COVID-19 news and information archives

Apr. 8, 2024: One staff member tested positive for COVID-19 last week. All potentially exposed residents have been tested, and there were no positive results.

Mar. 25, 2024: This week, communication technicians will replace CHCC’s antiquated and unsupported phone system with a new, vendor-warrantied Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) system. The project, which includes rewiring all offices, residences and 200 phone locations, will improve communication reliability for patients, nurses and administrators.

Here’s what to expect:

• Mar. 22 – 27: CHCC staff will perform internal testing of the new VoIP phone system.
• Mar. 28: Technicians will arrive at CHCC at 8 a.m. to install new phones in long-term care rooms. The installation process will take all day.
• Mar. 28: The new phone system will go live facility-wide at 10 a.m. Note: Old phones in resident rooms will not be able to receive calls until a new phone is installed. Residents will be able to call out, but not receive calls on the old phones, so there may be a few hours during which they cannot receive calls.
• Date TBD: After all the new phones are up and running, technicians will install and test video phones, which will be located at the Aaron Drive and rehab entrances.
• Date TBD: Once the new system has been fully installed and tested, the old phones will be removed.

Significant system upgrades like this can be bumpy, as you know. CHCC leaders and the communication technicians have done everything they can to ensure phone communications will be maintained during this time, but unexpected issues can arise.

If the system unexpectedly goes down, please know that everyone will be working hard to restore it as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience and understanding with our staff and technicians during this transition.

(Apr. 8, 2024 update: The phone system upgrade went well. Minor adjustments were made; the system is functioning as intended.)

Mar. 14, 2024: Since our last report March 11, the cumulative number of staff members testing positive for COVID-19 remained the same at five. All potentially exposed residents have been tested, and the cumulative number of residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 remained the same at nine. That means we are officially out of outbreak status effective tomorrow, March 15.

The Whatcom County Health Department has given us permission to reinstate all group activities immediately. Group dining will resume on Monday, Mar. 18.

All visitors will continue to be required to wear surgical masks while in the building at least through April 1. WCHD supports masking until all three respiratory rates on this dashboard have been below the alert threshold for two weeks.

Staff will continue to wear surgical masks until further notice.

Cumulative cases since the start of the outbreak (Feb. 25):

• Staff: 5
• Residents: 9

Mar. 11, 2024: Since our last report Mar. 1, the cumulative number of staff members testing positive for COVID-19 remained the same at five. All potentially exposed residents have been tested, and the cumulative number of residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 remained the same at nine. We will test all consenting residents again on Thursday, March 14.

Group dining will remain closed until this outbreak is over, which is 14 days after the last person tests positive. The Whatcom County Health Department has given us permission to reinstate small group activities with all staff and residents wearing surgical masks over mouth and nose, and maintaining distance between residents, effective immediately.

Cumulative cases since the start of the outbreak (Feb. 25):

• Staff: 5
• Residents: 9

Mar. 1, 2024: Since our last report on Feb. 29, 2024, we have not had any new staff or residents test positive for COVID. We are hoping this is a trend in the right direction.

Cumulative cases since the start of the outbreak (Feb. 25):

• Staff: 5
• Residents: 9

Feb. 29, 2024: Since our last report Feb. 28, the cumulative number of staff members testing positive for COVID-19 remained the same at five. All potentially exposed residents have been tested, and the cumulative number of residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 increased by one to nine.

Group dining and activities will remain closed until this outbreak is over, which is 14 days after the last person tests positive.

Cumulative cases since the start of the outbreak (Feb. 25):

• Staff: 5
• Residents: 9

Feb. 28, 2024: Since our last report Feb. 27, the cumulative number of staff members testing positive for COVID-19 increased by one to five. All potentially exposed residents have been tested, and the cumulative number of residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 remained the same at eight.

Group dining and activities will remain closed until this outbreak is over, which is 14 days after the last person tests positive.

Cumulative cases since the start of the outbreak (Feb. 25):

• Staff: 5
• Residents: 8

Feb. 27, 2024: CHCC is currently experiencing an outbreak of COVID-19. Please do not enter CHCC if you are sick or if you have been exposed to any virus. Your cooperation helps prevent the spread of illness to vulnerable adults and to the workers who care for them.

Cumulative cases since the start of the outbreak (Feb. 25):

• Staff: 4
• Residents: 8

Feb. 26, 2024: CHCC is currently experiencing an outbreak of COVID-19—the second one we have endured this year.

We are diligently working to stop the spread of the virus. Appropriate personal protective equipment is being worn by all staff; communal dining and group activities have been paused, and residents wear masks when they are outside of their room or in the presence of others.

That said, additional measures are needed. Beginning today, anyone entering CHCC must always wear a surgical mask, regardless of vaccination status, even when in a resident’s room. Masks will be provided as needed.

COVID-19 outbreaks in nursing homes negatively impact the well-being of residents, amplifying health risks and creating challenging conditions for care providers. Visitors, volunteers and vendors must recognize that entering CHCC while unwell contributes to the potential spread of the virus, posing a direct threat to our vulnerable residents.

If you are unwell, or if you have been exposed to people with any virus, please come back another day.

Cumulative cases since the start of the outbreak (Feb. 25):

• Staff: 2
• Residents: 7

Feb. 25, 2024: Seven CHCC staff members have tested positive for COVID-19 since February 18. All residents who potentially were exposed were/are being tested.

Five residents have tested positive since February 21, and they are now under precautions here at CHCC.

This puts CHCC back into outbreak status.  All group dining and group activities are halted at this time. All residents are asked to wear a mask when outside of their room, or if anyone else (staff or visitors) are present.

Cumulative cases for the week of February 18 – 25:

• Staff: 7
• Residents: 5

Feb. 22, 2024: Five CHCC staff members have tested positive for COVID-19 since February 18. All residents who potentially were exposed were/are being tested. One resident has tested positive, and they are now under precautions here at CHCC.

Our priority is to protect our residents and the team members who care for them. We must work together to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the building before it becomes an outbreak. Therefore, all visitors and residents are asked to wear a mask when inside the building.

Please do not enter CHCC if you are sick or if you have been exposed to any virus. Your cooperation helps prevent the spread of illness to vulnerable adults and to the workers who care for them.

Cumulative cases for the week of February 18 – 22 to date:

• Staff: 5
• Residents: 1

Jan. 24, 2024: Since our last report on Jan. 21, 2024, we have not had any new staff or residents test positive for COVID. After a review with the Whatcom County Health Department, it was determined that we are officially out of the outbreak.

Residents may begin attending large group activities and dining on Thursday, Jan. 25.

Thank you for your patience, understanding and encouragement as we worked through this COVID outbreak. 

CHCC will continue to test all staff and all consenting residents per local, state and federal guidelines. All staff members continue to be screened before they start work, and we monitor residents daily, watching for any signs or symptoms of the virus. Infection control best practices are followed, and appropriate personal protective equipment is worn by all.

Cumulative cases since the start of the outbreak (Dec. 24):

• Staff: 43
• Residents: 41

Jan. 21, 2024: Since our last report on Jan. 19, one resident and one staff member tested positive for COVID-19. We will review these cases with the Whatcom County Health Department on Jan. 22 and follow their guidance.

All staff and consenting residents will be tested again Jan. 22.

Jan. 19, 2024: Since our last report on Jan. 17, 2024, we have not had any more residents test positive. One staff member tested positive today, but the Whatcom County Health Department determined it to be community acquired and not part of the outbreak at CHCC. No residents were exposed to that staff member during their contagious period. All staff and residents will get COVID tested again on Monday, Jan. 22.

Jan. 17, 2024: Since our last report Jan. 15, the cumulative number of residents who tested positive for COVID-19 has not changed; it remains at 41.

On Jan. 16, the Whatcom County Health Department determined that two staff cases—one older, one recent—were community-obtained infections. Therefore, we should not include them in our cumulative case count. This decision decreases the cumulative number of staff who tested positive for COVID-19 from 44 to 43.

WCHD has granted us permission to resume small group activities immediately, implementing some precautions. Participating residents will be asked to wear surgical-grade masks and practice social distance during the activity. Staff will continue to wear fit-tested N95 masks.

We can now decrease the frequency of resident testing from daily to twice weekly (Monday and Thursday). Staff will continue to undergo daily testing before their shift until further notice.

Cumulative cases since the start of the outbreak (Dec. 24):

• Staff: 43
• Residents: 41

Jan. 15, 2024: Since our last report Jan. 9, the cumulative number of staff and residents who tested positive for COVID-19 remained the same: 44 staff and 41 residents. That is great news!

One newly admitted resident did test positive for COVID-19 Jan. 14, and they are under quarantine here at CHCC. We are waiting for guidance from the Whatcom County Health Department to see if they will require us to count that potential community-obtained infection as part of our cumulative cases.

Cumulative cases since the start of the outbreak (Dec. 24):

• Staff: 44
• Residents: 41

Jan. 9, 2024: Since our last report on Jan. 8, the cumulative number of staff members testing positive for COVID-19 increased by one to 44. All potentially exposed residents have been tested, and the cumulative number of residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 increased by one to 41.

Cumulative cases since the start of the outbreak (Dec. 24):

• Staff: 44
• Residents: 41

Cumulative cases since the start of the outbreak (Dec. 24):

• Staff: 41
• Residents: 39

Jan. 5, 2024: Since our last report on Jan. 4, the cumulative number of staff members testing positive for COVID-19 increased by two to 41. All potentially exposed residents have been tested, and the cumulative number of residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 increased by two to 37.

Cumulative cases since the start of the outbreak (Dec. 24):

• Staff: 41
• Residents: 37

Jan. 4, 2024: Since our last report on Jan. 3, the cumulative number of staff members testing positive for COVID-19 increased by one to 39. All potentially exposed residents have been tested, and the cumulative number of residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 increased by one to 35.

Some residents have finished their required quarantine time and are able to come out of their room. That is great news! All residents continue to be encouraged to wear a surgical mask when they are out of their room, have visitors, or at times when staff are present.

Group dining and activities will remain closed until this outbreak is over, which is 10 days after the last person tests positive.

Cumulative cases since the start of the outbreak (Dec. 24):

• Staff: 39
• Residents: 35

Jan. 3, 2024: Since our last report on Jan. 2, the cumulative number of staff members testing positive for COVID-19 increased by one to 38. All potentially exposed residents have been tested, and the cumulative number of residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 increased by two to 34.

Cumulative cases since the start of the outbreak (Dec. 24):

• Staff: 38
• Residents: 34

Jan. 2, 2024: Since our last report on Jan. 1, 2024, the cumulative number of staff
members testing positive for COVID-19 increased to 37. All potentially exposed  residents have been tested, and the cumulative number of residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 increased to 32.

Cumulative cases since the start of the outbreak (Dec. 24):

• Staff: 37
• Residents: 32

Jan. 1, 2024: Since our last report on Dec. 31, 2023, two staff members tested positive for COVID-19. All potentially exposed residents have been tested, and one tested positive for COVID-19.

Cumulative cases since the start of the outbreak (Dec. 24):

• Staff: 34
• Residents: 30

Feb. 20, 2024: One CHCC staff member tested positive for COVID-19 last week. All potentially exposed residents have been tested and produced negative results.

Cumulative cases for the week of February 11 – 17:

• Staff: 1
• Residents: 0

Dec. 31, 2023: Since our last report on Dec. 30, 2023, seven additional staff members tested positive for COVID-19. All potentially exposed residents were tested, and eight tested positive for COVID-19.

Cumulative cases since the start of the outbreak (Dec. 24):

• Staff: 32
• Residents: 29

Dec. 30, 2023: Since our last report on Dec. 29, 2023, one additional staff member tested positive for COVID-19.

Cumulative cases since the start of the outbreak (Dec. 24):

• Staff: 25
• Residents: 21

Dec. 29, 2023: Since our last report on Dec. 28, 2023, four additional staff members tested positive for COVID-19. All potentially exposed residents were tested, and five tested positive for COVID-19.

All staff members are now being tested before they start work; residents are being tested daily. Infection control best practices are being followed, and appropriate personal protective equipment is worn by all.

Cumulative cases since the start of the outbreak (Dec. 24):

• Staff: 24
• Residents: 21

Dec. 28, 2023: Six staff members tested positive for COVID-19 Dec. 27. All potentially exposed residents were tested, and two tested positive for COVID-19.

On Dec. 28, seven staff members and three residents tested positive for COVID-19.

CHCC staff is working hard to manage this outbreak. All staff members are being screened before they start work, and we are testing residents daily, watching for any signs or symptoms of the virus. Infection control best practices are being followed, and appropriate personal protective equipment is worn by all.

Please do what you can to help reduce the spread of this virus in our community so we can quickly move through this wave.

Cumulative cases since the start of the outbreak (Dec. 24):

• Staff: 20
• Residents: 16

Dec. 27, 2023: Three additional staff members have tested positive for COVID-19. All potentially exposed residents were tested, and eight tested positive for COVID-19.

Our care team members are working hard to prevent the spread of the virus to others. We have temporarily closed the dining room and halted all group activities until this outbreak subsides. Residents are encouraged to wear a surgical mask when out of their room or when hosting visitors.

Visitors are also encouraged to wear a mask; however, if visits can be postponed until the outbreak is over, that would be preferable.

Please consider praying for the health and safety of all who live and work here during this challenging time.

Dec. 25, 2023: Six staff members tested positive for COVID-19 from Dec. 17 to Dec. 25. All potentially exposed residents were tested; three produced positive results. Those residents are in isolation here at CHCC, and our care team members are using extra precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to others.

Dec. 18, 2023: Two nursing assistant students tested positive for COVID-19 last week. All potentially exposed residents have been tested and produced negative results.

Cumulative cases for the week of Dec. 10 – 16:

• CNA students: 2
• Residents: 0

Dec. 11, 2023: One staff member tested positive for COVID-19 last week.  All potentially exposed residents have been tested and produced negative results.

Cumulative cases for the week of Dec. 3 – 9:

• Staff: 1
• Residents: 0

Dec. 4, 2023: Two staff members tested positive for COVID-19 last week. All potentially exposed residents have been tested and produced negative results.

Cumulative cases for the week of Nov. 26 – Dec. 2:

• Staff: 2
• Residents: 0

Nov. 27, 2023: Two staff members tested positive for COVID-19 last week. All potentially exposed residents have been tested and produced negative results.

Cumulative cases for the week of Nov. 19 – 25:

• Staff: 2
• Residents: 0

Nov. 20, 2023: One CHCC staff member tested positive for COVID-19 last week. All residents who were potentially exposed have been tested and produced negative results.

Cumulative cases for the week of Nov. 12 – 18:

• Staff: 1
• Residents: 0

Nov. 13: One CHCC staff member tested positive for COVID-19 last week. All residents who were potentially exposed were/are being tested.

Cumulative cases for the week of Nov. 5 – 21:

• Staff: 1
• Residents: 0

Nov. 7: Three CHCC staff members tested positive for COVID-19 last week. All residents who were potentially exposed were tested.

Cumulative cases for the week of Oct. 29 – Nov. 4:

• Staff: 3

• Residents: 0

Nov. 1: The fire panel was replaced Nov. 1. Fire watch activities have now ended.

Oct. 29: The main fire alarm panel at CHCC unexpectedly ceased operations the morning of Oct. 29. Rest assured, the sprinkler system remains fully operational, ensuring the safety of our residents and staff is uncompromised. Our care services continue without interruption.

The fire alarm detection company has advised us that the panel replacement may take a few days. In response, CHCC has promptly activated its fire watch policy. A dedicated staff member will regularly patrol the facility, conducting hourly checks for any signs of fire (smoke, flames). Additionally, all on-site staff members are trained to identify and report signs of fire.

