Updated Travel Advisory & Window Call Reminders

New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo has added additional states to our current travel advisory which requires individuals to quarantine for fourteen (14) days from the time they began to travel from those locations. The updated list of states in question, which are experiencing significant community-based spread of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), now include: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nevada, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah. Though others may be added to this list at a later date, the advisory continues until further notice.

Despite this travel advisory and despite the COVID-19 threat still spreading in our community (albeit slowly), many people continue going about their lives business as usual. As a result of this mentality, we had a large jump in COVID-19 cases in Chautauqua County this week shortly after the Fourth of July weekend. Over a dozen new cases popped up with more likely coming in the near future, many of which were a result of a boat party held on Chautauqua Lake. Warm weather and warm weather states were once thought to slow the spread of COVID-19 but looking at current trends and the infection cases mounting in the south, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Please remember that although the travel advisory and social distancing during the summer months may seem harsh, it is encouraged to make sure community-based spread of COVID-19 does not return to New York at full force the way it once was.

On our home front, all new admissions to the Lutheran Home and Rehabilitation Center and Hultquist Place Assisted Living Program must test negative prior to admittance. We also continue to urge extreme caution to our residents and their families, particularly those at Hultquist and the Edgewood Communities who are able to leave freely to go into the community and then return to campus. We know how easily a small family party or get together can turn into a dangerous situation; it can happen to any one of us. Please protect yourselves and one another from harm’s way by avoiding these situations.

Our video chatroom and window calls remain great alternatives to visit with residents on campus in a safe, controlled environment. We ask that masks be worn by all visitors doing window calls, with groups of no more than two (2) people at a time. These requirements are often ignored but they will be enforced by our staff so we can do our part to help keep YOU safe as well as your loved ones in our care. The numbers to schedule a call are:

LHRC Units: (A1) 716-665-8164, (B1) 716-665-8115, (A2) 716-665-8165, and (B2) 716-665-8118
HP Activities: 716-720-9624

It is our duty to be leaders during this global health crisis. Thank you again for your patience and understanding when it comes to our enforcement of social distance best practices.

Symptomatic Residents Tested for COVID-19 – 20
HP & LHRC Residents Tested for COVID-19 by DOH – 153
Residents Currently Testing Positive for COVID-19 – 0
Employees Tested for COVID-19 (Mandated) – Week 9 – ALL
Employees Currently Testing Positive for COVID-19 – 0
Former COVID-19 Positive Employees Recovered – 1

Sincerely,

Tom Holt
President and CEO