COVID-19 Update: 4/15/20

Dear Residents, Families and Friends of Gulf Coast Village,

Overall, our residents and associates have settled into our new, day-to-day “normal”. We are very fortunate that as of April 15, we have no confirmed cases of COVID-19 on our campus. Florida is anticipating the surge over the next two weeks so we are sensitive to the fact that things can change in an instant with this virus, so we continue to remain diligent and focused on health and safety.

As of April 13, Lee Health, our local hospital system, has discharged 93 patients who tested positive for COVID-19 and have since made a full recovery. As of April 11, (latest date the data is available for), 75 COVID-19 patients are currently hospitalized in one of the four Lee Health hospitals, and 126 hospital employees are quarantined for exposure or failure of their health screenings.

Due to mobile health services, such as lab or x-ray, coming onto our community to perform essential services, you may see these providers dressed in their personal protective gear including masks, disposable gowns and gloves. These providers are screened at our main entrances just as our associates are screened, then approved for inside access.

Meals service to all rooms continues, with three meals delivered daily to all Palmview and Care Center/TCU residents. Independent Living residents have the option of up to three meals delivered daily. We also have our drivers making daily shopping runs to local retailers (grocery, pharmacy, etc.) so our residents do not need to go themselves. Also, please ask your doctor if you can be seen via telehealth (video conference by phone or computer) – our team can help you get connected.

At this time, we are continuing to keep all common areas of the building closed in order to maintain social distancing. These areas include the swimming pool/spa, fitness rooms, congregate dining rooms, the Independent Living wood shop, and the Thrift Store. Once the Governor, CDC or other government agency release new guidance, we will consider reopening some or all of these amenities to our residents.

Here is today’s update from the Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration:

On March 15, 2020, the Division of Emergency Management issued Emergency Order No. 20-006, prohibiting all visitation at facilities in Florida, except in very specific circumstances. This Emergency Order does not expire until May 8, 2020, as its effective date corresponds with the effective dates of Executive Order 20-52.

We would like to thank our residents for helping us keep them safe during this pandemic, and all your cooperation with social distancing. We would also like to recognize our volunteer residents, as well as volunteers outside of Gulf Coast Village, who have created cloth face masks for our associates and residents to wear when they are out of their apartments – we appreciate your service!

Best,
Greg Anderson