The fire watch policy will remain in effect until the panel replacement is complete. Updates will be posted on this page as they occur.

Oct. 24: One CHCC staff member tested positive for COVID-19 last week. There was no exposure to residents.

Cumulative cases for the week of Oct. 15 – 21:

• Staff: 1
• Residents: 0

Oct. 23: The Aaron Drive entrance has reopened after being closed for repairs. Visitors, vendors and volunteers should return to using the main entrance at this time.

If your loved one lives in the rehab unit, you can continue to use the rehab entrance.

Sept. 25: Three CHCC staff members tested positive for COVID-19 last week. All three were in the building during the contagious period, so all residents who potentially were exposed were/are being tested.

Cumulative cases for the week of Sept. 17 – 23:

• Staff: 3
• Residents: 0

CHCC will continue to notify and test all staff and all consenting residents per local, state and federal guidelines.

Sept. 18: Three CHCC staff members tested positive for COVID-19 last week. Two were in the building during the contagious period, so all residents who potentially were exposed were tested Sept. 14 and 15, and they will be tested again Sept. 19.

Cumulative cases for the week of Sept. 10 – 16:

• Staff: 3
• Residents: 0

COVID-19 outbreaks have recently occurred at a couple of eldercare facilities in Whatcom County. Please do not enter CHCC if you are sick or if you have been exposed to any virus. Your cooperation helps prevent the spread of illness to vulnerable adults and to the workers who care for them. 

Sept. 5: One CHCC staff member and two contracted providers tested positive for COVID-19 last week. Each person was in the building during the contagious period, so all residents who potentially were exposed were tested.

Cumulative cases for the week of Aug. 27 – Sept. 2:

• Staff: 3
• Residents: 0

COVID-19 outbreaks have recently occurred at a couple of eldercare facilities in Whatcom County. Please do not enter CHCC if you are sick or if you have been exposed to any virus. Your cooperation helps prevent the spread of illness to vulnerable adults and to the workers who care for them.

Aug. 25: One employee tested positive for COVID-19 Aug. 24. No residents potentially were exposed, but there was possible staff exposure. Those staff members were notified.

CHCC will continue to test all staff and all consenting residents per local, state and federal guidelines.

Cumulative cases for the week of Aug. 20 – 26:

• Staff: 1
• Residents: 0

Aug. 14: One employee tested positve for COVID-19 Aug. 8. No residents or staff potentally were exposed.

Cumulative cases for the week of Aug 6 – 12:

• Staff: 1
• Residents: 0

July 22: One employee tested positive for COVID-19 on July 16. No residents potentially were exposed, but there was possible staff exposure. Those staff members were notified.

Cumulative cases for the week of July 16 – 22:

• Staff: 1
• Residents: 0

June 5: Since the COVID-19 public health emergency ended on May 11, 2023, leaders of CHCC have been working to update numerous policies and procedures that were implemented since the pandemic began in 2020.

As a result, CHCC is now able to modify how positive COVID-19 tests are reported to residents and the public. Instead of reporting a positive test result within 24 hours, we now have permission to distribute a weekly summary.

Starting today, we will publish a summary every Monday if any positive COVID-19 tests were reported in the previous week. For example, today’s summary includes COVID-19 tests conducted between May 28 and June 3. If no positive cases were reported during the previous week, a summary will not be distributed.

CHCC will continue to test all staff and all consenting residents according to local, state, and federal guidelines. In the event of an outbreak or other occurrence, we may increase the frequency of information being shared with you.

Cumulative cases for the week of May 28 – June 3:
Staff: 1
Residents: 0

May 3: One CHCC staff member tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, May 2. This staff member was not in the building during the contagious period, so no residents potentially were exposed.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning May 1 include:

• Staff: 1
• Residents: 0

May 19: One CHCC staff member tested positive for COVID-19 on May 18. This staff member was in the building during the contagious period, so all residents who potentially were exposed are being tested.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning May 14 include:

• Staff: 1
• Residents: 0

May 26: One CHCC staff member tested positive for COVID-19 on May 22. This staff member was in the building during the contagious period, so all residents who potentially were exposed are being tested.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning May 21 include:

• Staff: 1
• Residents: 0

April 21: Two CHCC staff members tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday, April 21. These staff members were in the building during the contagious period, so all residents who potentially were exposed are being tested.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning April 16 include:

• Staff: 2
• Residents: 0

April 14: One CHCC staff member tested positive for COVID-19 Thursday, April 13. This staff member was in the building during the contagious period, so all residents who potentially were exposed are being tested.

April 12: We are pleased to announce that effective immediately, residents of CHCC are no longer required to wear a mask unless they choose to do so. However, if a resident becomes ill and/or is placed on transmission-based precautions, they will be required to wear a mask when outside of their room.

Staff, visitors, volunteers, vendors, community members, etc. must continue to always wear a mask when inside the building. A surgical grade mask will be provided at check-in, if needed.

Please do not enter CHCC if you are sick or if you have been exposed to any virus. Your cooperation helps prevent the spread of illness to vulnerable adults and to the workers who care for them. Thank you.

In other news, surveyors from the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) arrived at CHCC April 11. Their visit — typically four to five business days — is part of an annual review process that ensures our care center operates safely and in compliance with state and federal regulations. Surveyors may interview residents and staff as part of their work here.

April 3: One CHCC staff member tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday, April 2. No residents potentially were exposed, but there was possible staff exposure. Those staff members will be monitored.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning April 2 include:

• Staff: 1
• Residents: 0

March 29: One CHCC staff member tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, March 28. This staff member was not in the building during the contagious period, so no residents potentially were exposed.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning March 26 include:

• Staff: 1
• Residents: 0

March 3: Due to current levels of COVID-19, the flu and respiratory viruses across the state, we would like to share the following reminders with all people who live, work and visit CHCC:

• CHCC is a medical facility, which means all persons — staff, visitors, volunteers, vendors, community members, etc. — inside the building must always wear a mask.
• Cloth masks are not permitted. A surgical grade mask will be provided when you check-in, if needed, or you may bring and wear your own N95 mask.
• Hand sanitizer stations are positioned around the building. Please apply hand sanitizer when entering the building and reapply frequently during your time here.
• As the weather improves, consider scheduling an outdoor visit where masks can safely be removed. Schedule a visit here: https://chcclynden.org/visitation/.
• Visitors and residents may eat together if they keep their masks on — only lowering their mask to take a bite or drink. However, we ask that you consider visiting without food and beverages at this time.
• With the exception of comfort carts, which are provided to families during end-of-life, food and beverages (including coffee) are not currently offered to visitors.
• Visitors, volunteers, vendors and community members must stay at least 6 feet away from staff and other residents.

Most importantly, please do not enter CHCC if you are sick or if you have been exposed to COVID-19, the flu or a respiratory virus. Your cooperation helps prevent the spread of illness to vulnerable adults and to the essential workers who care for them. Thank you.

March 2: One CHCC staff member tested positive for COVID-19 Wednesday, March 1. This staff member was in the building during the contagious period, so all residents who potentially were exposed are being tested.
Cumulative cases for the week beginning Feb. 26 include:

• Staff: 1
• Residents: 0

Feb. 25: One CHCC staff member tested positive for COVID-19 Friday, Feb. 24. This staff member was in the building during the contagious period, so all residents who potentially were exposed are being tested.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning Feb. 19 include:

• Staff: 2
• Residents: 0

Feb. 22: One CHCC staff member tested positive for COVID-19 Tuesday, Feb. 21. This staff member was in the building during the contagious period, so all residents who potentially were exposed are being tested.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning Feb. 19 include:

• Staff: 1
• Residents: 0

Feb. 17: New flooring will be installed in our therapeutic rehab area starting Tuesday morning, Feb. 21. The work is expected to take place over a period of three to four weeks.

While this project is underway, the rehab entry doors located on the north side of our building will be generally inaccessible, so everyone coming to CHCC must use the front doors — those closest to Aaron Drive — to access the building. We thank you for your patience as we work through this important upgrade.

Feb. 13: One CHCC staff member tested positive for COVID-19 Sunday, Feb. 12. This staff member was in the building during the contagious period, so all residents who potentially were exposed are being tested.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning Feb. 12 include:

• Staff: 1
• Residents: 0

Jan. 27: One CHCC staff member tested positive for COVID-19 today, Jan. 27. This staff member was in the building during the contagious period, so all residents who potentially were exposed are being tested.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning Jan. 22 include:

• Staff: 1
• Residents: 0

Jan. 20: Two CHCC staff members tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, Jan. 19. One of these staff members was in the building during the contagious period, so all residents who potentially were exposed are being tested.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning Jan. 15 include:

• Staff: 2
• Residents: 0

Jan. 13: Several residents currently are experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness. They have been tested for COVID-19 and have produced negative results.

To help control the spread of illness inside CHCC and out in the community, we ask that loved ones temporarily pause visits with any resident who is symptomatic.

The health and wellness of our residents depends on all of us working together to protect them from exposure. We again ask community members to delay coming to CHCC if they are experiencing symptoms of any type of illness. Please remember that all visitors must wear masks the entire time they are in the building.

Jan. 12: One CHCC staff member tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, Jan. 11. This staff member was not in the building during the contagious period, so no residents potentially were exposed.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning Jan. 8 include:

• Staff: 1
• Residents: 0

Jan. 5: One CHCC staff member tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, Jan. 4. This staff member was in the building during the contagious period, so all residents who potentially were exposed are being tested.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning Jan. 1 include:

• Staff: 4
• Residents: 0

Jan. 4: Two CHCC staff members tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, Jan. 3. One of these staff members was in the building during the contagious period, so all residents who potentially were exposed are being tested.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning Jan. 1 include:

• Staff: 3
• Residents: 0

Jan. 2: One CHCC staff member tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday, Jan. 1. This staff member was in the building during the contagious period, so all residents who potentially were exposed are being tested.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning Jan. 1 include:

• Staff: 1
• Residents: 0

Dec. 27: One CHCC staff member tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday, Dec. 26.  This staff member was not in the building during the contagious period, so no residents potentially were exposed.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning Dec. 25 include:

• Staff: 1
• Residents: 0

Dec. 23: A water pipe sprung a leak inside CHCC earlier today, and one of the patient rooms was impacted. Nobody was in the room at the time.

The water has been shut off while CHCC maintenance crews clean the room and repair the pipe. We expect that everything will return to normal soon.

CHCC is well-prepared for a variety of emergency situations, so our maintenance staff were able to respond quickly to address the issue. We thank them and all of our team members for their excellent efforts to minimize the damage and inconvenience.

As you know, we have been experiencing extremely cold weather here in North Whatcom County lately. We hope that everyone can stay safe out there and enjoy a Merry Christmas as the weather warms up.

Dec. 23: One CHCC staff member tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, Dec. 22. This staff member was in the building during the contagious period, so all residents who potentially were exposed are being tested.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning Dec. 18 include:

• Staff: 1
• Residents: 0

Dec. 16: One CHCC staff member tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, Dec. 15. This staff member was in the building during the contagious period, so all residents who potentially were exposed are being tested.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning Dec. 11 include:

• Staff: 2
• Residents: 0

Dec. 13: One CHCC staff member tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday, Dec. 12. This staff member was not in the building during the contagious period, so no residents potentially were exposed.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning Dec. 11 include:

• Staff: 1
• Residents: 0

Nov. 30: One CHCC staff member tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, Nov. 29. This staff member was in the building during the contagious period, so all residents who potentially were exposed are being tested.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning Nov. 27 include:

• Staff: 2
• Residents: 0

Nov. 28: One CHCC staff member tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday, Nov. 27. This staff member was in the building during the contagious period, so all residents who potentially were exposed are being tested.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning Nov. 27 include:

• Staff: 1
• Residents: 0

Nov. 26: One CHCC staff member tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday, Nov. 25. This staff member was in the building during the contagious period, so all residents who potentially were exposed are being tested.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning Nov. 20 include:

• Staff: 4
• Residents: 0

Nov. 24: One CHCC staff member tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, Nov. 23. This staff member was in the building during the contagious period, so all residents who potentially were exposed are being tested.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning Nov. 20 include:

• Staff: 3
• Residents: 0

Nov. 23: Two CHCC staff members tested positive for COVID-19 Tuesday, Nov. 22. One was in the building during the contagious period, so all residents who potentially were exposed are being tested.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning Nov. 20 include:

• Staff: 2
• Residents: 0

Nov. 22: We’re pleased to report that CHCC’s main entrance — facing Aaron Drive — will reopen to visitors, volunteers and other community members Nov. 30. Below are a few things you’ll need to know in preparation for that day.

• The Aaron Drive entrance will be staffed from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
• Long-term care visitors, volunteers, vendors and community members are asked to park in the front of the building and use the Aaron Drive entrance beginning Nov. 30.
• Short-stay rehabilitation visitors should continue to park behind the building and use the rehab entrance.
• If you need to come to CHCC before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., use the rehab entrance.
• Visitors and vendors must sign in and wear a nametag, which will be provided upon entry.
• Masking is required at CHCC and in all long-term care settings.

Most importantly, please do not enter CHCC if you are sick or if you have been exposed to COVID-19, the flu or a respiratory virus. Your cooperation helps prevent the spread of illness to vulnerable adults and to the essential workers who care for them.

Added security measures

Both entrances — Aaron Drive and rehab — have been fitted with a doorbell system that is intended to better protect people who live, work and visit here. If either entrance is locked when you arrive, simply ring the doorbell, and a staff member will assist you as soon as possible.

Check the Alert page

Visitation, activities and services at CHCC may change without notice. Please check https://chcclynden.org/alert/ for the latest information before arriving.

Nov. 17: Two CHCC staff members tested positive for COVID-19 Wednesday, Nov. 16. Both these people were in the building during the contagious period, so all residents who potentially were exposed have been tested.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning Nov. 13 include:

• Staff: 3
• Residents: 0

Nov. 15: One CHCC staff member tested positive for COVID-19 Monday, Nov. 14. This person was in the building during the contagious period, so all residents who potentially were exposed have been tested.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning Nov. 13 include:

• Staff: 1
• Residents: 0

Nov. 7: Due to updated guidance from federal, state and local health authorities, the Visitation page on our website has been amended. Below is a summary of the updates:

• Masking remains required in long-term care settings, according to an Oct. 27 pronouncement from the state Department of Health.
• Daily health screening of residents, visitors, staff, volunteers and vendors is no longer required. Visitors will no longer have their temperature taken and otherwise be screened upon entering CHCC. However, please do not visit if you are showing symptoms of COVID-19, have recently been exposed to the virus or otherwise have been ill.
• Visitors’ and residents’ vaccination status no longer affects how they may interact during visits.
• Routine COVID-19 testing of staff and volunteers is no longer required, with the exception that those who are not fully vaccinated must submit to weekly testing. Staff and volunteers who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms also must receive a negative test before entering the building.
• The number of visitors is no longer limited, nor is the length of the visit, except in cases when limitations are necessary to accommodate other residents. In those cases, visits may be limited to 45 minutes.
• Goggles are no longer required for CHCC staff or suggested of visitors.
• Visitors may again use the restroom facilities at CHCC without restrictions.

CHCC has operated with an abundance of caution throughout the pandemic as we have worked to keep residents, staff and visitors safe. While we are encouraged by the changes noted above, we remain cautious about easing the restrictions that have protected our residents thus far. We trust that all who visit CHCC will continue to help make visitation a safe experience for everyone.

