2 shots of Moderna or Pfizer, or 1 shot of Johnson & Johnson). Booster vaccinations are helpful, but not required.
• In addition, residents and associates who feel more comfortable continuing to wear masks should be supported in doing so.

What about the Village Care Center and Village Assisted Living?

• These licensed facilities are still required by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to enforce mask wearing for residents, staff and visitors.

Despite this change, we hope that residents, associates and guests make careful decisions, keeping in mind how their choices may affect others with whom they interact. This is especially important now that colder weather and upcoming holidays are bringing more people together indoors. Medical experts still recommend not gathering indoors with persons who are unvaccinated; if you do, please wear face coverings around those you know to be unvaccinated – to help keep both of you safer from infection.

Friday, Nov. 5, 2021

Resident Booster Shot Clinics Completed

Thank you to everyone who turned out and arrived at the right place at the right time for their COVID-19 booster, so we could keep operations running smoothly. Once again, the clinics were a great success. Next week it will be the associates’ turn! Associates wishing to get a booster dose will have opportunities on Monday and Thursday.

Jackson County mask mandate extended

Just in case you haven’t already heard, the Jackson County Legislature extended the mask mandate through Nov. 22. County Executive Frank White Jr., explained the decision, saying, “Over the past several weeks we have made significant progress in reducing the spread of coronavirus by wearing masks. However, we have not yet reached the CDC threshold that would no longer categorize our community as a high or substantial area of virus transmission. Thanks to the community’s continued sacrifice and resilience, we are very close to where we need to be.”   —Mask Mandate Renewed Until 11-22-21 (.pdf of Resolution)

Parts of Jackson County have their own masking rules. Kansas City, Mo. Recently changed their mandate, and Independence, Mo. has no mask mandate. They have their own health departments and can set health orders that are different than the rest of Jackson County. Please be aware of the regulations in the area you are going to be visiting. Of course, you are always free to mask up and social distance whenever you enter a business – or in any situation where you believe you would be safer with those added layer of protection. Infection control works!

What do the new federal guidelines mean to John Knox Village?

You may remember that back in August the federal government announced its intention to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for organizations that receive reimbursement for Medicare and Medicaid. We have received new information on this matter. Earlier this week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in conjunction with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provided an update. The CMS/OSHA announcement included guidelines and regulations that organizations like the Village will need to adopt, as well as a set date for compliance.
Currently, Village leaders are reviewing the newly released materials and will be making decisions about what the federal regulations mean for John Knox Village as a whole, as well as associates, residents, volunteers and students. Please keep your eyes open for additional communication. Pertinent details and information will be shared once we have a better sense of how this will affect our community.

COVID-19 Update at JKV

• Village Care Center: There is currently 1 positive associate, and ZERO active resident cases. Also the last resident in the isolation unit was moved out of isolation today!
• Village Assisted Living: One associate tested positive earlier this week. Resident testing was not necessary, as that person had no resident interactions. Those associates who had contact with that person were tested Wednesday, and again today. No new positive cases were detected.
• Areas outside of VCC and VAL: No new positive cases this week. There is 1 associate who is COVID+.

Friday, Oct. 29, 2021

It has been a while since I’ve sent a Facts Not Fear message, and I’m glad to say that today’s is filled with mostly good news.

Positive Cases

• Village Care Center. The Village Care Center has not had any new cases of COVID-19 among residents or associates in the past week.
• Village Assisted Living. Village Assisted Living has not had any new cases of COVID-19 among residents or associates in the past week.
• Village areas outside of the VCC and VAL. There is currently 1 independent living resident with an active case of COVID-19 and 2 others who tested positive and have recovered. There also are 2 associates who have tested positive this week.
• Masks RequiredWe are receiving more and more reports of residents not wearing their masks, or leaving them below their noses, when they are gathered with others in public spaces in our buildings. I need to remind you that Jackson County mask mandate is still in place. The county legislature is scheduled to meet next week to determine whether to continue it. At this time – as the signs say on all of our entrances – Face Masks are Required in All John Knox Village Buildings, unless actively eating or drinking, regardless of vaccination status.
  • “But I’m vaccinated, so I won’t get sick, right?” Not necessarily. Remember, the Delta variant is far more contagious than the original. Vaccinated people CAN become infected, CAN get sick (though much less likely to require hospitalization or die), and CAN pass it on to others, especially those who are more vulnerable.
  • “But on the news, they say vaccinated people will mostly just have a mild case….” Sometimes scientists use words differently than we do. When they say vaccinated people could have a mild “breakthrough infection,” to them “mild” means you probably won’t require hospitalization or die. So, your symptoms could be few (or none), but mild cases have laid up many healthy vaccinated adults in bed for up to two weeks.

BOOSTER SHOTS are coming! BOOSTER SHOTS are coming!

By now, all residents should have received a personalized flyer with information about the date, time and location for the COVID-19 booster shot clinic they should attend here at John Knox Village next week. We will hold clinics in several locations, so that people won’t have to travel as far as when we did the initial two rounds of inoculations. Please pay close attention to your flyer. It may not be the same as your neighbors.

It’s important to go at your time. That’s when your paperwork will be at the clinic. Be sure to bring:

• Your vaccination card. If you can’t find it, your nearby CVS store can provide a replacement card.
• Your Medicare card, health insurance card, and/or prescription insurance card.
• Make a copy of your Medicare, pharmacy, and medical cards on a full sheet of paper (8.5 x 11). These copies will be turned in to the pharmacy when you get your shot. Any office area in the Village should be able to assist you in making a copy if you don’t have a personal copier.

DO NOT ATTEND THE CLINIC if you have active COVID, are quarantining due to a COVID exposure, or are experiencing COVID symptoms on the day of the clinic. Please call Public Safety Dispatch at 816-347-2150.

No Grocery Bus on Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 2 and 3

The grocery bus will not be operating on Nov. 2 or Nov. 3 due to the booster shot clinics on those days. Please check the rest of the week’s transportation schedule for locations the grocery bus will be going.

Friday, Oct. 22, 2021

COVID-19 Booster Shots

In light of recent approvals by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding Moderna COVID-19 booster shots, John Knox Village will be moving forward with booster shot clinics for its residents and associates.

Booster shot clinics for independent living residents are being scheduled during the week of Nov. 1. The booster shots will only be the Moderna vaccine, and will be administered by the Village’s pharmacy partner, Symbria, in accordance with the current protocols from the FDA and CDC. These events will be for those who want to receive a COVID-19 booster shot, only.

