We want to provide an update on an exposure to COVID-19 within our Abbey Delray South community. We learned Monday, May 18, that one resident and one team member in our Health Center tested positive for COVID-19. The resident is being cared for in our Health Center, and the team member is self-isolating at home with the support of our Human Resources team. We will continue to screen and monitor our residents, team members and essential visitors for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. Additional information regarding COVID-19 in our community will be provided to you when available, as appropriate.

If you are identified as having had prolonged contact with any individuals who test positive for COVID-19, you will be contacted and instructed to self-quarantine for 14 days, per the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Florida Department of Health – Palm Beach County, and the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA).

We realize that this situation is concerning to you, and we are committed to being open and transparent, while respecting the privacy of those involved, as we deal with this unprecedented situation. We are implementing our pre-planned infection control protocols and continue to follow COVID-19 protocols at our community under the guidance of the state and federal health agencies.

Additionally, Abbey Delray South has notified and activated our emergency response team, and we are working with health and infectious disease experts to take all appropriate steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to protect our residents, team members and the greater community. We will also continue to follow all CDC recommendations related to the control and prevention of the spread of COVID-19.

We know that the COVID-19 pandemic is of the utmost concern to you. We have been diligent and have taken precautions to help our community minimize the risk of exposure to the virus. Those precautions include following protocols for long-term care and senior living communities such as requiring the use of appropriate personal protective equipment, as well as encouraging residents and team members to use hand sanitizer and wash their hands frequently. We have restricted gatherings in communal areas and individual apartments, and have suspended all private and public gatherings, including communal dining. We have also restricted visitors, and we continue to monitor essential caregivers who visit our community.

You should continue to practice social distancing, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Disinfect objects you touch frequently, like your cellphone, using household cleaning wipes. If any of our residents has or is suspected of having the virus, appropriate isolation protocols will be implemented. If you are experiencing any symptoms such as a fever, cough or shortness of breath, you should contact your doctor and the Abbey Delray South Director of Nursing immediately.
Again, we realize that this is a difficult situation, but we have protocols in place to help control the spread of the virus and to protect our residents and team members. We ask for your continued support and adherence to these important protocols. We thank you for your understanding during this challenging time. We will continue to endeavor to protect our residents and team members during this pandemic.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your Abbey Delray South management team.

The Florida Department of Health offers additional information about COVID-19 in our state.