Nov. 1: One CHCC staff member tested positive during COVID-19 testing Monday, Oct. 31. This person had not been in the building during the contagious period, so there was no potential exposure.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning Oct. 30 include:

• Staff: 1
• Residents: 0

Oct. 29: Planned repairs to our phone system were completed as projected last night, and all phone and fax numbers associated with CHCC, including our main line — 360-354-4434 — are again functioning.

The temporary phone number that was set up for emergency use only during the outage has now been deactivated.

Oct. 27: A nearby electrical storm Oct. 24 affected several systems at Christian Health Care Center, including call lights, heaters and our phone system.

CHCC is well-prepared for a variety of emergency situations, so our maintenance staff was able to quickly restore most of the systems and equipment that were impacted. The phone system, however, needs additional repairs, including the replacement of parts, to restore it to full functionality.

That work will cause CHCC’s phone system to be inoperable for several hours Oct. 28. Repairs will begin at 9 p.m. to minimize the impact on our residents and on CHCC’s business operations.

Please plan to call and fax information to our residents and staff between 8 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. Oct. 28.

Each nurses’ station has access to an analog phone that they can use to make outbound calls, and a temporary phone number has been set up for emergency inbound calls only during this planned phone system outage. That number is 360-927-2936. Please note that the temporary phone will only be in use during the hours of this telephone outage.

If the phone system repair is delayed, we will post a project update on the Alert page of our website before 8 a.m. Oct. 29. Please check this page for additional information.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we respond to this event.

Oct. 26: One staff member tested positive for COVID-19 on Oct. 25. This person was working during the contagious period but did not have access to residents. All other staff tested Oct. 26 have returned negative results.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning Oct. 23 include:

• Staff: 1
• Residents: 0

Oct. 26: At around midnight on Oct. 24, a nearby lightning strike knocked out call lights in some areas of Christian Health Care Center. The strike also affected several other systems, including the phone system and some in-room heaters.

The CHCC maintenance staff were able to immediately reset most of the services, but the call lights, fax machines and some other office equipment remain inoperable.

CHCC staff immediately implemented 15-minute safety checks on all residents and gave each of them a handheld bell to use for call notifications.

Repairs are underway and will be completed as soon as possible. In the meantime, staff will continue checking on all residents every 15 minutes. Social services staff also are checking in with residents to ensure they feel safe.

Oct. 19: Washington State Department of Ecology has reported that wildfire smoke levels in our area are within an unhealthy range. The air quality index in the Custer/Loomis area was 177 at noon on Oct. 19, and levels are expected to remain high through Oct. 20.

At this level of air quality, everyone should reduce exposure, limit time outside, avoid strenuous outdoor activity, and follow tips for cleaner indoor air that can be found on this info sheet.

Here at CHCC, we are working to reduce the risk of resident and staff smoke exposure by keeping doors and windows closed as much as possible. We ask that you please schedule outings and visits for Oct. 21 or later and consider calling or scheduling a video visit instead of visiting in person.

Stay safe and healthy by monitoring air quality conditions online at https://enviwa.ecology.wa.gov/home/map.

Oct. 12: One staff member has tested positive for COVID-19. This person was working during the contagious period, so all residents who potentially were exposed have been tested. They all have received negative results.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning Oct. 9 include:

• Staff: 1
• Residents: 0

Oct. 7: One contract staff member tested positive for COVID-19 today. The staff member was working during the contagious period, so all potentially exposed residents were tested today and will be tested again Oct. 9.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning Oct. 2 include:

• Staff: 3
• Residents: 0

Oct. 6: One staff member has tested positive for COVID-19. This person was working during the contagious period, but there was no opportunity for exposure.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning Oct. 2 include:

• Staff: 2
• Residents: 0

Oct. 3: On Oct. 2, we were notified that one staff member tested positive for COVID-19. The staff member was working during the contagious period, so all potentially exposed residents were tested. All produced negative results.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning Oct. 2 include:

• Staff: 1
• Residents: 0

Sept. 22: One CHCC contracted worker has tested positive for COVID-19. This person was not in the building during the contagious period, so there is no risk of exposure for residents or staff.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning Sept. 18 include:

• Staff: 1
• Residents: 0

Sept. 8: One staff member tested positive for COVID-19 Sept. 7. This team member was not working during the contagious period, so no staff or residents were potentially exposed.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning Sept. 4 include:

• Staff: 3
• Residents: 0

Sept. 6: Two staff members tested positive for COVID-19 during Labor Day weekend. Neither was working during the contagious period, so no staff or residents were potentially exposed.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning Sept. 4 include:

• Staff: 2
• Residents: 0

Aug. 31: One CHCC staff member tested positive for COVID-19 via a test submitted Aug. 30. In addition, two staff members tested positive on tests taken Aug. 31. All residents who potentially were exposed have been tested and have received negative results. They will be tested again on Tuesday, Sept. 6.

All other staff members tested during regular testing Aug. 31 have returned negative results.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning Aug. 28 include:

• Staff: 3
• Residents: 0

Aug. 26: All CHCC staff members and consenting residents have tested negative for COVID-19 this week, meaning that CHCC is no longer in COVID-19 outbreak status.

No residents are in isolation, and communal dining and activities have resumed.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning Aug. 21 include:

• Staff: 0
• Residents: 0

Aug. 21: One CHCC staff member tested positive for COVID-19 Aug. 20. The staff member was working during the contagious period. Residents already were scheduled for testing Monday, Aug. 22. All staff and consenting residents continue to be tested twice weekly.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning Aug. 14 include:

• Staff: 2
• Residents: 0

Aug. 18: One CHCC staff member tested positive for COVID-19 during staff testing Aug.
17. No residents were potentially exposed.

All residents who were tested Aug. 18 received negative results. All staff and consenting residents
continue to be tested twice weekly.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning Aug. 14 include:

• Staff: 1
• Residents: 0

Aug. 14: One CHCC staff member tested positive for COVID-19 during testing Aug. 13, and they are now isolating at home. All staff and consenting residents are being tested twice weekly.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning Aug. 7 include:

• Staff: 2
• Residents: 5

Aug. 11: One CHCC staff member tested positive for COVID-19 during staff testing Aug. 10, and they are now isolating at home. The staff member was working during the contagious period.

All staff and consenting residents are being tested twice weekly. Upcoming test dates for residents are Aug. 11, 15 and 18.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning Aug. 7 include:

• Staff: 1
• Residents: 5

Aug. 10: Two additional residents have received a positive result from COVID-19 tests taken Aug. 9. The residents have been placed in isolation. In all, 10 CHCC residents are in isolation currently. Testing is ongoing for consenting residents; upcoming test dates are Aug. 12, 15 and 19.

Staff members continue to be tested twice weekly.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning Aug. 7 include:

• Staff: 0
• Residents: 5

Aug. 9: Three residents have received positive results for COVID-19 tests taken Aug. 8 and have been placed in isolation. In all, eight CHCC residents are in isolation currently. Testing is ongoing for consenting residents; upcoming test dates are Aug. 12, 15 and 19.

All staff members who were tested Aug. 8 received negative results. Staff members continue to be tested twice weekly.

CHCC is diligently working to reduce the spread of COVID-19 among our residents and staff. As a result of an increase in positive cases here, all communal dining and group activities were paused Aug. 4 and will remain paused until further notice. Additionally, the use of N95 masks has been increased in most areas of CHCC.

Visitation remains open; however, we ask that friends and family members consider visiting by phone or scheduling a video visit in the days ahead. Details: https://chcclynden.org/visitation/.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning Aug. 7 include:

• Staff: 0
• Residents: 3

Aug. 8: One CHCC staff member has received a positive result for a COVID-19 test taken Aug. 6. Staff members continue to be tested twice weekly. Testing also is ongoing for consenting residents; upcoming test dates are Aug. 8 and Aug. 12.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning July 31 include:

• Staff: 3
• Residents: 5

Aug. 7: One CHCC resident has received a positive result for a COVID-19 test taken Aug. 6. The resident is in isolation for 10 days, and CHCC care team members are using extra precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to others.

Testing is ongoing for consenting residents; upcoming test dates are Aug. 8 and Aug. 12. Staff members continue to be tested twice weekly as well.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning July 31 include:

• Staff: 2
• Residents: 5

Aug. 5: On Aug. 4, three CHCC residents received positive test results for COVID-19. These residents are in isolation for 10 days, and CHCC care team members are using extra precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to others.

All group activities and group dining have been cancelled for now, and all residents continue to be closely monitored for COVID-19 symptoms.

In addition, one CHCC staff member tested positive for COVID-19 on Aug. 4. The staff member was at work during the contagious period.

Testing is ongoing for consenting residents; upcoming test dates are Aug. 5, Aug. 8 and Aug. 12. Staff members continue to be tested twice weekly as well.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning July 31 include:

• Staff: 2
• Residents: 4

Aug. 3: On Aug. 2, one staff member tested positive for COVID-19 via an at-home test. This staff member was working in the building during the contagious period. However, all consenting residents already are being tested due to a resident’s positive test earlier this week.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning July 31 include:

• Staff: 1
• Residents: 1

Aug. 2: One CHCC resident has received a positive result for a COVID-19 test taken today, Aug. 2. The resident is in isolation for 10 days (off Aug. 12), and CHCC care team members are using extra precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to others.

All other residents who were tested today produced negative results.

Consenting residents are being tested Aug. 5, Aug. 9 and Aug. 12. If no more residents produce positive tests during that time, we will stop testing at that point. All residents also are being closely monitored for COVID-19 symptoms.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning July 31 include:

• Staff: 0
• Residents: 1

Aug. 1: On July 30, one staff member tested positive for COVID-19. This staff member was not working in the building during the contagious period, so no residents or staff were potentially exposed.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning July 24 include:

• Staff: 5
• Residents: 0

July 29: On July 29, we learned that one staff member tested positive via an at-home test. This staff member was working during the contagious period, so all potentially exposed residents are being tested.

All other staff members who were tested today received negative results.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning July 24 include:

• Staff: 4
• Residents: 0

July 28: On July 27, one staff member tested positive for COVID-19. This staff member was not working in the building during the contagious period, so no residents or staff were potentially exposed.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning July 24 include:

• Staff: 3
• Residents: 0

July 26: On July 25, we received confirmation that one employee tested positive for COVID-19 over the weekend. The staff member worked at CHCC on Friday, so all residents who potentially were exposed have been tested. All have received negative results and are not experiencing symptoms; they will be tested again in a few days.

In addition, a contracted provider tested positive for COVID-19 in the past week. The worker was not in the building during the period of potential contagion, so there has been no potential exposure.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning July 24 include:

• Staff: 2
• Residents: 0

July 21: On July 20, one staff member tested positive for COVID-19 via an antigen test. This staff member was not working in the building during the contagious period, so no residents or staff were potentially exposed.

Based on updated guidance from the Whatcom County Health Department, CHCC staff will continue to routinely submit antigen tests. PCR tests may be submitted for lab confirmation if determined necessary by clinical assessment.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning July 17 include:

• Staff: 2
• Residents: 0

July 19: On July 18, we received lab confirmation that one staff member produced positive results from a PCR test. This staff member was not working in the building during the contagious period, so no residents or staff were potentially exposed.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning July 17 include:

• Staff: 1
• Residents: 0

July 15: On July 15, we received confirmation that one contract worker has tested positive for COVID-19. The worker has not been in the building recently, so there has been no potential exposure.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning July 10 include:

• Staff: 1
• Residents: 0

July 6: Today, we received lab confirmation that two staff members who submitted PCR tests July 5 produced positive results. Those staff members were not working in the building during the contagious period, so no residents or staff were potentially exposed.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning July 3 include:

• Staff: 3
• Residents: 0

July 1: On July 1, we received lab confirmation that one staff member who submitted a PCR test on June 30 produced a positive result. All consenting residents who were potentially exposed were tested and have received negative results. They will be tested again on Tuesday. The staff member produced a negative result via antigen testing on June 29 and a positive result June 30.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning June 26 include:

• Staff: 1
• Residents: 0

June 21: On June 20, we were notified that two staff members, both of them symptomatic, produced positive results on at-home tests for COVID-19, one on June 18 and the other on June 20. The second staff member also tested positive on an antigen test taken here at CHCC June 21. No residents or staff were potentially exposed.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning June 19 include:

• Staff: 2
• Residents: 0

June 17: On June 16, we were notified that one staff member produced a positive result on two separate at-home tests for COVID-19. No residents or staff were potentially exposed.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning June 12 include:

• Staff: 1
• Residents: 0

June 10: On June 10, we received lab confirmation that one staff member who submitted a PCR test on June 9 produced a positive result. The staff member was not working in the building during the contagious period, so no residents or staff were potentially exposed. The staff member produced a negative result via antigen testing on June 9.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning June 5 include:

• Staff: 3
• Residents: 0

June 8: One staff member tested positive for COVID-19 via antigen testing on June 7, and that result was confirmed by the lab June 8. All residents who potentially were exposed to COVID-19 have been notified and tested (if consenting).

Cumulative cases for the week beginning June 5 include:

• Staff: 2
• Residents: 0

June 7: One staff member tested positive for COVID-19 via antigen testing on June 6, and that result was confirmed by the lab June 7. All residents who potentially were exposed to COVID-19 have been notified and tested (if consenting).

Cumulative cases for the week beginning June 5 include:

• Staff: 1
• Residents: 0

June 3: One staff member tested positive for COVID-19 via antigen testing on June 1, and their result was confirmed by the lab June 2. A second staff member tested positive for COVID-19 via antigen testing on June 2, and their result was confirmed by the lab today. No residents or staff were potentially exposed.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning May 29 include:

• Staff: 4
• Residents: 0

June 1: Two staff members tested positive for COVID-19 via antigen testing on May 30, and their results were confirmed by the lab June 1. No residents or staff were potentially exposed.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning May 29 include:

• Staff: 2
• Residents: 0

May 27: One staff member tested positive for COVID-19 via antigen testing on May 25, and their result was confirmed by the lab May 26. No residents or staff were potentially exposed.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning May 22 include:

• Staff: 4
• Residents: 0

May 25: One staff member tested positive for COVID-19 via antigen testing on May 23, and their result was confirmed by the lab May 24. All residents who potentially were exposed to COVID-19 were notified and tested (if consenting). All produced negative results.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning May 22 include:

• Staff: 3
• Residents: 0

May 23: On May 22, we received lab confirmation that two staff members who submitted PCR tests May 21 produced positive results. They were working in the building during their contagious period, so all residents who potentially were exposed to COVID-19 were notified and tested (if consenting). All produced negative PCR results.

CHCC will continue to test all staff and all consenting residents per local, state and federal guidelines.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning May 22 include:

• Staff: 2
• Residents: 0

Our determination to protect CHCC residents from COVID-19 continues, but we need your help. We ask all readers of this alert to practice frequent handwashing and to stay home if they are sick or if they have been exposed to people with the virus.

May 20: On May 19, we received lab confirmation that two staff members who submitted PCR tests on May 18 produced positive results. They were working in the building during their contagious period, so all consenting residents were notified and tested. All produced negative results via antigen testing on May 19.

Additionally, we received lab confirmation that another staff member who submitted a PCR test May 19 produced a positive result on May 20.

CHCC will continue to test all staff and all consenting residents per local, state and federal guidelines.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning May 15 include:

• Staff: 6
• Residents: 0

Whatcom County is again an area of high transmission. As of May 17, the COVID-19 rates were at 208.5 per 100,000 population — trending up from recent weeks. Higher transmission rates in the community have a negative impact on our staff and on our residents. Please be cautious and do what it takes to control the spread of COVID-19.