Details are still being fine-tuned. Watch for an instructional presentation late on Tuesday afternoon on JKtV (Channel 2) as well as on the Village’s YouTube channel. A schedule of when this will be broadcast on JKtV, as well as a link to the video, will be shared in the Daily E-Blast, on JKtV and in the JKV Announcements section of www.JKVLife.org.

Individualized flyers with details about your specific date/time will be delivered to your home the end of next week—likely Thursday and Friday, Oct. 28 and 29. We realize this is short notice, but we also recognize that residents have been anxious to receive this added layer of immunity, especially as we are heading into the busy holiday season.

What’s next?

• Make a copy of your Medicare, pharmacy, and medical cards on a full sheet of paper (8.5 x 11). These copies will be turned in to the pharmacy when you get your shot. Any office area in the Village should be able to assist you in making a copy if you don’t have a personal copier.
• Find your COVID-19 vaccination card from earlier in the year. You will need to bring your vaccination card with you to be updated with the booster dose. If you misplaced your card, you may get a replacement card at a CVS pharmacy. There are two nearby CVS stores that are accessible using the JKV grocery bus: one is inside Target, and there is a store at 3^rdand 50 Hwy.
• If you got your initial vaccinations at the Village’s clinics earlier in the year, we are assuming you want a booster, and there is no need to contact us.
• If you got your initial vaccinations at the Village’s clinics earlier this year but DO NOT want a booster, please call or e-mail Ginger Warner at 816-347-2031 or [email protected] by Thursday, Oct. 28.
• If you got your initial vaccinations somewhere other than the Village, we are assuming you will do, or have done, the same for the booster.
• If you are new to the Village since our initial vaccination clinics, please call Ginger Warner at 816-347-2031 by Thursday, Oct. 28 so we can determine the best course of action for you.

Residents of the Village Care Center and Village Assisted Living will receive their booster shots in their buildings, on Thursday and Friday, Oct. 28 and 29.

Please share this information with residents who don’t get the Daily E-Blast. Look for more details next week.

And remember: You still need to wear your masks properly while in John Knox Village buildings.

Friday, Oct. 1, 2021

It has been a good week at John Knox Village. We have seen a steady decline in positive cases of COVID-19 all across the campus.

Take a look at the table below. What a great way to end the week!!

BIG NEWS This Week:

Elvis was in the building at the Village Care Center!

Updates 

• Village Care Center. The last resident COVID-19 positive case at the VCC was on Sept. 10. At this point, no further rounds of resident testing are scheduled unless a resident exhibits symptoms or has an exposure. Their last associate COVID+ was on Sept. 16. Vaccinated associates will now only need to be tested if the develop symptoms or have an exposure. The VCC will continue to test unvaccinated associates twice a week until Jackson County ceases to have a “red” positivity status. They are continuing to have indoor visits, and the Main Dining Room is now open for breakfast and lunch. Salons are open and residents are feeling good about their fresh cuts and “do’s.” And, most importantly, they are having fun!
• Village Assisted Living had no new positive cases for residents or associates this week. They are continuing to hold indoor visits, and their activities team is pulling out the stops with fall crafts and activities. (See photos below.)
• Village Areas Outside of the VCC and VAL. There are currently only 2 associates with active cases outside of the two licensed facilities, so that’s great progress too.

More news

• Flu shots: We have completed our annual flu shot campaign for 2021, with 764 residents and associates choosing to be immunized. That is an increase of 230 over last year!
• Jackson County Testing and Vaccination Clinics: If you have a family member who needs to be tested or immunized for COVID-19, the Jackson County Health Department regularly schedules clinics in the community. They now have compiled all of this on one calendar that you can find here. Clicking on the tabs located directly above the name of the month will show you all vaccine clinic dates or you can find drive through dates, no appointment needed dates, or choose the vaccine you want to get.

Sorry, No News at This Time

We have not received instructions from the national level regarding procedures for third COVID-19 vaccination shots or boosters for residents or for associates. We are continuing to monitor all local, county, state and federal agencies for guidance. We know that it takes time to put together a well-thought out and coordinated plan of action, so we are being patient. When we know more, we will let you know what it means for older adults, for our community, and for John Knox Village.

REMEMBER, it’s cold and allergy season, with flu waiting in the wings. UNFORTUNATELY, the symptoms for all of these are very similar. This chart from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment shows just how many symptoms are common to ALL of these.

Don’t wait to report symptoms that COULD be COVID-19. Better to be tested than to make others sick. With COVID-19, you are contagious several days BEFORE you even have symptoms. Leave the diagnosis to the experts.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?

COVID-19 vs. Cold vs. Flu vs. Allergies.  This chart from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment shows just how many symptoms are common to ALL of these: colds, flu, allergies and COVID-19. A remarkable number of people who test positive say, “Really? I thought it was just a cold!” (Or allergies.)

REMEMBER, if you have COVID, you are contagious BEFORE you even have symptoms. Leave the diagnosis to the experts and report ANY symptoms.

COVID-19 symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure and could include the following. If you are fully-vaccinated, your symptoms may be milder.

Fever of 99.9^oF or higher ~ Chills ~ Cough ~ Shortness of breath/Difficulty breathing ~ New loss of taste and/or smell ~ Fatigue ~ Muscle of body aches ~ Headache ~ Sore throat ~ Congestion or runny nose ~ Nausea or vomiting ~ Diarrhea

If you have any of the signs or symptoms, please don’t self-diagnose.

• If you feel something out of the ordinary, call your doctor.
• If that’s not possible, call the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services COVID-19 Hotline at 877-435-8411.

If you test positive for COVID-19 – Notify your physician, then call Public Safety so we can protect your neighbors.  And please—stay at home!

Since Jackson County is still considered a “red-level” county in terms of positive cases, we all need to remain diligent in infection control, both inside and outside of the Village.  Let’s keep each other safe.

Friday, Sept. 24, 2021

I’m pleased to say that things are looking up around the Village this week, so this week’s letter will be brief.

REMINDER: Proper Use of Face Masks in JKV Restaurants

There has been some confusion regarding the meaning of “Actively Eating or Drinking,” so we made some new restaurant signs to clarify the proper way to protect others who are dining, and those who are serving you. Please read this over, and please be sure to put your mask back on before you walk out of the restaurant!

Updates 

• Village Care Center. The VCC has seen a steady decline in the number of COVID cases in the building. Because of this, they have been able to resume indoor visits for all units. They also have resumed group activities, salon appointments and group dining in all units. If all remains the same, they will begin using the main dining room for socially-distanced breakfasts and lunches, with masks worn when not eating and drinking.
• Village Assisted Living completed their final round of testing due to prior positive associate COVID-19 test results. Everyone who was tested was negative!
• Village Areas Outside of the VCC and VAL. Three associates who work outside of the Village Care Center and Village Assisted Living have tested positive since my last letter, as has one independent living resident. Contact tracing has been completed.