May 18: Yesterday, we received lab confirmation that both staff members who submitted PCR tests on May 16 produced positive results. They were not working in the building during their contagious period, so no residents or staff were potentially exposed.

Additionally, one staff member tested positive for COVID-19 via antigen testing May 17, and we have received lab confirmation of that result. They did work in the building during their contagious period. All residents who potentially were exposed to the virus will be notified and tested (if consenting).

CHCC will continue to test all staff and all consenting residents per local, state and federal guidelines.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning May 15 include:

• Staff: 3
• Residents: 0

May 17: On May 16, one staff member tested positive for COVID-19 via an antigen test. They have submitted a PCR test and are isolating at home while we await confirmation from the lab.

They were not working in the building during their contagious period, so no residents or staff were potentially exposed.

CHCC will continue to test all staff and all consenting residents per local, state and federal guidelines.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning May 15 include:

• Staff: 1
• Residents: 0

May 9: One staff member received a positive PCR lab test on May 8. All residents who potentially were exposed to COVID-19 were notified and tested (if consenting) May 8. All produced negative PCR results.

CHCC will continue to test all staff and all consenting residents per local, state and federal guidelines.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning May 8 include:

• Staff: 1
• Residents: 0

May 5: One staff member tested positive for COVID-19 via antigen testing on May 4. Their result was confirmed by the lab. All other staff produced negative results, and no residents were potentially exposed.

CHCC will continue to test all staff and all consenting residents per local, state and federal guidelines.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning May 1 include:

• Staff: 1
• Residents: 0

​April 23: Today, one staff member tested positive for COVID-19 via a PCR lab test. No residents were potentially exposed.

CHCC will continue to test all staff and all consenting residents per local, state and federal guidelines.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning April 17 include:

• Staff: 2
• Residents: 0

April 21: One staff member tested positive for COVID-19 via antigen testing on April 20. Their result was confirmed by the lab April 21. All other staff produced negative results, and no residents were potentially exposed.

This is the first positive test since Mar. 8. CHCC will continue to test all staff and all consenting residents per local, state and federal guidelines.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning April 17 include:

• Staff: 1
• Residents: 0

Visitation guidance: While it is not necessary, all guests are encouraged to schedule visits in advance — by phone or online at https://chcclynden.org/visitation/. Doing so ensures that the visit will begin without delay and that a resident’s daily schedule (therapies, personal care, meals, medications) will not be interrupted. Scheduling visits in advance also helps CHCC comply with social distancing guidelines — always managing the number of visitors in a resident room and in the building.

March 24: All staff who submitted COVID-19 tests between March 6 and March 23 produced negative results.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning March 20 include:

• Staff: 0
• Residents: 0

CHCC will continue to test all staff and all consenting residents per local, state and federal guidelines.

Visitation update: Per Department of Health guidance, CHCC may require outings and visits to be scheduled in advance around peak holidays such as Easter and Mother’s Day. We ask that you please do so at this time — by phone or online at https://chcclynden.org/visitation/ — to ensure you get the time of your choosing.

Advanced scheduling helps CHCC comply with regulations that have been put in place to protect our residents and staff. For example, we are required to manage social distancing guidelines and always monitor the number of visitors in a resident’s room and in the building.

Scheduling outings and visits also ensures that you can start your visit without delay. If you do not schedule a visit in advance, it is highly likely that you’ll have to wait to visit your loved one.

Wearing a mask and being screened for COVID-19 continues to be required for all visitors.

Visitation guidelines continue to evolve. Please review https://chcclynden.org/visitation/ before planning an outing, indoor or outdoor visit or a video chat with someone receiving care at CHCC.

March 8: One staff member tested positive for COVID-19 March 5. Their result was confirmed by the lab March 6. As a result, a potentially exposed resident is quarantined in their room.

CHCC will continue to test all staff and all consenting residents per local, state and federal guidelines.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning March 6 include:

• Staff: 1
• Residents: 0

Visitation update: On March 7, a new visitation policy took effect at CHCC. The policy allows increased access to long-term care residents and therapeutic rehabilitation patients under certain conditions. Please check https://chcclynden.org/visitation/ before arriving at CHCC.

While it is not necessary, you are encouraged to schedule visits in advance — by phone or online at https://chcclynden.org/visitation/. Doing so ensures that your visit will begin without delay and that a resident’s daily schedule (therapies, personal care, meals) will not be interrupted. Scheduling visits in advance also helps CHCC comply with social distancing guidelines — always managing the number of visitors in a resident room and in the building.

March 2: Effective March 7, 2022, a number of visitation restrictions at CHCC will be lifted in accordance with new guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). The new guidance was released in the state’s “Long Term Care COVID Response” document dated Feb. 23.

The LTC COVID Response document states that we are now allowed to ease visitation restrictions and facilitate all in person visits consistent with the applicable CMS regulations.

It is with great caution that we ease the restrictions that have protected our residents during the pandemic, and we hope you will work with us to make this transition a safe experience for everyone who lives and works at CHCC.

An important reminder: Christian Health Care Center and all long-term care centers operate under more restrictive guidelines than other businesses and organizations. While indoor mask mandates may be lifted in Washington state this month, those mandates do not apply to those entering health care centers. Masking is still a requirement for all staff and visitors.

In the past week, we have updated our visitation policy and worked to adjust systems and educate our staff about the changes. Below you will find a summary of the visitation policy.

• CHCC will continue to follow federal, state and local health departments’ infection control guidelines to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
• Visitation hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days per week.
• Visitors will be screened for symptoms and exposure to COVID-19.
• Visitors will use alcohol-based hand rub upon entry, remain 6 feet away from staff and other residents and always wear a well-fitting mask (surgical or N95) when inside CHCC, including when they are alone in a resident’s room.
• Regardless of vaccination status, CHCC will strongly advise residents to wear a mask or other face covering and to social distance.
• Outdoor visits are preferred and should be considered whenever practicable. Visits by phone and remote video technology are encouraged.
• Scheduling visits in advance — by phone or online at https://chcclynden.org/visitation/ — is highly recommended. Doing so ensures that visits will begin without delay and that they will not interrupt a resident’s daily schedule (therapies, personal care, meals). Scheduling visits in advance also helps CHCC comply with social distancing guidelines — always managing the number of visitors in a resident room and in the building.
• Visitors will walk directly to and from the resident’s room or designated visitation area — approaching and engaging only with the person they are visiting.
• Conversations about a person’s care and well-being will be facilitated via phone by calling 360-354-4434 and asking to speak with a licensed nurse.
• Transitioning between two or more rooms is not permitted at this time. If visiting more than one resident, the visits will occur at separate times.
• If there is a room where one or more of the residents is unvaccinated or immunocompromised, or if a roommate does not want visitors in their room, visits will take place in a designated space outside of that room.
• The length of visits is no longer limited if physical distancing can be maintained, and if the visit poses no risk to or infringes upon other residents’ rights. There may be times when a person is asked to end their visit so the resident’s roommate can welcome their visitors or if another resident is waiting to use a designated visiting area.
• Visits can occur in the resident’s room if their roommate agrees, and if the visitors are able to maintain a six-foot distance from the roommate and all staff members. For this reason, please try to come alone or in small groups (fewer than three people).
• If the resident and their visitor(s) are up to date with all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses, while alone in the resident’s room or the designated visitation room, the resident may choose to have close contact, including touch.
• Large group gatherings are not allowed at this time.
• If visiting someone in quarantine or on transmission-based precautions, the visitor will wear full personal protective equipment, including a KN95 or N95 mask, gloves, gown and goggles or a face shield.
• All high touch surfaces in shared visitation areas will be sanitized between visits.
• Visitors are discouraged from using any restroom in the building. If they use a restroom, they will notify staff so the restroom can be sanitized.
• With prior approval (call 360-354-4434), pets on a leash or in a carrier are permitted during visits. If the resident touches the pet, hand hygiene will be necessary when they are done.

On occasion, the Whatcom County Health Department asks us to pause in-person visits. Visitors will be notified as soon as possible if that happens on a scheduled visit day.

CHCC can deny visitations if circumstances are believed to pose a risk of transmitting COVID-19 because the resident or visitor does not comply with infection control guidance, or if the resident or visitor is at risk of abuse or harm.

Feb. 15: Three staff members tested positive via antigen testing Feb. 14. They each submitted a PCR test, which has been confirmed by the lab and are isolating at home. They did not work at CHCC during their period of contagion, so no residents were impacted.

CHCC will continue to test all staff and all consenting residents per local, state and federal guidelines.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning Feb. 13 include:

• Staff: 3
• Residents: 0

Feb. 10: One staff member tested negative via antigen testing Feb. 8 but tested positive via PCR testing Feb. 9. Another staff member tested positive via antigen testing Feb. 9. They submitted a PCR test, which has been confirmed by the lab. They are both isolating at home.

All residents who potentially were exposed to COVID-19 were notified and tested (if consenting) Feb. 9. All produced negative PCR results.

CHCC will continue to quarantine select residents on an as-needed basis, and we will continue to test all staff and all consenting residents per local, state and federal guidelines.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning Feb. 6 include:

• Staff: 4
• Residents: 0

Feb. 8: On Feb. 7, one staff member tested positive for COVID-19 via antigen testing. They submitted a PCR test, which has been confirmed by the lab. Another staff member tested negative via antigen testing, but later tested positive via PCR testing. They are both isolating at home.

All residents who potentially were exposed to COVID-19 have been notified and will be tested (if consenting) today.

Communal dining and group activities remain paused until further notice. CHCC will continue to quarantine select residents on an as-needed basis, and we will continue to test all staff and all consenting residents per local, state and federal guidelines.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning Feb. 6 include:

• Staff: 2
• Residents: 0

Feb. 3: On Feb. 2, three staff members tested positive for COVID-19 via an antigen test. They each submitted a PCR test, which has been confirmed by the lab.

All residents who potentially were exposed to COVID-19 have been notified and tested (if consenting). All produced negative results Feb. 2.

CHCC will continue to quarantine select residents on an as-needed basis, and we will continue to test all staff and all consenting residents per local, state and federal guidelines.

Cumulative cases for the week beginning Jan. 30 include:

• Staff: 6
• Residents: 0

Feb. 1: On Jan. 31, three staff members tested positive for COVID-19 via an antigen test. They each submitted a PCR test, which has been confirmed by the lab.

All residents who potentially were exposed to COVID-19 have been notified and tested (if consenting). All produced negative results Jan. 31.

The one resident who tested positive for COVID-19 Jan. 21 has completed their stay in our designated care unit and returned to their normal room Feb. 1.

CHCC will continue to quarantine select residents on an as-needed basis, and we will continue to test all staff and all consenting residents per local, state and federal guidelines.

Jan. 28: On Jan. 28, one staff member tested positive for COVID-19 via an antigen test. The staff member has submitted a PCR test and is isolating at home while we await confirmation from the lab.

All residents who potentially were exposed to COVID-19 have been notified and are being tested (if consenting) and monitored for symptoms.

Communal dining and group activities remain paused until further notice, and residents are being monitored daily for symptoms. Some residents are quarantined in their room, and others are being encouraged to remain in their room as a precaution.

CHCC will continue to test all staff and all consenting residents per local, state and federal guidelines.

Jan. 27: On Jan. 26, two staff members tested positive for COVID-19 via an antigen test. They have submitted a PCR test and are isolating at home while we await confirmation from the lab.

All residents who potentially were exposed to COVID-19 have been notified and are being tested (if consenting) and monitored for symptoms.

Communal dining and group activities remain paused until further notice, and residents are being monitored daily for symptoms. Some residents are quarantined in their room, and others are being encouraged to remain in their room as a precaution.

All staff who submitted PCR tests Jan. 16-22 produced positive results. Those staff members had already been quarantined at home, so there was no additional exposure here at CHCC.

CHCC will continue to test all staff and all consenting residents per local, state and federal guidelines.

Jan. 23: On Jan. 22, one staff member tested positive for COVID-19 via an antigen test. They have submitted a PCR test, and we await the results from the lab.

Lab results received Jan. 22 confirmed that the one resident who produced a positive antigen result Jan. 22 has COVID-19. CHCC care team members have been assigned to monitor and provide care for the resident while they are in our designated care unit. To limit the potential of spread to others in the building, those staff will not interact with other staff or residents while working in the DCU.

All consenting residents who were PCR tested Jan. 21 produced negative results.

Jan. 21: This morning, one of our residents tested positive for COVID-19 after being given an antigen test due to symptoms. We have submitted a PCR test and are awaiting the results. A test of the resident’s roommate was negative, and out of an abundance of caution, we are currently testing all residents who live in the same area of the building.

The resident was likely exposed to COVID-19 during a community outing with family on Monday, but we can’t be certain. All staff in the area already have been wearing N95 respirators and donning other personal protective equipment (PPE) and will continue to do so. Because of that, we are hoping that this will be an isolated event.

While we await the PCR test results, we have activated the designated care unit (DCU) and have moved the resident into that area.

Communal dining and group activities remain paused, and N95 masks and disposable PPE continue to be used in select care units. All staff and all consenting residents continue to be tested per local, state and federal guidelines.

Jan. 20: Six staff members tested positive for COVID-19 via antigen tests Jan. 19. They have submitted PCR tests and are quarantined at home as we await results from the lab.

One additional staff member produced a positive PCR result from a test they submitted Jan. 18.

All residents who potentially were exposed to COVID-19 have been notified and will be tested (if consenting) and monitored for symptoms. No residents have tested positive for COVID-19 thus far.

Communal dining and group activities remain paused. The use of N95 masks and disposable personal protective equipment continue to be used in select care units. All staff and all consenting residents continue to be tested per local, state and federal guidelines.

Jan. 18: As of Jan. 17, the COVID-19 case rate per 100,000 in Whatcom County was 1,376.68. That is the highest rate we have seen during the entire pandemic, and we have had a record number of staff absences as a result. Communal dining, group activities and some in person visitation will remain paused until a number of staff who are isolating at home can safely return to work.

We remain focused on CHCC’s mission of providing skilled nursing with compassion and love in Christ’s name during this extremely challenging time. Staff who have not been impacted by community exposure continue to show up and tirelessly provide essential care for our residents.

No residents have tested positive for COVID-19 thus far; however, three more staff members tested positive via antigen tests — two Jan. 17 and one Jan. 18. They each submitted a PCR test, and they are quarantined at home as we await results from the lab.

All residents who potentially were exposed to COVID-19 were notified and, if consenting, will be tested Jan. 18 and Jan. 21. CHCC will continue to test all staff and all consenting residents per local, state and federal guidelines.

Please pray for the health and safety of all who live and work here and do what you can to help reduce the spread of this virus in our community so we can quickly move through this wave. Stay home more often. Wear a mask and wash your hands frequently. Become fully vaccinated, including the booster if qualified to do so. Find a vaccination clinic location near you here.

Lastly, after delays due to a surge of tests to process, the lab reported that all staff who submitted PCR tests Jan. 3-11 produced positive results. Those staff members had already been quarantined at home, so there was no additional exposure here at CHCC.

Jan. 11: Eight staff members tested positive for COVID-19 via antigen tests — six Jan. 10 and two Jan. 11. They have each submitted a PCR test. Each person is quarantined at home as we await results from the lab, which are delayed due to high volumes.

All consenting residents who potentially were exposed to COVID-19 were notified and tested. All produced negative results.

CHCC is diligently working to mitigate the surge of the Omicron variant in Whatcom County and the impact it has had on staffing here. As a result, all communal dining and group activities will remain paused until at least Jan. 19. Additionally, the use of N95 masks and disposable personal protective equipment will be increased in select care units.

We are communicating with the Whatcom County Health Department and closely monitoring PPE and COVID-19 testing supplies due to potential shortages. CHCC is currently asking for donations of handmade fabric masks, which are used heavily by our residents.

Our nursing department is also managing additional precautions for residents that include daily monitoring for symptoms, in-room quarantine, donning masks when staff members are present and pausing in-person visitation.

CHCC will continue to test all staff and all consenting residents per local, state and federal guidelines.

We ask each person who is reading this information to please help reduce the spread of this virus in our community. Stay home when you can. Wear a mask and wash your hands frequently. Become fully vaccinated, including the booster if qualified to do so. Find a vaccination clinic location near you here.

Jan. 9: Three staff members have tested positive for COVID-19 via antigen tests – two Jan. 8 and one Jan. 9. They have each submitted a PCR test, and we await results from the lab.

All consenting residents who potentially were exposed to COVID-19 were notified and will be tested and monitored for symptoms.

CHCC’s nursing staff and leadership team are working hard to respond to this wave of COVID-19 in Whatcom County. We remain focused on protecting the health and safety of our residents and staff and on further reducing the spread of the virus here.

The following proactive measures have now been implemented:

• All communal dining and group activities have been paused until at least Jan. 13.
• The use of fit tested N95 masks has been increased for staff working in two of our care units.
• Some residents are quarantined in their room, and others are being encouraged to remain in their room.
• All residents are being asked to wear a mask at times when staff members are present.
• In person visitation has been paused for those in quarantine. We are asking everyone else to please reschedule in person visits or to connect with their loved ones by phone or video instead of coming into the facility.
• Additional staff testing will take place Jan. 10 and 12.

Thankfully, no residents have tested positive for COVID-19 as a result of the high number of cases in our area. Please do what you can to reduce the spread of this virus in our community and consider praying for the wellness of all who live and work here.

Jan. 6: COVID-19 transmission rates are at all-time highs in our community and across the nation, and we are feeling the impact of that here at CHCC.

Northwest Laboratory confirmed that the three staff members who submitted PCR tests earlier this week have produced positive results. Each person is under quarantine at home.

An additional six staff members tested positive for COVID-19 via antigen tests, one Jan. 4, and five Jan. 5. Those results were confirmed by the lab Jan. 6.

All consenting residents who potentially were exposed to COVID-19 this week were notified and tested Jan. 5. Thankfully, all have produced negative results. However, as a measure of caution, the Whatcom County Health Department has advised us to quarantine select residents in their room through Jan. 7. In person visitation has been paused for those residents.

The health department has also advised CHCC to pause all communal dining and group activities until at least Jan. 10 when consenting residents who were impacted by these potential exposures and all staff will be tested again.

Consenting residents who were impacted by this exposure and all staff will be tested again Jan. 5.

Jan. 3: Three staff members have tested positive for COVID-19 via antigen tests, one Jan. 1, and the other two Jan. 3. All have submitted a PCR test, and we await the results from the lab.

All consenting residents who potentially were exposed to COVID-19 have been notified and tested. All produced negative results; however, as a measure of caution, the Whatcom County Health Department has advised us to quarantine potentially exposed residents in their room through Jan. 5. Visitation, communal dining and group activities have been paused for those individuals.

Consenting residents who were impacted by this exposure and all staff will be tested again Jan. 5.

​Dec. 28: On Dec. 27, one staff member tested positive for COVID-19 via an antigen test. Lab confirmation of that result was received Dec. 28.

The staff member worked at CHCC during their contagious period, before they showed symptoms. All consenting residents who potentially were exposed to COVID-19 through this staff member have been notified and tested. All produced negative results.

Due to the potential for exposure, residents living in the part of the building in which the employee worked will quarantine in their room through Jan. 1. The residents who were impacted by this exposure and all staff will be tested again Dec. 30.

Dec. 9: All staff who submitted antigen tests Dec. 6 produced negative results.

However, on Dec. 8, one staff member tested positive. PCR test results have confirmed that they have COVID-19. Thankfully, that staff member did not work in the building during their period of contagion.

Today, testing of all consenting residents produced negative results. The residents who were placed in quarantine Dec. 3 due to potential exposure have been cleared to resume normal activities.

Dec. 3: After community exposure to COVID-19 and the onset of symptoms, one staff member has tested positive via an at-home test. We are awaiting the results of a PCR test, which we expect to have tomorrow, Dec. 4.

The staff member has been at work recently, so we are testing everyone with whom the person had close contact while at CHCC and everyone in the area in which the employee worked.

Due to the potential for exposure, residents living in the part of the building in which the employee worked will need to stay there through Dec. 9, not attending communal dining or group activities. Two residents with close contact have been placed on quarantine.

Dec. 2: All staff tested for COVID-19 on Dec. 1 produced negative results.

Nov. 24: All staff tested for COVID-19 on Monday, Nov. 22, and all consenting residents who submitted antigen tests Nov. 24, produced negative results.

However, today, on Nov. 24, two CHCC staff members tested positive for COVID-19 via antigen testing. They are now quarantined at home.

One of the staff members who tested positive did not work at CHCC during their contagious period. The other staff member did work at CHCC during their contagious period, before they showed any symptoms.

One resident who potentially was exposed to COVID-19 has been notified, tested and placed into quarantine. All staff and all potentially exposed residents will be tested again on Monday, November 29.

Nov. 18: All staff who submitted antigen tests on Nov. 17 received negative results.

Nov. 11: All staff tested for COVID-19 on Monday, Nov. 8, received negative results. Today, on Nov. 11, CHCC received positive PCR results for one staff member. That person, who is now in quarantine, had no contact with residents and very limited contact with staff, and there was no potential for exposure inside CHCC. All staff will be tested again on Monday, November 15.

Nov. 1: Today, one staff member tested positive for COVID-19 via an antigen test. They had already been in quarantine, so there was no exposure to residents or staff at CHCC.

​Oct. 28: All staff who submitted antigen tests Oct. 27 received negative results.

Oct. 22: Through additional PCR testing, we learned that the resident who was moved to our designated care unit Oct. 20 does not have COVID-19. The Whatcom County Health Department has determined that the original test result was a false positive, and they have advised us to return the resident to their normal room and to deactivate the designated care unit again.

We have permission from the health department to cancel the testing of residents that was mentioned in our Oct. 21 update. Resident testing again will be done on as needed basis.

One staff member produced a positive antigen test Oct. 22. A second antigen test produced a negative result. A PCR lab test has been submitted to confirm the results, and we await the results of that test. That staff member was not around residents during their period of contagion.

Oct. 21: On Oct. 20 we learned that one resident tested positive for COVID-19 via a PCR test they submitted Oct. 19. A second PCR test was submitted Oct. 20, and that test produced a negative result. Another PCR test was submitted today. We await those results.

The resident has not been symptomatic; however, they were moved to CHCC’s designated care unit (DCU) Oct. 20 as a precaution to limit the potential of spread to others in the building. CHCC care team members have been assigned to provide care for the resident while they are in the DCU. They will not interact with other staff or residents while working in the DCU.

Consenting residents who reside in the same area of the building as the person who tested positive for COVID-19 submitted antigen tests Oct. 20. Those tests produced negative results. Those residents will submit antigen tests daily through Oct. 24 unless we learn that the COVID-positive resident is determined to be a false positive.

As a precaution, all consenting residents will submit a PCR test Oct. 21 and Oct. 25.

In addition, all staff who submitted antigen tests Oct. 20 received negative results. Per Whatcom County Health Department guidance, CHCC will continue twice-weekly testing of staff.

Please know that our determination to protect CHCC residents from COVID-19 never stops. We are prepared to do whatever it takes to minimize the spread of the virus if it enters our building from sources in the community.

We ask all readers of this alert to get vaccinated if they have not done so, to practice frequent handwashing and to stay home if they are sick or if they have been exposed to people with the virus. The healthier our community is, the sooner our staff and residents will be able to reduce the frequency of COVID-19 testing.

Oct. 16: Two CHCC staff members have tested positive for COVID-19 via PCR tests submitted Oct. 15. Both were symptomatic after having been exposed to COVID-19 in the community.

Both staff members worked at CHCC during their contagious period, before they showed any symptoms. All residents who potentially were exposed to COVID-19 through these staff members have been notified, tested and placed into quarantine.

All CHCC staff continue to be tested at least twice weekly. Further testing of most residents is not necessary at this time.

Oct. 13: All staff who submitted antigen tests today received negative results.

Oct. 7: All staff who submitted antigen tests Oct. 6 received negative results.

Oct. 5: One staff member tested positive for COVID-19 via an antigen test submitted Oct. 4. That result was confirmed via PCR lab testing.

That staff member had limited contact with residents and staff. Residents who may have had direct contact are being tested daily this week.

Per Whatcom County Health Department guidance, CHCC will continue twice-weekly testing of staff.

Sept. 30: All consenting residents who submitted COVID-19 tests Sept. 28 received negative results. All staff who submitted antigen tests Sept. 29 received negative results.

Based on current conditions, the Whatcom County Health Department has granted CHCC permission to resume testing residents on an as-needed basis. Staff will continue to be tested in accordance with Whatcom County Health Department guidelines.

Sept. 28: All staff who submitted antigen tests Sept. 27 received negative results.

Sept. 23: All consenting residents who submitted COVID-19 tests Sept. 21 received negative results. All staff who submitted antigen tests Sept. 22 received negative results.

Sept. 21: All staff who submitted antigen tests Sept. 20 received negative results.

Sept. 17: One staff member tested positive for COVID-19 via a PCR lab test. They had already been quarantining due to exposure from a family member, so no residents or staff were exposed to the virus.

Sept. 16: All consenting residents who submitted COVID-19 tests Sept. 14 received negative results. All staff who submitted antigen tests Sept. 15 received negative results.

Due to an updated order from the Washington State Department of Health and new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, anyone entering CHCC for any reason must wear a face covering at all times they are in the building, regardless of vaccination status.

In addition, residents must wear face coverings (except for those medically unable to do so) when they are outside of their rooms, except when eating or drinking, regardless of vaccination status.

Visitors must wear a mask at all times, even when in a resident’s room, and they may no longer eat while within the building.

According to the new rule from the health department, which took effect Sept. 13: “Every person in Washington state must wear a face covering that covers their nose and mouth when they are in a place where any person from outside their household is present or in a place that is generally accessible to any person from outside their household,” subject to certain exceptions.

Sept. 14: One CHCC staff member tested positive for COVID-19 via an antigen test submitted Sept. 13. This was confirmed via a PCR test Sept. 14. The staff member has not been at the facility during the contagious period and thus has not exposed any residents to the virus.

All consenting residents are submitting PCR tests today, Sept. 14. Weekly testing of residents and twice-weekly testing of CHCC staff will continue until further notice.

Sept. 9: All staff who submitted routine (weekly) antigen tests Sept. 9 received negative results.

We received the remaining PCR tests from residents who were tested for COVID-19 Sept. 7. All produced negative results.

Sept. 8: One staff member tested positive for COVID-19 via an antigen test submitted Sept. 7. That result was confirmed via PCR lab testing.

In addition, one other CHCC staff member tested positive for COVID-19 over the weekend, while quarantining due to exposure from a family member.

Neither staff member was at CHCC during the contagious period, so no residents were exposed to the virus from either of them.

Per Whatcom County Health Department guidance, CHCC will continue twice-weekly testing of staff; this will continue until the Whatcom County positivity rate is below 10% for two weeks.

All consenting residents were tested Sept. 7. All results received so far have been negative, and we are still waiting for three results. If all results from resident tests are negative through Sept. 15, the Whatcom County Health Department will allow CHCC to reduce resident testing to once per week.

Sept. 3: All CHCC team members and residents who submitted PCR tests for COVID-19 Sept. 1 have received negative results.

All staff and consenting residents will be tested again on Tuesday, Sept. 7, per guidelines. If there are no positive results through Sept. 15, residents will no longer need to be tested twice per week, according to instructions from the Whatcom County Health Department.

On a different note, CHCC is preparing to cautiously reopen the main dining room for both lunch and dinner meals, beginning Monday, Sept. 13. Breakfast will continue to be served individually in resident rooms at this time.

Reopening the dining room will greatly increase the opportunities for residents to socialize. Any unvaccinated residents who want to eat in the dining room will be accommodated at separate tables.

Please plan a safe Labor Day weekend.  Wash your hands frequently, practice social distancing and wear a mask when around others. For the health and wellness of everyone in our community, choose to be vaccinated for COVID-19.

Aug. 31: Whatcom County is experiencing a significant surge of confirmed COVID-19 cases, and we are feeling the impact of that on our staff who are continually at risk of community-based exposure. Thankfully, our residents remain protected.

All residents who submitted PCR tests Aug. 30 received negative results.

Two staff members tested positive for COVID-19 via an antigen test taken Aug. 30. Lab tests confirmed those results Aug. 31. Fortunately, they had not been in the building during their period of contagion.

On Aug. 28, lab results confirmed that the employees who tested positive for COVID-19 via antigen tests Aug. 25 and Aug. 27 have the virus. They had not been in the building during their period of contagion. We await the results of one more symptomatic staff member who submitted a PCR test Aug. 30.

Until the Whatcom County Health Department advises otherwise, CHCC will continue twice-weekly testing of staff and residents.

Please renew your commitment to hand-washing, social distancing and wearing masks. For the health and wellness of everyone in our community, choose to be vaccinated for COVID-19.

Aug. 27: Another staff member has tested positive for COVID-19 via an antigen test submitted Aug. 27. The staff member has submitted a PCR lab test, and we await those test results.

The team member did not have close contact with any residents. Consenting residents were tested for COVID-19 on Aug. 26, but the lab is behind, and we are still waiting for those results. Per Whatcom County Health Department guidance, all consenting residents will be tested again Aug. 30.

Any employees who have had close contact with the positive team member have been notified and have submitted PCR tests. Until the Whatcom County Health Department advises otherwise, CHCC will continue twice-weekly testing of staff.

Aug. 26: One staff member tested positive for COVID-19 via an antigen test they submitted Aug. 25. Their results were confirmed via PCR lab testing Aug. 26.

All residents who had potential exposure to the staff member are quarantined in place. All consenting residents will submit PCR tests Aug. 26. The Whatcom County Health Department has also advised CHCC to test all consenting residents again Aug. 30.

Per Whatcom County Health Department guidance, CHCC will continue twice-weekly testing of staff.

Mandatory vaccination for staff. On Aug. 9, Gov. Jay Inslee issued a proclamation that requires long-term care employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Oct. 18. Unless an employee qualifies for exemption, vaccination will become a condition of employment on that date.

Review the proclamation.

We recognize the difficult position this proclamation puts a wide range of employers and employees in. Many sectors, including long-term care, will lose valued members of their team between now and Oct. 18.

At the same time, it is understood that the proclamation is the result of Washington experiencing a severe increase in COVID cases and hospitalizations in every county, due to the Delta variant. The overwhelming majority of cases and hospitalizations are occurring among unvaccinated individuals. Efforts to reduce the spread of this deadly virus must continue.

CHCC continues to encourage all staff members to help stop the spread of COVID-19 by washing their hands frequently, wearing face coverings when around people they don’t live with, practicing social distancing and becoming fully vaccinated.

Mask mandate. On Aug. 19, the Washington State Department of Health issued an order that requires every person (except children younger than five and people who are medically unable to wear a mask) in Washington state, regardless of their vaccination status, to wear a face-covering when they are in a place where people outside their household are present. Here at CHCC, a household includes only the people who live in a shared room.

Review the order.