More news you need to know

• Residents AND Associates can attend these additional flu shot clinics:
• Tuesday, Sept. 28: Places Manhattan Room, 7 to 10 a.m. AND 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Thursday, Sept. 30: Ambassador Room, 7 to 10 a.m.
• NOTE: Residents should not come to the VCC clinic – It is for VCC associates ONLY.
• CONSENT FORMS can be obtained in advance at the Concierge desks.
• Jackson County Testing and Vaccination Clinics: If you have a family member who needs to be tested or immunized for COVID-19, the Jackson County Health Department regularly schedules clinics in the community. They now have compiled all of this on one calendar that you can find here. Clicking on the tabs located directly above the name of the month will show you all vaccine clinic dates or you can find drive through dates, no appointment needed dates, or choose the vaccine you want to get.

Still no news

We are currently in a holding pattern, waiting for further information from the national level regarding new procedures for COVID-19 vaccination boosters and what they will mean for older adults, for our community, and for John Knox Village. In the meantime, we are continuing to follow the appropriate guidelines and protocols established for our community and are monitoring local, county, state and federal agencies for any new developments.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?

COVID-19 vs. Cold vs. Flu vs. Allergies.  This chart from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment shows just how many symptoms are common to ALL of these: colds, flu, allergies and COVID-19. A remarkable number of people who test positive say, “Really? I thought it was just a cold!” (Or allergies.)

REMEMBER, if you have COVID, you are contagious BEFORE you even have symptoms. Leave the diagnosis to the experts and report ANY symptoms.

COVID-19 symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure and could include the following. If you are fully-vaccinated, your symptoms may be milder.

Fever of 99.9^oF or higher ~ Chills ~ Cough ~ Shortness of breath/Difficulty breathing ~ New loss of taste and/or smell ~ Fatigue ~ Muscle of body aches ~ Headache ~ Sore throat ~ Congestion or runny nose ~ Nausea or vomiting ~ Diarrhea

If you have any of the signs or symptoms, please don’t self-diagnose.

• If you feel something out of the ordinary, call your doctor.
• If that’s not possible, call the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services COVID-19 Hotline at 877-435-8411.

If you test positive for COVID-19 – Notify your physician, then call Public Safety so we can protect your neighbors.  And please—stay at home!

Wearing masks can slow down transmission of the virus. We must layer our actions to protect one another. The more layers of protection we each use, the better we can stop ourselves from transmitting it to others.

Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions.

Friday, Sept. 17, 2021

How are we doing around here?

I’m sure you’re hearing on the news about other areas in the nation where hospitals are overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients. If you’re wondering how we’re doing around here, take a look at the chart above, from the Mid-America Regional Council’s website, marc2.org/covidhub.

• The MARC region includes Johnson, Wyandotte and Miami counties in Kansas; and Clay, Jackson and Ray counties in Missouri.
• The red graph shows the number of ICU beds being used in the region for patients with COVID-19.
• According to chart on the right, as of yesterday 88% of area ICU beds were full. Nearly 30% (147) of all area ICU beds are filled by COVID+ patients.

 No new news yet

We are currently in a holding pattern, waiting for further information from the national level regarding new procedures for COVID-19 vaccinations and what they will mean for older adults, for our community, and for John Knox Village.

Positive Cases

At John Knox Village, we found several new cases this week, which again has led to more testing and contact tracing by public safety.

Village Assisted Living had two more associates test positive, which has led to further rounds of testing this week and next week. Results for everyone who was tested yesterday were negative. At this point, VAL is still open for indoor and outdoor visits. As I mentioned last week, the VAL team has worked with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to develop a new set of rules for visitations that are now different than those that CMS requires nursing homes to follow, so you will continue to see some differences between the protocols used in our two licensed facilities. Each has been crafted with the health and safety of residents in that level of care as the highest priority.

The new Compassionate Care Visit program for VAL essentially states that if an associate (who has been masking and using PPE appropriately) tests positive, VAL will carry on with business as normal, while carrying on additional testing and monitoring for a period of time. If a resident tests positive, they will need to cease all indoor visits, activities, group dining, etc., until they are cleared through having the appropriate number of all-negative test results.

Village Care Center. On Tuesday, all residents in memory care and the Village Rehabilitation Unit were tested for COVID-19, and I am happy to say that all test results were negative. Also, the Village isolation unit has been seeing a steady decline, as people are discharged, and right now they have only 2 residents being isolated. Unfortunately, though, two direct-care associates tested positive this week. Due to the areas they each have worked in, all residents and associates are being tested. I also am very sad to report that they had one COVID-related resident death last week. At this point the VCC will remain closed for indoor visits while we wait for these results, but the weather is fantastic, so I encourage you to come for a visit outdoors.

Village Areas Outside of the VCC and VAL. One associate who works outside of the Village Care Center and Village Assisted Living has tested positive. Contact tracing by the public safety department has been completed.

More news you need to know

• JKV Gala. The John Knox Village Gala is still scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 18, at The Pavilion. COVID protocols are being put in place to ensure the safety and health of our guests.
• Resident Flu Shot Clinic Time and Location Changes.
• – Tuesday, Sept. 21: VCC Residents ONLY
• – Thursday, Sept. 23: Places Manhattan Room – 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• – Friday, Sept. 24: Ambassador Room – 7 a.m. to noon

Jackson County Testing and Vaccination Clinics: If you have a family member who needs to be tested or immunized for COVID-19, the Jackson County Health Department regularly schedules clinics in the community. They now have compiled all of this on one calendar that you can find here. Clicking on the tabs located directly above the name of the month will show you all vaccine clinic dates or you can find drive through dates, no appointment needed dates, or choose the vaccine you want to get it.

Area hospitals are at or near capacity. Wearing masks (whether cloth or medical grade) can slow down transmission of the virus. We must layer our actions to protect one another. The more layers of protection we each use, the better we can stop ourselves from transmitting it to others.

Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions.

Friday, Sept. 10, 2021

Yesterday VAL reported one new positive associate test result belonging to a patient care associate. Marie Winter-Calvillo, the new administrator at VAL, who joined us this week, announced that this new positive will NOT cause an interruption of indoor visitations, activities, salon services or communal dining, due to a new plan approved by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

The Compassionate Care Visit program for VAL essentially states that if one associate (who has been masking and using PPE appropriately) tests positive, VAL will carry on with business as normal, while carrying on additional testing and monitoring for a period of time. If a resident tests positive, they will need to cease all indoor visits, activities, group dining, etc., until they are cleared through having the appropriate number of all-negative test results.