To comply with the health department’s order, all residents at CHCC, regardless of their vaccination status, are now required to wear face coverings when they are outside of their room. Volunteers and visitors are required to wear a face-covering at all times they are in the building.

We are weathering another storm; however, we remain focused on the task at hand each day: delivering high-quality patient care to people who rely on us. Please pray for our community and the safety and well-being of everyone who lives and works in long-term care.

Aug. 19: All staff who submitted routine (weekly) antigen tests Aug. 18. received negative results. All quarantined residents who submitted PCR tests Aug. 18 also received negative results; however, continued monitoring and the completion of a 14-day quarantine is required.

Aug. 18: One staff member tested positive for COVID-19 via an antigen test submitted Aug. 17. The results were confirmed via PCR lab testing Aug. 18.

All residents who had potential exposure to the staff member are quarantined in place. All consenting quarantined residents will submit PCR tests Aug. 18. The Whatcom County Health Department has also advised CHCC to test all consenting residents Aug. 20. Results from those tests will be posted on this page when available.

Activities and dining will continue for residents who are not quarantined.

The rate of COVID-19 positivity in Whatcom County — currently at 16.2% — has increased and several staff members have tested positive during the month of August, so the Whatcom County Health Department has advised CHCC to immediately start twice weekly testing of staff. The COVID-19 positivity rate reflects the percentage of positive tests in the previous 14 days.

Unless on vacation or leave of absence, all staff will be tested Aug. 18, 20, 25, 27, 30 and Sept. 1.

Across the nation, community transmission continues to have an impact on the lives of people who live and work in long-term care centers, such as Christian Health Care Center. Please take precautions — handwashing, wearing a mask, social distancing, limiting group activities, vaccination — to help reduce the spread of coronavirus.

Aug. 11: On Aug. 10, CHCC learned of a positive COVID-19 test result from a staff member.

The employee has not been in the building during the contagious period and currently is away on quarantine. Thus, the positive test has no effect on our current operations.

One other employee is currently out on quarantine after a positive test on Aug. 9.

All residents who were tested on Monday have received negative results from the lab. Residents will be tested again on Monday, Aug. 16.

Weekly antigen testing for CHCC staff continues as planned. All staff tested today, Aug. 11, have received negative results.

Aug. 10: On Aug. 9, CHCC learned of a positive COVID-19 test result from a staff member.

All residents who had close contact with the employee have been placed into quarantine precautions and are being closely monitored. Residents with potential exposure have been tested for COVID-19 via in-house antigen tests, all with negative results.

In addition, all residents have been given PCR tests, and we are awaiting lab results. As an extra precaution, residents will be tested again on Monday, Aug. 16.

Weekly antigen testing for CHCC staff continues as planned.

Aug. 6: One staff member has tested positive for COVID-19 via a PCR lab test submitted Aug. 5.

Thankfully, that staff member has not been at CHCC for more than two weeks and did not have direct contact with residents or staff during that time. Therefore, no additional testing of residents and staff was required.

Antigen testing for all CHCC staff will continue every Wednesday, as planned.

Aug. 4: All staff who submitted routine (weekly) COVID-19 tests today received negative results.

Aug. 3: One staff member has tested positive for COVID-19 via a PCR lab test they submitted Aug. 2.

That staff member did not have direct contact with residents. As a precaution, however, all consenting residents submitted PCR tests Aug. 2. Those tested produced negative results.

In addition, staff members who had known contact with the COVID-19-positive person submitted antigen tests. They produced negative results as well.

Weekly antigen testing for all CHCC staff will continue as planned.

July 8: All staff and residents who submitted COVID-19 tests July 7 received negative results. We now have permission to resume testing residents on an as-needed basis — if symptomatic or if they have been potentially exposed to the virus. All staff will continue to be tested weekly.

July 6: On June 30, Washington state reopened under the Washington Ready plan. This allows all industry sectors previously covered by the Roadmap to Recovery or the Safe Start plan to return to usual capacity and operations. Long-term care centers throughout Washington, however, are not included in the Washington Ready plan, so we cannot fully reopen.

Since Aug. 4, 2020, CHCC and all long-term care centers in our state have been operating under the guidance of Safe Start for Long Term Care, which is a 23-page document developed by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services and the Washington State Department of Health. We are required to follow that plan instead of the reopening plans by which other businesses have been guided.

There is some good news, though. The Safe Start for Long-term Care plan was updated July 1, 2021, and some restrictions related to visitation were eased. This is another step in the right direction. Below is a summary of the updates.

• People who are not fully vaccinated and people who have traveled outside of Washington state in the past 14 days are able to visit a person receiving care at CHCC.
• Friends and family members can schedule more than one visit per week.
• Visits still must be scheduled 24 hours in advance so we can monitor the number of visitors who are in the building at one time. An online scheduling app is available to ease that process: https://chcclynden.org/scheduling/.
• Face coverings are still required in all common areas and in situations where either the visitor or the resident is not fully vaccinated.
• When the resident and visitor(s) are fully vaccinated, visits that include food and beverages may occur in private spaces, such as in a resident’s room (not shared with others), or in designated indoor and outdoor visitation areas.

Please review the Visitation page on our website for a detailed list of guidelines visitors must follow: https://chcclynden.org/visitation/.

We understand this situation continues to feel difficult and that some people are frustrated by the process of cautiously reopening long-term care centers such as CHCC. This has been a long and grueling crisis.

Please continue to be patient and show grace to our staff. We are all working toward the common goal of protecting all people who live and work here while simultaneously providing opportunities for families and loved ones to safely connect. Progress is being made, and we are continuing to ease restrictions as we are allowed.

July 1: CHCC is preparing to launch a Green Pass visitor program on July 6 that, under certain criteria, will allow more frequent indoor visitation without the need to make an appointment or show proof of vaccination in order to have a mask-free visit.

If you are a recurring visitor who is fully vaccinated (at least two weeks after completion of a two-dose mRNA series or a single dose of Janssen vaccine), you may now apply for a Green Pass if the person receiving care here is fully vaccinated and if they reside in select private rooms.

Note: Visitors without a Green Pass will continue to schedule visits at least 24 hours in advance and show proof of vaccination each time they arrive in order to have a mask-free visit.

A summary of CHCC’s Green Pass program is provided below.

Green Pass visitors must:

• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of CHCC’s visitation policy and attest that you will adhere to the policy.
• Limit the visit to no more than two hours and be respectful of the resident/patient’s schedule. If the person receiving care here is scheduled for therapy, personal care, meals, or other activities that conflict with a visit, the visitor must end their visit for the day so the resident can be fully engaged in the activity. Exceptions require permission in advance.
• Be screened upon entry and wear a well-fitted face mask whenever you are in the hallway or any other location outside of a private room.
• Wear a Green Pass name tag (provided by CHCC) during your entire visit and return the name tag as you leave the building.
• Remain 6 feet away from all other persons except the resident/patient you are coming to visit, and refrain from engaging staff or other residents/patients in conversation.
• Only visit one resident/patient and walk directly to that person’s private room. Traveling between two rooms (visiting more than one resident) is not allowed.
• Only use the private bathroom in the resident’s room and notify staff after use so the space can be immediately sanitized.
• Understand that no more than three Green Pass visitors will be assigned for each resident. Please consult with the resident/patient and other loved ones before applying for a Green Pass.
• Never share your Green Pass name tag with another visitor.

CHCC can deny visitations if circumstances are believed to pose a risk of transmitting COVID-19 because the resident/patient or visitor does not comply with this guidance or if the resident or visitor is at risk of abuse or harm.

Due to the nature of the pandemic, policies for visitation are subject to change without notice. We will continue to keep you posted as soon as possible; your patience and understanding are appreciated.

Apply for a Green Pass by calling CHCC’s therapeutic recreation department at 360-354-4434. Proof of vaccination is required.

June 24: As a result of community-based exposure, one staff member tested positive for COVID-19 during routine testing that took place June 23. Their test was confirmed via PCR lab testing today. All other staff who submitted tests June 23 tested negative.

All consenting residents submitted PCR tests June 23, and all received negative results today.

While this occurrence does not meet the definition of an outbreak, we have adjusted some living arrangements as a precaution. Three residents who had close contact with the COVID-19-positive staff member have been temporarily moved to private rooms.

Per guidance, all staff and consenting residents will be tested again June 28, July 1 and July 7.

June 17: All staff and residents who submitted COVID-19 tests June 16 received negative results. We now have permission to resume testing residents on an as-needed basis.

All staff will continue to be tested weekly. Next up: June 23 and June 30.

June 4: The final PCR lab test results were received today, and we are happy to report that all consenting residents tested negative.

June 3:  As a result of community-based exposure, one staff member tested positive for COVID-19 during routine testing that took place June 2. Their test was confirmed via PCR lab testing today.

All other staff who submitted tests June 2 tested negative.

All consenting residents submitted PCR lab tests June 2. We’re awaiting test results.

The Whatcom County Health Department has advised us that, while this occurrence does not meet the definition of an outbreak, we need to adjust some living arrangements as a precaution. Two residents who were potentially exposed to the COVID-19-positive staff member have been moved to private rooms where they are expected to quarantine until June 16.

Per guidance, all staff and consenting residents will be tested again June 9 and June 16.

May 27: All staff who submitted COVID-19 tests May 26 (part of routine weekly testing) received negative results.

That same day, we learned that a staff member who had not worked in the building since May 19 tested positive for COVID-19 via a PRC lab test they submitted May 25. They are quarantining at home.

As a result of that one positive case, all consenting residents submitted PCR lab tests May 26, and all produced negative results.

CHCC follows notification and testing guidelines established by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and we are in communication with the Whatcom County Health Department about this incident.

Per guidance, all staff and consenting residents will be tested again June 2 and June 9.

May 25: Effective immediately, fully vaccinated* visitors and residents can consume food and nonalcoholic beverages during in-person visits at CHCC.

Lifting the restriction on eating and drinking during visitation will allow families to celebrate milestone events such as birthdays and other holidays in ways that have not been possible since the start of the pandemic. This is good news.

Here are some parameters:

• Schedule indoor, outdoor or video visits at least 24 hours in advance by calling 360-354-4434 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• When scheduling a visit, let staff know that you’d like to bring food or beverages so they can verify that those items are safe for the resident to consume.
• Proof of vaccination must be shown each time visitors arrive at CHCC if they would like to have an indoor or outdoor mask-free visit (with or without food or beverages).
• Up to three visitors are allowed indoors, larger groups can gather outdoors.
• Visits that include food and beverages must occur in private spaces, such as in a resident’s room or in designated indoor and outdoor visitation areas.
• Visitors may bring homemade food or items purchased from restaurants or other commercial establishments. Catering through CHCC is also available. A menu can be found at the reception desk or online at https://chcclynden.org/visitation/ (scroll to Catering).
• Please check this page before arriving. It contains the most current information related to visitation at CHCC. https://chcclynden.org/visitation/.

* Individuals are considered fully vaccinated two or more weeks after receiving the last recommended dose of vaccine.

May 24: There were no regulatory announcements or significant changes in our operations this past week; no residents or staff have tested positive for COVID-19 recently. This Alert page will continue to be updated until the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the governor of Washington state lift the restrictions that currently impact long-term care providers.

May 13: All staff who submitted COVID-19 tests May 12 received negative results.

May 11: More positive changes are coming to visitation, communal dining and group activities at Christian Health Care Center.

On April 30, 2021, after accepting guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee approved several additions to the Safe Start for Long-Term Care plan that broaden visitation, communal dining and activities in long-term care facilities. CHCC has updated its policies and made necessary operational changes.

The following regulations take effect May 17.

In-person visitation

The resident must be fully vaccinated (two or more weeks after receiving the last recommended dose of vaccine) for an indoor visit to occur.

To visit someone in person who is receiving care at CHCC, you must:

• Visit outdoors whenever practicable.
• Acknowledge that it is a violation of the governor’s proclamation for an unvaccinated person to visit a resident indoors who also is not vaccinated.
• Refrain from visiting if you are not fully vaccinated and have traveled outside of Washington state in the past 14 days.
• Schedule the visit (no more than one per week) at least 24 hours in advance. To schedule a visit, call 360-354-4434 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• Limit the number of visitors per indoor visit to three or fewer.
• Bring pets only for outdoor visits. Pets will not be allowed during indoor visits, but pet(s) on a leash or in a carrier are permitted during outdoor visits.
• Arrive no more than five minutes before your scheduled appointment time. Visits can last up to 45 minutes (10 minutes for sign-in and screening, up to 35 minutes for the visit).
• Be screened for signs/symptoms of or exposure to COVID-19, regardless of your vaccination status.
• Wear a mask or other face covering while you are in shared spaces.
• Show proof of vaccination each time you arrive at CHCC if you would like to have an indoor or outdoor mask-free visit. Mask-free visits are an option if the resident and their visitor(s) are fully vaccinated. If fully vaccinated and while alone in the resident’s room or a designated visitation area, residents and their visitor(s) can choose to have close contact (including touch) and to not wear source control (masks).
• Always wear a mask if you are unvaccinated, including when you are alone in a resident’s room or in a designated visitation room.
• Remain in designated visitation locations and refrain from using any restrooms at CHCC.
• Stay 6 feet away from all other residents and staff. Consulting with nurses about the health and well-being of your loved one must be done by phone for now.
• Refrain from eating, drinking, smoking or vaping during the visit.
• End your visit on time, exiting the building after 45 minutes, so CHCC staff can sanitize and prepare for the next set of visitors.

CHCC can deny visitations if circumstances are believed to pose a risk of transmitting COVID-19 because the resident or visitor does not comply with this guidance or if the resident or visitor is at risk of abuse or harm.

Dining and activity changes

Because there are some limitations to dining and activities based on vaccination status, face masks still will be required for most meals and activities.

Here is a summary of updates related to communal dining and activities:

• Staff must continue to wear face masks regardless of vaccination status.
• If all residents participating in communal dining and group activities are vaccinated, neither face masks nor physical distancing is required.
• If any residents participating in communal dining and group activities are unvaccinated, all residents should wear face masks when not eating. In addition, unvaccinated residents should remain at least 6 feet from others.
• If unvaccinated staff members assist with dining or activities, all residents in the room must use face masks.
• CHCC may choose to offer separate dining and activities based on vaccination status. When determining vaccination status, the privacy of residents and staff should be maintained (for example, they may not be asked in front of others).

Due to the nature of the pandemic, policies for visitation, dining and activities are subject to change without notice. We will continue to keep you posted as soon as possible; your patience and understanding are appreciated.

May 7: All staff who submitted COVID-19 tests May 5 received negative results.

April 29: All staff who submitted COVID-19 tests April 28 received negative results.

April 22: All staff who submitted COVID-19 tests April 21 received negative results.

April 21: There were no regulatory announcements or significant changes in our operations this past week; no residents or staff have tested positive for COVID-19 recently.

April 14: There were no regulatory announcements or significant changes in our operations this past week; no residents or staff have tested positive for COVID-19 recently.

April 9: A guide to indoor visitation

At this time, a resident must be fully vaccinated (two or more weeks after receiving the last recommended dose of vaccine) for an indoor visit to occur.

To visit someone who is receiving care at CHCC, you must:

• Acknowledge that it is a violation of the Governor’s proclamation for an unvaccinated person to visit a resident indoors who also is not vaccinated.
• Refrain from visiting if you are not fully vaccinated and have traveled outside of Washington state in the past 14 days.
• Schedule the visit (no more than one per week) at least 24 hours in advance. To schedule a visit, call 360-354-4434 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• Arrive no more than five minutes before your scheduled appointment time. Visits can last up to 45 minutes.
• Place nonperishable food gifts (if you have them) in a plastic bag and leave the bag on the cart near the screening station so contents can be inspected and delivered to your loved one.
• Be screened for signs/symptoms or exposure to COVID-19, regardless of your vaccination status.
• Always wear a mask or other face covering while you are here.
• Remain in designated visitation locations and refrain from using any restrooms at CHCC.
• Stay 6 feet away from all other residents and staff. Consulting with nurses about the health and well-being of your loved one must be done by phone for now.
• Refrain from eating, drinking, smoking or vaping during the visit.
• End your visit on time, exiting the building after 45 minutes, so CHCC staff can sanitize and prepare for the next set of visitors.

CHCC can deny visitations if circumstances are believed to pose a risk of transmitting COVID-19 because the resident or visitor does not comply with this guidance or if the resident or visitor is at risk of abuse or harm.

Due to the nature of the pandemic, visitation policies are subject to change without advanced notice. Your patience and understanding are appreciated.

April 8: All staff who submitted COVID-19 tests April 7 received negative results.

Apr. 1: All staff who submitted COVID-19 tests Mar. 31 received negative results.

We also need to remind people that in-person visitation is available on a limited basis and under certain conditions. Those conditions can change quickly, so please check the Visitation page on our website before planning a visit with someone who is receiving care at CHCC. https://chcclynden.org/visitation/

Mar. 26: All staff who submitted COVID-19 tests Mar. 24 received negative results.

Mar. 23: New guidelines under the state’s Safe Start for Long-Term Care plan have allowed CHCC to offer indoor visitation on a limited basis and under certain requirements.

Visitation requirements differ depending on whether the visit is indoors or outdoors, so we ask that you read this article before scheduling a visit with a resident at CHCC: https://chcclynden.org/indoor-visitation-resumes/.

Summary:

• Whenever possible, all in-person visits will continue to take place outside, where increased space and airflow can diminish the possibility of COVID-19 transmission. When weather or medical conditions prevent outdoor visits, CHCC is providing indoor locations for visits.
• In accordance with the guidelines from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the resident must be fully vaccinated for an indoor visit to occur.
• Visitors must acknowledge that it is a violation of the Governor’s proclamation for an unvaccinated person to visit a resident who is also not vaccinated.
• Indoor and outdoor in-person visits should be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. To schedule a visit, call 360-354-4434 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• All visitors must be screened for signs/symptoms or exposure to COVID, regardless of vaccination status.
• Residents and visitors must wear a mask or other face covering at all times.
• Visitors must use hand sanitizer upon entering and exiting visitation areas and maintain social distancing — six feet away from the resident they are visiting if that person is not fully vaccinated and six feet away from all other residents and staff.
• For a person to be considered fully vaccinated, at least two weeks must have elapsed after the person has received the final dose of the vaccine (the second dose of a two-dose vaccine or the first of a single-dose vaccine).

In addition to outdoor and indoor in-person visits, many other options remain for communicating with people receiving care at CHCC. To learn more, visit https://chcclynden.org/visitation/.

It is with great caution that we are reopening indoor visitation, and we hope you will work with us on ensuring that it is a safe experience for everyone who lives and works at CHCC.

Mar. 18: All staff who submitted COVID-19 tests Mar. 15 received negative results.

Mar. 16: On March 10, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced significant updates to its COVID-19 visitation guidance. The updates are designed to allow more in person visitation in long-term care centers while also maintaining infection prevention practices to minimize the risk of virus transmission.

You can read the visitation guide in its entirety online at https://www.cms.gov/files/document/qso-20-39-nh-revised.pdf.

What is important to know is that long-term care centers like CHCC must use the federal CMS guidance in conjunction with state and local reopening plans, and we always must follow the more cautious guidance, which in this case comes from Washington state.

The State of Washington’s Safe Start for Long-Term Care plan has been updated by the Department of Social and Health Services as a result of the CMS updates, and Gov. Jay Inslee is expected to make their updates official via a proclamation in the days ahead.

Until then, residents and patients will continue to interact with their loved ones using the various forms of communication outlined in the visitation section of this page https://chcclynden.org/alert/.

Plans for expanded visitation are underway here. As we have done throughout the pandemic, we will approach this new situation with a high level of care and diligence so we can continue to protect those who live and work here from this deadly virus. We ask for your continued patience and understanding as we work to facilitate new systems. There is a lot to do and prepare for!

In other news, on March 11, the Whatcom County Health Department advised us that the county’s COVID-19 positivity rate was again above 5%, so all area long-term care centers here must test staff weekly instead of monthly. The next testing day for CHCC staff will be March 17.

Unless an outbreak is reported, small-group activities and beautician services, which restarted here the week of March 8 will continue as planned.

Mar. 11: There were no regulatory announcements or significant changes in our operations this past week; no residents or staff have tested positive for COVID-19 recently. This Alert page will continue to be updated until the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the governor of Washington state lift the restrictions that currently impact long-term care providers.

Mar. 4: We are happy to report that all staff who submitted COVID-19 tests Mar. 3 received negative results.

Because the COVID-19 positivity rate in our county is again below 5%, the Whatcom County Health Department has granted CHCC permission to routinely test staff monthly instead of weekly, effective Mar. 3. CHCC’s next routine testing day for staff is planned for Apr. 7.

The Whatcom County Health Department has also given CHCC permission to resume small-group activities. This is great news for our residents who have been eager to interact with their peers here. Our therapeutic recreation team will begin facilitating small group activities Mar. 8.

CHCC’s contracted beautician will return Mar. 10. Her services have been on hold since Nov. 21, 2020.  She will be tested for COVID-19 on a regular basis and will abide by all mandated safety precautions (sanitization of equipment, use of personal protective equipment).

Feb. 25: All staff who were routinely tested for COVID-19 via antigen testing Feb. 24 produced negative results.

Feb. 24: We have received a number of calls about visitation and operations here since Whatcom County moved into a new phase of the Healthy Washington – Roadmap to Recovery plan on Feb. 15.

We are glad you are eager to come back and visit your loved ones!

It is important to remember, however, that Christian Health Care Center operates in alignment with a different reopening plan — one that is designed to be more cautious considering the vulnerable population our industry serves.

In fact, all long-term care centers in Washington state must follow the reopening phases that are outlined in the Safe Start for Long-Term Care plan, not the state’s Roadmap to Recovery plan.

The Safe Start for Long-Term Care plan is different in that it is based on local public health criteria and on the outbreak status of each care center. For example, the Whatcom County Health Department determines what phase CHCC can operate in, and its decision is based on the two-week new case rate in our county and any positive cases reported by staff or residents at CHCC.

Whatcom County long-term care centers, including CHCC, are in Phase 1 of the Safe Start for Long-Term Care plan. This is because the two-week rate of 296.5 newly diagnosed positive cases per 100,000 people (as of Feb. 21) was greater than the limit of 75.

As you can see from the phase plan below, our community has some work to do before long-term care centers will be able to significantly change their operations. Please consider vaccination when it is offered to you and continue your efforts to minimize the spread of this virus through frequent hand-washing, wearing a mask when required to do so and limiting your exposure to large groups of people.

• LTC Phase 1: More than 75 cases per 100,000 residents
• LTC Phase 2: 25-75 cases per 100,000 residents
• LTC Phase 3: 10-25 cases per 100,000 residents
• LTC Phase 4: Fewer than 10 cases per 100,000 residents

For now, window visits and other forms of remote communication will continue to be the standard until phases 3 and 4 are reached. CHCC also will continue to facilitate compassionate care visits for end-of-life and psychosocial needs, as we have done throughout the pandemic.

We are now working to develop a policy for cautiously implementing essential support person visits, which will allow one support person to spend time with a qualifying resident indoors under strict safety guidelines. We will share details about that level of visitation when we receive clear guidance from the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services.

We have all come such a long way, but the journey is not over yet. Thank you for your patience and encouragement as we continue to do the work necessary to protect our residents and patients from COVID-19.

Feb. 17: All consenting residents were PCR tested for COVID-19 Feb. 15. The results of that testing were received Feb. 16, and we were informed by the lab that one resident produced a positive result.

That resident was immediately retested and moved to our designated care unit while we waited for the results. On Feb. 17, we learned that two follow-up PCR tests produced negative results for that resident.

The Whatcom County Health Department has determined that the original test result was a false positive, and they have advised us to return the resident to their normal room and to deactivate the designated care unit again.

All staff who were routinely tested for COVID-19 via antigen testing Feb. 16 produced negative results.

Feb. 11: On Feb. 9, the Whatcom County Health Department advised CHCC to test the remainder of its residents — those who were not known to have been exposed to the virus earlier in the month – using rapid response antigen tests. The tests were administered that same day and all consenting residents received negative results.

On Feb. 10, routine antigen testing of all staff members produced one positive result. That staff member had been asymptomatic but was confirmed to be COVID-19-positive via PCR lab testing Feb. 11. They are now quarantining at home.

As a result, all consenting residents will be tested Feb. 15 and all staff will be tested Feb. 16.

Please continue to pray for the health and safety of all who live and work here and renew your commitment to doing whatever it takes to reduce the spread of this virus in our community.

Feb. 9: All residents who submitted COVID-19 tests Feb. 8 (due to possible exposure) received negative results.

Feb. 4: Results from PCR lab tests performed Feb. 2 and 3 indicate that two staff members at CHCC tested positive for COVID-19.

CHCC follows notification and testing guidelines established by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and we are in communication with the Whatcom County Health Department.

The health department has advised us that, while this occurrence does not meet the definition of an outbreak, we need to adjust some living arrangements as a precaution. For example, consenting residents who had potential exposure to a COVID-19-positive staff member earlier this month will temporarily move to new rooms where they will quarantine for 14 days. We started that process yesterday.

The residents who are in quarantine will be closely monitored for signs of COVID-19 and they will be tested Feb. 8.

We have been incredibly proud of operating in a way that has protected the people who receive care here from testing positive for COVID-19 thus far. We will continue to operate with a high level of caution, care and awareness, and we ask for your prayers for the health and wellness of all who live and work here.

As always, we will keep you informed on this webpage when there is new information to share.

According to Whatcom County COVID-19 data, the Lynden community had the highest number of confirmed cases per 100,000 people in Whatcom County between Jan. 17 and Jan. 30.

We ask that you please renew your commitment to hand-washing, social distancing, wearing masks and vaccination when it is available to you. These are things we do for our own personal wellness and for the sake of others. These are also things you can do to limit the risk of COVID-19 spreading to our staff and residents.

Feb. 3: There were no regulatory announcements or significant changes in our operations this past week.

Jan. 21: On Jan. 12, the Whatcom County Health Department reported that the positivity rate in Whatcom County had risen above 5%. They advised all local skilled nursing centers, including CHCC, to return to routinely testing staff on a weekly basis, per guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. CHCC has been abiding by that guidance since Jan. 12.

Jan. 20: All staff who submitted COVID-19 tests today received negative results. Another routine test of all staff is scheduled Jan. 26.

Jan. 14: All staff who submitted COVID-19 tests Jan. 13 received negative results.

Almost all residents and a majority of our staff received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine Jan. 6. Additional vaccination clinics will take place here Jan. 27 and Feb. 17.

Jan. 5: On Jan. 6, Jan. 27 and Feb. 17, COVID-19 vaccination clinics will be held at CHCC. Walgreens has been assigned to administer the immunizations to all consenting residents and staff.

We believe the arrival of these vaccines to be a critical step in the fight against the COVID-19 virus. Thank you to each resident and staff member who considered vaccination carefully and consented.

Dec. 30: Because Whatcom County’s COVID-19 positivity rate is again below 5%, the Whatcom County Health Department has granted local skilled nursing facilities permission to routinely test staff monthly instead of weekly, effective Dec. 29. CHCC’s next routine testing day for staff is planned for Jan. 13.

Dec. 29: All staff who submitted COVID-19 tests Dec. 28 received negative results.

Dec. 22: All residents and staff who submitted COVID-19 tests Dec. 21 received negative results. This is great news!

Aside from that, winter has officially arrived in Whatcom County. That means the days ahead will be cold and windy and possibly icy and snowy. We recognize the challenge this presents for people who have been faithfully showing up for window visits and in person outdoor visits with those who live here, and we would like to do whatever we can to make this season more comfortable.

CHCC has developed a plan for facilitating window visits in a more protected manner — one that improves visitor safety (no more walking through wet and muddy landscaped areas) and increases visibility for both the resident and their visitor.

Effective immediately, visitors can schedule front door window visits under the protection of the covered entrance at 855 Aaron Drive. The covered entrance, while not fully enclosed, improves the chances that visitors will stay dry while they are here, and it provides better protection from northeast winds. Also, residents will be indoors and safely protected from the elements by glass doors that remain closed.

Here are some things you’ll need to know about this additional form of visitation at CHCC:

• Residents must be in good health to attend a front door window visit, and they cannot be under any form of COVID-19 quarantine.
• A minimum of 24 hours’ notice is required. To schedule a front door window visit, call 360-354-4434 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Time slots are limited, so we recommend scheduling a few days in advance.
• Residents will have access to a phone inside the vestibule area of the front entry during these window visits. Visitors will be asked to share their cell phone number when scheduling a front door window visit so a call can be initiated from the vestibule phone.
• Because conversations will be happening through a closed glass door, visitors can remove their masks when talking. This will help improve comprehension and lip-reading capabilities.
• Front door window visitors will not be required to go through COVID-19 screening processes.
• Allow up to 30 minutes per visit. Please call if you are running late.
• There may be times when CHCC needs to cancel scheduled visits. When that occurs, visitors are notified as soon as possible.

All other forms of visitation will continue unaltered, including video chats, phone calls, exterior window visits at resident rooms (if that is your preference) and visits where both the resident and their loved one is outside (requires advanced screening protocols, masks and social distancing).

We hope that this additional form of visitation will make everyone more comfortable over the winter months.

Dec. 21: All residents and staff who submitted COVID-19 tests Dec. 17 received negative results.

Dec. 17: All residents who submitted COVID-19 tests Dec. 14 received negative results.

In addition, the Whatcom County Health Department notified CHCC that the two residents who had previously tested positive for COVID-19 have been found to be false-positive. Their results were confirmed via repeated PCR lab testing. That means that no CHCC residents have tested positive for COVID-19 since the pandemic began. What a blessing!

As a result of this news, the health department has authorized CHCC to reduce virus testing in the building. Starting the week of Dec. 20, staff testing will be weekly, and residents will be tested as needed.

Admissions will resume with great care and caution Dec. 18.

Dec. 15: The resident who tested positive Dec. 9 submitted two follow-up PCR tests (Dec. 12 and Dec. 13) and both tests were negative. In addition, we’ve learned that the remainder of the tests that were submitted by residents Dec. 9 have produced negative results.

All staff who completed antigen testing (rapid response) Dec. 14 produced negative results.

Residents submitted PCR tests on that same date. The results of those tests are expected from Northwest Laboratory this week.

Whatcom County Health Department has given CHCC permission to deactivate the designated care unit.

Dec. 13: All consenting residents submitted PCR tests to Northwest Laboratory Dec. 9.

On Dec. 12, we learned from Whatcom County Health Department that one resident produced a positive result. That resident submitted a second PCR test to the lab that same day, and they were moved to CHCC’s designated care unit.

Today, CHCC was notified that the second test the resident submitted Dec. 13 produced a negative result. A third test has been submitted to the lab for verification, and the resident will remain in the designated care unit until their status can be confirmed.

Results from the Dec. 9 testing day have been slowly trickling in; we hope to receive the remainder of those results — several dozen — within 24-hours. This page will be updated if there is new information to share.

Please continue to watch this page for the latest developments.