Village Care Center. Unfortunately, the VCC is experiencing a number of positive cases among associates and residents, in several areas of the building, including the Village Rehabilitation Unit, and Memory Care. In addition, several associates who have had varying degrees of contact with our residents/patients, have tested positive after participating in VCC-wide follow-up testing. The building is still closed for indoor visits and they have paused activities and communal dining, but outdoor visits and video calls are still great options.

• Upcoming JKV Vaccination Clinic: Residents and associates who are ready to get vaccinated for COVID-19 for the first time can participate in a Village clinic on Wednesday, Sept. 22. SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT to get the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Call or email Ginger Warner at 816-347-2031 or [email protected]. Ginger will send you a confirmation email, including time, date and location. (Because vaccines are ordered a week in advance of the clinic, please make your appointment by Monday, Sept. 15.)
• Jackson County Testing and Vaccination Clinics: If you or a family member needs to be tested or immunized for COVID-19, the Jackson County Health Department regularly schedules clinics in the community. They now have compiled all of this on one calendar that you can find here. Clicking on the tabs located directly above the name of the month will show you all vaccine clinic dates or you can find drive through dates, no appointment needed dates, or choose the vaccine you want to get.
• Other sources of free testing: https://www.ComeBackKC.com/testing-events/
• JKV Gala. The John Knox Village Gala is still scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 18, at The Pavilion. COVID protocols are being put in place to ensure the safety and health of our guests. If we need to make changes to the event for reasons related to safety, we will let you know.

Think you know whether your runny nose, cough or sore through is COVID-19? This chart from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment shows just how many symptoms are common to ALL of these: colds, flu, allergies and COVID-19. A remarkable number of people who test positive say, “Really? I thought it was just a cold!” (Or allergies.) REMEMBER, if you have COVID, you are contagious BEFORE you even have symptoms. Leave the diagnosis to the experts and report ANY symptoms.

Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021

Since my last update, there’s been more COVID-related activity across the Village. As the number of positive cases ticks up in the surrounding community, so too are the number of positives here on the Village campus. In addition to conducting more testing, this influx of cases also is leading to more contact tracing. Here’s a quick recap about what’s happening around the campus as of this morning.

• Village Care Center: On the Village Rehabilitation Unit, six patients have tested positive for COVID-19 since Sunday. Five of the individuals were fully vaccinated and one was partially vaccinated; all are presenting with mild symptoms. We have done a thorough round of contact tracing and cannot link any of these cases to a VCC associate. All the COVID+ patients have been moved to the isolation unit. Of the two residents who tested positive earlier, one has recovered; the other is still being treated for the virus. On the associate side, one individual is still ill, and the other is fully recovered. Currently, residents can participate in outdoor visitations, but indoor visits, communal meals, salon visits and activities have been temporarily suspended.
• Village Assisted Living: Because an associate tested positive Tuesday, VAL needs to push pause on indoor visitation, communal dining and group activities. Staff plans to complete facility-wide testing tomorrow with the goal of re-opening Thursday morning. The resident who tested positive earlier this month has recovered and is back at home in VAL.
• Areas outside of assisted living and skilled nursing: An independent living resident has tested positive after experiencing mild symptoms. The resident is quarantining at home. Public safety is working through a short list of individuals to meet contact tracing protocols.

Please, Wear a Mask

As I mentioned before, the number of reported cases in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area has risen sharply in the last month, as has the number of people who are hospitalized because of their symptoms. People who go to the hospital because of non-COVID issues are having to wait just to be seen by a health care professional or for a bed to open. Our health care system is extremely stressed right now.

What’s more, every time there is a positive case detected in either the Village Care Center or Village Assisted Living, the respective community must ask their residents to push pause on activities, eating in dining rooms, enjoying a salon visit and/or participating in indoor visits. These changes to routines are very difficult on our residents and their loved ones. The one silver lining we are seeing is that though some of our residents are infected with the virus and becoming symptomatic, we are not seeing the serious illness and hospitalizations that we experienced last year.

There is one thing we can ALL do to help lessen the spread of COVID-19 — it’s to please wear a mask here at the Village and out in the community. In fact, Jackson County (Mo.) just extended its public health order requiring universal mask-wearing in indoor public places for those age 5 and older, regardless of vaccination status, until 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2021.

Wear your mask for others. Neither masking nor immunization will end this on their own, though. We must layer our actions to protect one another. The virus may get past a few of these practices, but the more layers of protection we each use, the better we can stop ourselves from transmitting it to others. Wearing your mask properly is as easy as 1-2-3!

Vaccination News: Booster Shots, Mandates and Clinics

• Booster update: We learned from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that eight months after the second dose of the vaccine is administered, it is appropriate to get a booster shot. However, we are awaiting specific details from CMS. Additional information will be released as plans are finalized.
• Mandatory vaccinations for associates: CMS also announced that it is creating a new regulation mandating that all nursing home associates receive their COVID-19 vaccines. Again, we are awaiting details on this announcement, which will be released in September. We will work closely with the regulators to ensure we are in compliance.
• Upcoming Vaccination Clinic: If you ready to get vaccinated, the Village has a COVID-19 vaccination clinic set for Wednesday, Sept. 8. SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT to get the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Call or email Ginger Warner at 816-347-2031 or [email protected]. Ginger will send you a confirmation that includes your appointment time, date and location. (Because vaccines are ordered a week in advance of the clinic, please make your appointment by Wednesday, Sept. 1.)

Remember: If you have any of the signs or symptoms of COVID-19, please don’t self-diagnose.

• If you feel something out of the ordinary, call your doctor.
• If that’s not possible, call the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services COVID-19 Hotline at 877-435-8411.

If you test positive for COVID-19 – notify your physician, then call Public Safety so we can protect your neighbors.  And please—stay at home!

• Free testing is readily available in multiple locationsthrough the Jackson County Health Department every week.
• Other sources of free testing: https://www.comebackkc.com/testing-events/

Please use safe practices. It is going to take continued vigilance on the part of every associate, resident and visitor to this campus to keep everyone safe. Thank you for doing your part.

Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021

Please bear with this long message. Since my last update, there has been a lot of new information about vaccinations. We have been working to figure out which new recommendations and policies will pertain to the Village and what they will mean for our community as a whole. The following are summaries of what we know so far. If you have any questions about anything included in this update, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Positive Cases

• Residents: As you’ve heard on the news, the virus’s Delta variant is spreading throughout the Kansas City Area, leading to a surge in positive cases. However, here at the Village, I am happy to report that we haven’t had any additional positive cases in our resident populations. In fact, the three individuals (1 in independent living, 1 in assisted living and 1 in skilled nursing) who tested positive earlier this month are on the road to recovery. One resident has been cleared, and we anticipate the remaining 2 will be cleared tomorrow.
• Associates: Positive cases continue to occur within our associate population. Since last Wednesday, 5 additional staff members who work in different areas of the campus have tested positive. However, contact tracing is proving that these cases are not related, which means, the virus is being picked up in the surrounding community and is not being spread on our campus. This is good news.

Vaccination News: Booster Shots, Mandates and Clinics

• Booster update: We’ve been getting questions about the news that broke late last week about recommendations for a third vaccination booster for individuals who have received the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine. Currently, we are at the very beginning stages of planning how this may happen at the Village. Once we have all the details nailed down, we will share the plans via our various communication tools. Stay tuned!
• Mandatory vaccinations for associates: Again, news broke late Wednesday about the Biden administration’s vaccination mandate for all skilled nursing/nursing home employees. We have not received any additional concrete information about exactly what this means for life plan communities or the Village since the announcement. In coming days, the Village’s state and national associations will be holding informational sessions to help us better understand what may be coming when CMS publishes the rule in September. I’ll be sure to share with you what I learn.
• Upcoming Vaccination Clinic: If you want to get vaccinated, the Village has a COVID-19 vaccination clinic set for Wednesday, Sept. 8. You can schedule an appointment to get the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine by contacting Ginger Warner at 816-347-2031 or [email protected]. Ginger will confirm with you the time, date and location of your appointment. (Because vaccines are ordered a week in advance of the clinic, please make your appointment by Monday, Sept. 1.)

JKV Gala

Lots of people have been asking if the John Knox Village Gala, which is set for Saturday, Sept. 18, will be held. The answer is “Yes,” based on what we know now. COVID protocols are being put in place to ensure the safety and health of our guests. If we need to make changes to the event for reasons related to safety, we will let you know.

Please, Wear Your Mask

I cannot reiterate enough the importance of consistently wearing a mask when in public – regardless of your vaccination status – especially with the school year starting and the increase in the number of positive cases around the metro. Please remember, everyone (residents, associates, vendors and guests) who is on our campus must wear a mask. Please remind your visitors to bring a mask to wear, and if someone is currently or recently has been unwell or has symptoms of illness, please postpone your visit.

Hospitals are at capacity. Wearing masks (whether cloth or medical grade) can slow down transmission of the virus. We must layer our actions to protect one another. The more layers of protection we each use, the better we can stop ourselves from transmitting it to others.

Remember: If you have any of the signs or symptoms of COVID-19, please don’t self-diagnose.

• If you feel something out of the ordinary, call your doctor.
• If that’s not possible, call the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services COVID-19 Hotline at 877-435-8411.

If you test positive for COVID-19 – notify your physician, then call Public Safety so we can protect your neighbors.  And please—stay at home!

• Free testing is readily available in multiple locations through the Jackson County Health Department every week.
• Other sources of free testing: https://www.comebackkc.com/testing-events/

Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021

• Independent Living: We have not had any additional residents test positive. The residents who were a part of the contact tracing associated with last week’s positive case have all been contacted.
• Village Assisted Living: One resident has tested positive after participating in routine testing because of last week’s COVID+ case. The resident is fully vaccinated and is asymptomatic. Through contact tracing and testing, we are certain that the exposure occurred outside of Village Assisted Living. Further contact tracing is being conducted in the areas of the Village the resident visited prior to the positive result. Another round of follow-up testing will take place on Thursday, Aug. 19. The resident has been moved to the isolation unit at the Village Care Center.
• Village Care Center: For the first time since March, we had a resident test positive for COVID-19 on Monday. This resident has been vaccinated and is exhibiting very minimal, mild symptoms. The resident has been transferred to the VCC isolation unit for closer monitoring. The result came while testing all Village Care Center residents after last week’s exposure; all residents will participate in another round of testing this Thursday. Because of the positive, the VCC will need to continue their pause in indoor visits, communal dining, salons and activities.
• All Village Areas Outside of VCC & VAL: Three additional associates in various areas of the Village have tested positive. Appropriate contact tracing is being handled internally.

COVID-19 Vaccinations Available on the JKV Campus

Do you want to get vaccinated right here on campus? You are in luck! The Village has a COVID-19 vaccination clinic set for Wednesday, Aug. 25. CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT to get the Pfizer, Modera or Johnson & Johnson vaccine. (Please call by 3 p.m. Aug. 19; participant counts need to be turned in one week prior to the clinic.) Call or email Ginger Warner, [email protected] or 816-347-2031, to schedule.

The next clinic will be Wednesday, Sept. 8. You simply can’t beat a free vaccination and the convenience of getting it where you live!

Other Vaccination News              

There is a lot of developing news about booster shots. Because of the complexity and ever-evolving nature of the situation, John Knox Village continues to weigh a variety of options and monitor how other industry leaders are reacting.

Please Wear a Mask

As mentioned in last week’s communication, Jackson County (Mo.) issued a public health order requiring universal mask-wearing in indoor public places for those age 5 and older, regardless of vaccination status. The order is in effect for 30 days and will be re-evaluated as necessary.

Masking can help our entire community

If you listen to the news, you know that hospitals – especially in states where there is a high transmission rate – are nearly at capacity. Wearing masks (whether cloth or medical grade) can slow down transmission of the virus.

Wear your mask for others. Neither masking nor immunization will end this on their own, though. We must layer our actions to protect one another. The virus may get past a few of these practices, but the more layers of protection we each use, the better we can stop ourselves from transmitting it to others.

Remember: If you have any of the signs or symptoms of COVID-19, please don’t self-diagnose.

• If you feel something out of the ordinary, call your doctor.
• If that’s not possible, call the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services COVID-19 Hotline at 877-435-8411.

If you test positive for COVID-19 – Notify your physician, then call Public Safety so we can protect your neighbors.  And please—stay at home!

• Free testing is readily available in multiple locationsthrough the Jackson County Health Department every week.
• Other sources of free testing: https://www.comebackkc.com/testing-events/

Please use safe practices. It is going to take continued vigilance on the part of every resident, associate and visitor to this campus to keep everyone safe. Thank you for doing your part.

Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2021

Mid-Week Update

• Independent Living: One resident tested positive this week. Contact tracing is underway.
• Village Assisted Living had one associate, who has limited resident interaction but has been in many parts of their buildings, test positive. In response, they have:
• Temporarily halted indoor visitation, as well as activities, salons and communal dining in Fireside.
• Tested all residents and associates in Assisted Living and Memory Care 1, 2 and 3.
• All results were negative. Indoor visitations, activities, salons and communal dining all resumed.
• Another round of follow-up testing will take place on Monday, Aug. 16.
• Village Care Center announced a positive test result from a direct-care worker, during facility-wide testing connected to a previous positive case.
• This means that they will need to continue their pauses in indoor visits, communal dining, salons and activities for at least another week.
• They will continue weekly testing through Tuesday, Aug. 17.
• All Village Areas Outside of VCC & VAL: Three associates in various parts of the Village have tested positive. Appropriate contact tracing is being handled internally.

Jackson County Mask Order – Effective Monday, Aug. 9

In case you haven’t heard, Jackson County (Mo.) Executive Frank White, Jr. issued a public health order effective Aug. 9, 2021, requiring universal mask-wearing in indoor public places for those age 5 and older, regardless of vaccination status. The public health order is in response to a rising number of COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations. The order is in effect for 30 days and will be re-evaluated as necessary.

Masking can help our entire community

If you listen to the news, you know that hospitals – especially in states where there is a high transmission rate – are nearly at capacity. The number of people who are seriously ill with COVID-19 is growing, and hospitals report that these patients’ ages range from early 20s to mid- 60s. The tables below, from the Mid-America Regional Council website (www.marc2.org/covidhub/), show that in the Greater Kansas City Metro Area roughly 85% of adults age 65 and over have been vaccinated. The second table shows the local vaccination rate for adults age 18-64.

Why wear a mask?

1. 1. The Delta variant is two to three times as infectious as the original virus. Many experts say this one is as infectious as chickenpox.
   2. If you are unvaccinated, you can contract COVID-19 and spread the virus, unknowingly, for up to 14 days prior to symptoms showing up – if you have symptoms. Whether you have symptoms or not, you can spread virus when you exhale.
   3. The vaccine provides a great deal of protection from contracting COVID-19, and even better protection from serious illness, hospitalization and death.
   4. With the Delta variant, even vaccinated people can spread the virus. Though it is uncommon to have a breakthrough infection, it is more common in those who are older, or have significant underlying conditions that leave them more vulnerable, or have compromised immune symptoms.
   5. Because the Delta variant is different, this means it is possible to have a breakthrough infection and have no symptoms or very mild symptoms and transmit it to others.
   6. Wearing masks (whether cloth or medical grade) can slow down transmission of the virus NOW. Masks work. If you’re not sure about that, here is a great video from the University of Kansas Health System which demonstrates how well masks can work: https://youtu.be/pgY7D4pqKo8
   7. Wear your mask for others. Neither masking nor immunization will end this on their own, though. We must layer our actions to protect one another. The virus may get past a few of these practices, but the more layers of protection we each use, the better we can stop ourselves from transmitting it to others.

Friday, Aug. 6, 2021

Weekly wrap-up

• Last Friday, July 30, the Village Care Center announced
• Zero positive results after testing all residents for COVID-19.
• One positive test result from a symptomatic unvaccinated agency staff member who works in a direct care position.
• On Monday, Aug. 2, the VCC announced that they had completed additional testing over the weekend and these results were all negative.
• Wednesday, Aug. 4, a fully vaccinated independent living resident with mild symptoms reported a positive test result.
• Yesterday, VCC’s latest round of required testing yielded zero positive resident results, and one asymptomatic and unvaccinated direct caregiver testing positive.
• Today, Village Home Health reported a symptomatic unvaccinated non-direct care associate has tested positive.

Jackson County Mask Order – Effective Monday, Aug. 9

Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. issued a public health order effective Aug. 9, 2021, requiring universal mask-wearing in indoor public places for those age 5 and older, regardless of vaccination status. The public health order is in response to a rising number of COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations. The order is in effect for 30 days and will be re-evaluated as necessary.

Masking can change our course

COVID-19 has been hard at work in the Kansas City area, and because John Knox Village is in the middle of it all, what happens “out there” happens “in here” in some form or fashion. We are continuing to have positive cases here – and so is the rest of the area.

This morning, I listened to a presentation by 11 Chief Medical Officers representing hospital and healthcare systems across the Greater Kansas City metro – stretching from Lawrence, Kan. to North Kansas City. They actually have been meeting and sharing information and best practices every week since before the COVID-19 pandemic reached this area. Despite being direct competitors, they have been comparing notes and sharing their data, experiences and resources weekly, for the greater good of the community.

Today, they asked to speak to members of the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and Mid-America Regional Council’s Emergency Rescue Committee for the sole purpose of sharing clear, science-based information about actions we can all take to slow the transmission of the deadly coronavirus. Each one of them urgently asked EVERYONE to wear mask, regardless of vaccination status.

Why? They reported a total of 576 inpatients with COVID-19 today, including 154 in the ICUs. They are full. They are having to turn away transfer patients from other areas. They are re-scheduling surgeries and trying to find ways to handle urgent health needs in the midst of this spike in cases. And like everyone else, they are having a staffing shortage.

Together, they said: “We need your help!”

• Wearing masks (whether cloth or medical grade) can slow down transmission of the virus NOW. Masks work. If you’re not sure about that, here is a great video made by two of today’s presenters which demonstrates how well they can work: https://youtu.be/pgY7D4pqKo8
• If you’re vaccinated, wear a mask anyways. The Delta variant has changed the rules of the game. It is far more infectious, and now vaccinated people CAN become infected. While your symptoms may be mild, you CAN spread it to others, and you COULD require hospitalization if you have other underlying health issues.
• Immunization, is the long-term solution that will help end the pandemic, they said. But we need masks now, while we keep working on vaccinations. Remember, with the 2-shot regimen, it takes 6 weeks before most are fully immune.

Neither masking nor immunization will end this on their own, though. We must layer our actions to protect one another. The virus may get past a few of these practices, but the more layers of protection we each use, the better we can stop ourselves from transmitting it to others.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?

COVID-19 symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure and could include the following. If you are fully-vaccinated, your symptoms may be milder.

• Fever of 99.9^oF or higher ~ Chills ~ Cough ~ Shortness of breath/Difficulty breathing ~ New loss of taste and/or smell ~ Fatigue ~ Muscle of body aches ~ Headache ~ Sore throat ~ Congestion or runny nose ~ Nausea or vomiting ~ Diarrhea

If you have any of the signs or symptoms, please don’t self-diagnose.

• If you feel something out of the ordinary, call your doctor.
• If that’s not possible, call the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services COVID-19 Hotline at 877-435-8411.

If you test positive for COVID-19 – Notify your physician, then call Public Safety so we can protect your neighbors.  And please—stay at home!

• Free testing is readily available in multiple locations through the Jackson County Health Department every week.
• Other sources of free testing: https://www.comebackkc.com/testing-events/

Please use safe practices. It is going to take continued vigilance on the part of every resident, associate and visitor to this campus to keep everyone safe. Thank you for doing your part.

Thursday, July 22, 2021

I am writing to let you know that another person has tested positive for COVID-10 at John Knox Village.

Yesterday, as part of routine testing of unvaccinated Village Assisted Living associates, we discovered that an asymptomatic agency nurse who worked a full shift in VAL’s Memory Care 1 neighborhood Saturday, is COVID+.

Unfortunately, due to this positive result, all associates and residents in VAL are being tested and, to protect everyone’s safety, all activities, group dining and indoor visits are paused until we know the results of that testing. After that, weekly testing will continue for at least 2 weeks to keep a watchful eye on the situation. If there are no other positives in this current round of testing, they should be able to re-open for indoor visits.

After going more than three months without reporting a single case at the Village, this is the fourth letter I’ve sent in 10 days to report positive associate cases in various parts of the Village.

Some facts to be aware of:

• We are fortunate that so far these cases have been scattered around and are unrelated to one another – which means we’re not passing it around. But we cannot assume that it will remain that way.
• Please remember that, while nearly 100% of residents are now vaccinated, a large number of your friends and neighbors also have underlying health conditions. These leave them vulnerable to contracting COVID-19, though it would likely be less severe.
• Hospitals are filling up. The Village’s EMS team also transports patients who do not live at the Village. Right now, OUR ambulances are transporting an average of 4 COVID+ patients per DAY, and they’re taking them to hospitals that are further away.
• Why? Yesterday’s Kansas City Star reported:

“Like other hospitals in the Kansas City region, the University of Kansas Health System is turning down transfer patients (from other areas) because its beds are full, setting up a potential crisis, its chief medical officer, Steven Stites, MD, said Wednesday. …Across the state line, Missouri health officials on Wednesday reported the highest daily increase in infections since mid-January with 2,995 additional cases.”

Here’s how you can help:

• Be mindful when moving around outside of the Village. According to statistics maintained by the Mid-American Regional Council (which the Village is a member of: https://marc2.org/covidhub/), in Jackson County, MO only 49% of those age 18 and over are fully immunized. In Johnson County, KS, the number is 66%. So generally, it would be reasonable to assume that roughly 1 out of every 3 adults you encounter in this area could pass the COVID-19 virus to you.
• Let’s exercise our P.R.I.D.E. (Personal Responsibility in Delivering Excellence) by using these precautions to NOT transmit the virus, unknowingly, to other people while at the Village.
• Wash your hands often, for at least 20 seconds.
• If your guest is not fully vaccinated, ask them to follow CDC guidelines by wearing their mask AND maintaining a 6-foot distance.
• Even if you are vaccinated, these are still really good ideas.
• Keep a mask with you at all times. Wear it as often as you like.
• If you’re entering another resident’s home, it’s good practice to ask that person’s preference.
• Please note: This DOES NOT pertain to visits to the Village Assisted Living or Village Care Center. Village Assisted Living follows Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services guidelines, and the Village Care Center is required to follow CMS guidelines. At this time, neither entity is relaxing its mask-wearing guidance.

Wednesday, July 21, 2021

I am sorry to say that the Village Care Center has another associate who tested positive for COVID-19. This test result came out yesterday afternoon, during routine follow-up testing due to the positive VCC case I wrote about last week. This VCC patient care associate, who is fully vaccinated, also had mild symptoms described as “stuffy nose and light-headedness, that felt like a slight cold.”  To the best of our knowledge, this person had no contact with the other positive associate.

What Does This Mean for the VCC?

Due to this COVID+ result, and to protect the safety of their residents, associates and visitors, the VCC is:

• Testing all residents and associates, beginning Friday.
• Continuing testing weekly for at least 14 more days after that (2 more rounds). I will keep you informed of the results.
• Suspending indoor visits until all results are in. Outdoor visits are still OK, weather permitting.
• Suspending all resident activities, as well as dining in their main dining room, and salon services, until further notice.
• Requesting that all Village departments conduct business with them remotely, unless it is essential for them to be in the building.

To set up an outdoor visit, please contact the unit secretary for the care neighborhood where your loved one lives, and they can help you make arrangements.

Please Be Aware

John Knox Village has now had a few fully vaccinated people test positive. This is a good time to remind you of a few things:

• What happens on our campus will always be a reflection of what is happening in our community. We are fortunate to have as many vaccinated residents and associates as we do at the Village, because it lowers the likelihood of large-scale transmission here. But people leave our campus “bubble” every day – to shop, to eat, to be with family and friends – so what happens out there, also eventually arrives here.
• It is essential that you wear masks while in the corridors and common areas inside of Village Assisted living, AND that you check in and are screened when you arrive.
• The vaccines are highly effective at preventing people from getting COVID-19, but not 100 percent. Please be very careful when moving about in the greater community, especially with this more infectious variant in the area.
• COVID-19 symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure and could include the following. If you are fully-vaccinated, your symptoms may be milder.Fever of 99.9^oF or higher ~ Chills ~ Cough ~ Shortness of breath/Difficulty breathing ~ New loss of taste and/or smell ~ Fatigue ~ Muscle of body aches ~ Headache ~ Sore throat ~ Congestion or runny nose ~ Nausea or vomiting ~ Diarrhea
• If you have any of the signs or symptoms, please don’t self-diagnose.
  • If you feel something out of the ordinary, call your doctor.
  • If that’s not possible, call the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services COVID-19 Hotline at 877-435-8411.
  • If you test positive for COVID-19 – Notify your physician, then call Public Safety so we can protect your neighbors.  And please—stay at home!
    • Free testing is readily available in multiple locations through the Jackson County Health Department every week.
    • Other sources of free testing: https://www.comebackkc.com/testing-events/

    Please use safe practices. It is going to take continued vigilance on the part of every associate, resident and visitor to this campus to keep everyone safe. Thank you for doing your part. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

    As always, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.

Friday, July 16, 2021

I have great news to share. The Village Care Center has completed their first round of testing all residents and all associates, and the results are all negative.

What this means for the VCC:

• Effective immediately, in-person indoor visits for VCC residents are back!
• Salons, activities, and the main dining room have re-opened for residents.
• The VCC will still need to complete 2 more rounds of weekly testing.
• Even one new positive will cause us to halt indoor visits again.
• It is essential that all visitors adhere to the VCC’s visitation guidelines.
• Because we are starting to see positive cases within the Village again, and for the safety of our residents, the VCC is continuing to ask Village departments to conduct business with them remotely, unless it is essential for them to be in the building.

To follow up on the other two other unrelated cases I mentioned Tuesday (one non-VCC/non-VAL associate, and a guest from outside of the Village), contact tracing has been conducted, as well as testing, and we have not discovered any further positive cases related to either of these.

Since then, two further non-VCC/non-VAL associates have tested positive. Again, they are in different departments. Contact tracing and testing connected to one associate has been completed, and no new cases identified. This process is still underway in connection with the last one.

How bad is it in Missouri? After several weeks with no states on its travel advisory, the Chicago Department of Public Health has now issued a travel advisory advising unvaccinated travelers arriving from Missouri and Arkansas to provide proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test or to quarantine for 10 days upon arrival in the city.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?

COVID-19 symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure and could include the following. If you are fully-vaccinated, your symptoms may be milder.

Fever of 99.9^oF or higher ~ Chills ~ Cough ~ Shortness of breath/Difficulty breathing ~ New loss of taste and/or smell ~ Fatigue ~ Muscle of body aches ~ Headache ~ Sore throat ~ Congestion or runny nose ~ Nausea or vomiting ~ Diarrhea

If you have any of the signs or symptoms, please don’t self-diagnose.

• If you feel something out of the ordinary, call your doctor.
• If that’s not possible, call the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services COVID-19 Hotline at 877-435-8411.

If you test positive for COVID-19 – Notify your physician, then call Public Safety so we can protect your neighbors.  And please—stay at home!

• Free testing is readily available in multiple locationsthrough the Jackson County Health Department every week.
• Other sources of free testing: https://www.comebackkc.com/testing-events/

It is going to take continued vigilance on the part of every resident, associate and visitor to this campus to keep everyone safe. Thank you for doing your part. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Stay safe,

Brian Opoka

Public Safety Director

816-347-2932

Monday, July 12, 2021

It was such a pleasure to go from mid-April to early July without having to report a positive COVID-19 case (resident or associate) at the Village. Unfortunately, today that has come to an end.

Today I am reporting three positive test results on campus.

One guest to the campus late last week reported a positive test result. Contact tracing is underway.

One associate in a non-resident contact position outside of the Village Care Center and Village Assisted Living has tested positive. Contact tracing and testing have taken place and no further positive cases are being reported.

Also, one non-patient care associate at the Village Care Center has tested positive for COVID-19. This person has minimal contact with residents. To ensure everyone’s safety and in following with State regulations, the VCC is currently testing all residents and associates. All resident testing has been completed today, and all resident tests came back negative. Associate testing began today, and so far, all associate results also have been negative. It will take another couple of days to get all VCC associates tested, due to work schedules. We will let you know of the final results.

Due to this COVID+ result, the following changes are being implemented at the Village Care Center:

• Indoor in-person VCC visitation is suspended for the moment. Outdoor visits are still an option. Please call 816-347-2400 and ask for the unit secretary for the person you wish to visit.
• All VCC activities are suspended, as well as dining in the main dining room and salon services, until further notice.
• All Village departments are being asked to conduct business with the VCC remotely, unless it is essential for them to be in the building.
• Testing at the VCC will continue weekly for at least 14 days (2 more rounds). We will keep you informed of the results.

It has been tempting to believe that the pandemic is behind us. However, as you’ve likely seen on the news, COVID-19 is on an upswing again in those parts of our nation that have a large number of unvaccinated people. Missouri is very high on that list, and southern Missouri is getting hit especially hard right now.

In Springfield, Mo., there are so many hospitalizations of (mostly unvaccinated) COVID patients that they have run out of ventilators, and they are so full that they are diverting patients to other cities – some as far away as Kansas City and St. Louis. CoxHealth in Springfield, reported yesterday that they had 119 COVID-positive inpatients, compared to only 14 hospitalized there in mid-May. Overall, U.S. numbers are also showing that the vast majority of those who are ending up hospitalized due to the coronavirus are unvaccinated people.

So this is a very good time to go over a few reminders:

Vaccination.

• Remember that the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are about 95% effective in preventing you from contracting COVID-19, and nearly 100% effective at preventing serious illness, hospitalization, or death if you do become infected.
• If you have significant underlying health conditions, there is a higher likelihood of serious illness if you are infected.
• If you have not been immunized yet, and would like to do so, please contact Ginger Warner, in the Administrative Center, at 816-347-2031. She can schedule an appointment with our ongoing vaccination partner, Symbria.
• If you have not been immunized or have significant underlying health issues, we continue to encourage you to wear a mask around others.

Visits. Independent Living and Assisted Living are still able to have visitors.

• Independent living residents can have visitors come and go without screenings.
• Village Assisted Living visitors must fill out the visitor log and be screened prior to entering, and must wear masks in the buildings’ common areas (lobbies, hallways, etc.).
• Visits are still limited to the resident’s room or outside, not in common areas.
• Fully vaccinated visitors are allowed to take off their masks once they are in their resident’s room.
• Fully vaccinated visitors are no longer required to social distance during visits.
• VAL visiting hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
• If a VAL associate, resident or visitor tests positive for COVID-19, we will be required to close all impacted areas of that building until we are able to complete testing of all residents and associates in that area to determine whether it is an isolated infection.

COVID-19 symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure and could include the following. If you are fully-vaccinated, your symptoms may be milder.

Fever of 99.9^oF or higher ~ Chills ~ Cough ~ Shortness of breath/Difficulty breathing ~ New loss of taste and/or smell ~ Fatigue ~ Muscle of body aches ~ Headache ~ Sore throat ~ Congestion or runny nose ~ Nausea or vomiting ~ Diarrhea

If you have any of the signs or symptoms, please don’t self-diagnose.

• If you feel something out of the ordinary, call your doctor.
• If that’s not possible, call the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services COVID-19 Hotline at 877-435-8411.

If you test positive for COVID-19 – Notify your physician, then call Public Safety so we can protect your neighbors.  And please—stay at home!

• Free testing is readily available in multiple locationsthrough the Jackson County Health Department every week.
• Other sources of free testing: https://www.comebackkc.com/testing-events/

It is going to take continued vigilance on the part of every resident, associate and visitor to this campus to keep everyone safe. Thank you for doing your part. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Stay safe,

Brian Opoka

Public Safety Director

816-347-2932