Twice-weekly testing of all staff and consenting residents will continue until we receive permission from Whatcom County Health Department to resume weekly routine testing.

Dec. 10: All residents who submitted PCR tests Dec. 7 have been cleared by the lab.  They are not considered positive for COVID-19.

The one staff member who tested positive via rapid response antigen testing Dec. 7 has been confirmed to have COVID-19 through PCR testing. They had not been in contact with residents and had very limited interaction with other staff. They are quarantined at home.

Dec. 8: On Dec. 7, one staff member tested positive for COVID-19 during rapid response antigen testing. They have had a follow-up PCR test and we await that result.

Dec. 6: The results from PCR testing have been received, and all residents who were tested on Dec. 3 produced negative results. That is great news! In addition, one of the three staff members who tested positive via an antigen test on Dec. 3 has been cleared by the lab.  They are not considered positive for COVID-19 and are able to return to work. Twice weekly testing of all staff and consenting residents continues.

Dec. 4: On Dec. 3, three staff members tested positive for COVID-19 during rapid response antigen testing. They had limited access to residents during their period of contagion, and they are now quarantining at home. All three have had follow-up PCR tests and we await those results.

Whatcom County Health Department has advised us that the designated care unit we activated at the beginning of the week can be deactivated because the one resident who was in that area no longer needs to be on precautions. This is great news!

Dec. 2: CHCC was notified that five of the seven staff members who tested positive via rapid response antigen tests Nov. 30 have subsequently produced negative results through PCR lab testing. The five staff are not considered positive for COVID-19 and are able to return to work.

We were also notified that the resident who previously tested positive via a PCR test Nov. 25 produced a negative result from the PCR test they took Nov. 30. This is very good news.

The two staff members who have been confirmed to have COVID-19 through PCR lab testing were not in the building during their period of contagion, and they have been quarantining at home. We wish them a speedy and full recovery.

Please continue to watch this page for the latest developments. 

Dec. 1: An additional seven staff members have produced positive results via antigen (rapid response) testing that took place at CHCC Nov. 30. They have submitted PCR tests, which are more accurate, and are quarantining at home while we wait for the results to be confirmed by Northwest Laboratory.

On Dec. 1, we also received notice that a resident has a PCR-confirmed case of COVID-19. This is the first time since the start of the pandemic that a CHCC resident has tested positive for COVID-19.

This resident’s test was submitted to the lab Nov. 25 as part of a mandatory test day for all consenting residents. All other residents who were tested that day produced negative results.

In recent weeks, the turnaround time for PCR tests has been between five and seven days. That amount of time has not been helpful in an outbreak situation, so we have been communicating with the Whatcom County Health Department to see if they can help expedite lab results. Today, the health department assured us that the lab would now prioritize PCR tests from CHCC.

The resident who tested positive for COVID-19 has been moved to CHCC’s designated care unit, which has been set up and ready for use since March. The resident will be cared for by designated staff who will work only in that unit.

Other residents who are known to have been in proximity to people who have tested positive for the virus have been moved into a separate quarantine area at CHCC for additional isolation and monitoring. The area had previously been used to quarantine new admissions, which have been paused for now.

Window visits for those living in courtyard view rooms have been paused. Window visits for those living in exterior facing rooms can continue. Video visits continue to be an option for all residents.

Please continue to watch this page for the latest developments.

Nov. 27: Between antigen (rapid response) tests and PCR tests, which are sent to a lab for verification (more accurate), a total of four staff members have tested positive for COVID-19 since Nov. 21.

The first three staff members had limited interactions with other staff and residents.

The fourth staff member to test positive worked in a limited capacity with staff and residents last week. This person, who was asymptomatic, had taken an antigen test Nov. 25 that produced a negative result. Today, we learned that a PCR lab test this person took Nov. 21 has produced a positive result. Because labs are experiencing high volumes right now, the PCR tests that were sent to the lab earlier this week are still trickling in, which is why there was a delay in receiving this staff member’s result.

Please know that we are doing everything possible to limit COVID-19 exposure for those who work here, and we are doing everything in our power to protect our residents. Based on what we know right now, no residents have produced a positive test result.

All staff members continue to be screened before they start work, and we monitor our residents daily, watching for any signs or symptoms of the virus. Infection control best practices are followed, and appropriate personal protective equipment is worn by all. In addition, twice-weekly testing of all staff and consenting residents will continue until we receive permission from Whatcom County Health Department to resume monthly routine testing.

Due to the positive cases of COVID-19 at CHCC this week we have paused all outdoor visitation. That activity will resume at a later date with permission from the Whatcom County Health Department.

On Nov. 21, 2020, we learned that one of our staff members tested positive for COVID-19. That individual is now quarantined at their home, and we wish them a safe and full recovery.

On Aug. 6, Gov. Jay Inslee announced Safe Start for Long-Term Care — a 23-page phased plan developed by the Washington State Department of Health and the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. The order he signed took effect Aug. 12.

In the plan, there are benchmarks that each long-term care center in Washington needs to cross in order to move through various reopening phases — benchmarks that allow more activities inside and outside of CHCC.

As of Aug. 30, provided that nothing changes between now and then, CHCC will have met the benchmarks required to begin facilitating outdoor visits between residents and their loved ones within certain guidelines. This is great news; outdoor visits will begin at Christian Health Care Center Monday, Aug. 31.

One thing that is very important to understand is that health authorities can rescind CHCC’s ability to facilitate outdoor visits if one staff member or one resident were to test positive for COVID-19 in the days ahead.

We must take extraordinary precautions — as a community, as visitors and as staff — to prevent anyone connected to CHCC from being exposed to COVID-19. If a staff member or resident tests positive, CHCC will be required to pause outdoor visitation for 28 days.

Only with community action can we continue working through the Safe Start for Long-Term Care plan! Please visit by phone or video if you have experienced any symptoms or if you have been near others who have recently tested positive for COVID-19.

In preparation for outdoor visits, CHCC’s leadership team has developed internal policies based on health department guidance. We also have made plans for a designated outdoor visitation space and have assigned staff to support the new activity.

Here are the details you’ll need to know about outdoor visits at CHCC:

• Other forms of visitation will continue unaltered, including video chats, phone calls and exterior window visits. The policies mentioned in this alert relate only to outdoor, in-person visits.
• Visits should be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance by calling 360-354-4434.
• Visits are offered 10 to 11:30 a.m. and 2 to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• Visits will be facilitated under the front covered entry at 855 Aaron Drive.
• Allow up to 30 minutes per visit (approximately 10 minutes for check-in and 20 minutes for the visit).
• Scheduling one outdoor visit per resident per week allows all residents the opportunity to have outdoor visitors. Additional visits may be offered if space becomes available.
• Up to two visitors are allowed per visit (including children). Pets are not allowed during in-person outdoor visits.
• Upon arrival, visitors must read and agree to CHCC’s Outdoor Visitor Agreement, which describes requirements for COVID-19 screening, social distancing, wearing masks, hand sanitizing and more. Please read this document before arriving at CHCC for a scheduled visit.
• Weather conditions may impact scheduled visits on any given day.
• CHCC can deny outdoor visits if the circumstances pose a risk of transmitting COVID-19 in the facility because the resident or visitor does not comply with infection control guidance. CHCC also can deny outdoor visits if the resident or visitors are at risk of abuse/harm.

Outdoor visits are a welcome treat for the people who live here. They look forward to being able spend a bit of time outside with their loved ones in the days ahead, so we hope that you’ll take advantage of this new way to connect with a loved one.

As always, we will continue to keep you informed when there is new information to share.

Stay safe, be well.

CHCC leaders have been communicating with the Whatcom County Health Department about one staff member who tested positive for COVID-19 Aug. 3. Although that staff member had not been inside CHCC during the period when they would have been considered contagious, we received word Aug. 10 that the health department has flagged that case as an outbreak.

COVID-19 outbreaks of any size are assigned immediate action items, including the testing of all staff and residents here within two days.

We continue to comply with guidance and regulations presented by Whatcom County Health Department and other health care leaders in this matter.

Details of COVID-19 testing at CHCC:

• Testing will take place at Christian Health Care Center over the course of two days.
• The test itself will involve a swab of the anterior nasal passage (the front portion of the inside of both nostrils).
• CHCC must offer COVID-19 tests to all residents and administer tests to all consenting residents. Resident testing will take place Aug. 11.
• CHCC must require all staff to be tested for COVID-19 and administer tests to all staff, except those who provide medical justification for declining testing. This includes contracted individuals who provide services in the facility. Staff testing will take place at CHCC Aug. 12.
• Positive test results will be immediately reported to DSHS.

You may recall that CHCC went through a similar testing process June 12, 2020, as part of a statewide survey of long-term care centers. At that time, every person who tested here produced a negative result. Your prayers for a similar outcome would be welcome and appreciated.

Our journey through this pandemic continues. We will continue to keep you informed when there is new information to share.

Stay safe, be well.

On Aug. 3, 2020, we learned that one of our staff members tested positive for COVID-19. That individual is now quarantined at their home, and we wish them a safe and full recovery.

Thankfully, that staff member had not been inside CHCC during the period when they would have been contagious.

We are following notification guidelines, which were established by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and we are in communication with Whatcom County Health Department about this matter.

As a team, we have been incredibly proud of operating in a way that has protected our residents from testing positive for COVID-19 thus far. We continue to operate with that high level of care and awareness.

All staff members are screened before they start work, and we monitor our residents daily – watching for any signs or symptoms of the virus. Infection control best practices are followed, and appropriate personal protective equipment is worn by all.

We do so much; your help is also essential.

The need to extinguish this virus in our community is great. The longer it is here, the longer our residents and staff are at risk.

All health care workers, including CHCC staff, run the risk of unknowingly exposing themselves to the virus as they interact with the community. With that in mind, we continue to ask our staff to do their part by being safe and protective after hours.

We would like to ask all readers of this notice to do the same, even though you may be experiencing pandemic fatigue.

Please renew your commitment to reduce the spread of COVID-19 by focusing on these three prevention measures: practice good hand hygiene (wash frequently or use hand sanitizer), wear a mask in public when social distancing cannot be maintained, and stay 6 feet away from people you don’t live with.

The healthier our community is, the sooner CHCC and all long-term care centers in Whatcom County will be able to resume normal operations – opening the doors to family, friends, volunteers and others.

As always, we will continue to keep you informed when there is new information to share.

Stay safe, be well.

On June 12, 2020, residents and staff were tested for COVID-19 in accordance with Washington State Department of Health’s Proclamation 20-05.

The test was part of a statewide effort to facilitate comprehensive testing of all long-term care centers during a specific window of time.

This testing — a survey of current conditions — was designed to measure the scope and magnitude of COVID-19 infections in long-term care centers while also providing data that can help limit the transmission of the virus among humans in the future.

CHCC’s test results were received on June 16 and 17, and 100% — all residents and staff who were tested on June 12 — of the results were negative. That is a milestone worth celebrating!

Receiving those results is a step in the right direction and one we can be excited about; however, the pandemic is not over, so we cannot make changes to our operations yet.

We must continue on the path we have been on — following specific industry recommendations — until we receive further direction from state and local health departments. Those organizations will instruct us on the next steps to take.

Because the nature of the pandemic has been fluid and continuously evolving, we cannot provide a specific date on which CHCC will reopen to the public. There will, instead, be numerous gateways through which we need to pass to achieve our reopening goals.

You can learn more about our tentative reopening plan in the announcement we posted on June 8, which can be found online at https://chcclynden.org/alert-archives/.

We believe that the results received were achieved with guidance from health care experts, through strategic planning and due to incredible staff diligence. With those things, along with fierce prayers and support from our community, CHCC has been able to protect its residents and staff through the pandemic.

Our mission continues. We do so with a renewed sense of determination and an eagerness to safely reconnect families with those receiving care here as soon as possible. We will continue to keep you informed along the way.

Stay safe, be well.

Long-term care centers like CHCC were quickly identified as being at high risk for severe COVID-19 outbreaks due to the nature of their operations – communal living and a vulnerable population (e.g., older, medically frail adults).

From the start of this pandemic, CHCC has followed guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Washington State Department of Health, Gov. Jay Inslee, and the Whatcom County Health Department.

That guidance, along with staff diligence and community support, has helped protect those who live and work at CHCC from unnecessary exposure to COVID-19. That is great news!

Our residents and their loved ones have been gracious and flexible during this time; families continue to express their heartfelt appreciation for the efforts of many to protect their loved ones.

At the same time, we know that pausing visitation on March 10 has caused residents and their loved ones to experience sadness, anxiety and feelings of being disconnected. We can completely empathize with those feelings; we also feel the weight of the emotional burdens caused by COVID-19 precautions – on our residents, on families and on our community.

Please know that our entire staff has been doing everything they can to keep spirits high and provide life-enriching activities for those receiving care here. We are continually amazed and grateful for their commitment to care for all people – residents and each other – while also working and caring for their loved ones during this pandemic.

Every person here, whether resident or staff, eagerly awaits the day when the threat of COVID-19 exposure in Whatcom County is minimized to a level at which we can safely invite families, visitors and our community inside CHCC again.

Who decides when CHCC can reopen?

It is important to understand that long-term care centers will be one of the last businesses that will be allowed to return to normal operations. Based on what we know today, CHCC’s reopening will take place after the general public has passed through the final two phases of Washington’s Safe Start reopening plan.

The decision about when CHCC can open to the public will be determined at the federal level, by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and by state and local health jurisdictions.

Once those governing entities provide guidance for reopening, it will be up to each long-term care center to assess whether they have the appropriate protocols, tools and staff to maintain safety in their building when visitors return.

Note: Long-term care centers like CHCC must follow higher-level regulations than assisted living centers, such as Meadow Greens and Lynden Manor. Based on governmental regulations, assisted living centers will most likely open to the public before CHCC can.

Because the nature of the pandemic has been fluid and continuously evolving, we cannot provide a specific date on which CHCC will reopen to the public. There will, instead, be numerous gateways through which we need to pass to achieve our reopening goals.

The tentative reopening checklist presented below is based on information we have access to today; we present this to you with an awareness that plans can change as new information comes forward. This tentative plan will also be modified if COVID-19 cases increase in our community. Updated versions of this document will be published as needed in the weeks ahead.

In order to fully reopen CHCC to families, volunteers and our community, these events will need to occur, in this general order:

• CHCC verifies that it can comply with state and local regulations related to universal testing of all staff and residents. This includes having evidence that there are enough COVID-19 test kits available and that labs have the capacity to process tests in a timely manner.
• CHCC verifies that it has appropriate staffing levels to proceed with full operations, including fully reopening admissions for long-term care and therapeutic rehab.
• CHCC verifies that there are enough PPE supplies on hand to support full operations.
• CHCC tests all staff and residents, in compliance with state and local regulations. This may include one-time survey testing and recurring testing.
• With appropriate safety protocols, some communal activities (dining, recreation) are restarted.
• Protocols are in place for screening an increased number of people coming into CHCC, along with a strategy for their implementation.
• CHCC develops and publishes a plan for phased-in access. That plan will tentatively look like this:

1. Select volunteers are allowed to return.
2. Non-essential service providers, such as the beautician and psychologist, are allowed back into CHCC.
3. Residents can have one visitor per day.
4. Extended numbers of friends and family are allowed to visit.
• CHCC starts phased-in access with the stakeholders mentioned above.
• CHCC resumes full operations.
• CHCC evaluates all health and safety measures, again following guidance from local and state leaders, and plans accordingly.

The tentative plan outlined above will, honestly, take some time. How much time, we cannot predict. We will be working efficiently to pass through these gateways while remaining highly focused on protecting those who live and work here.

As has been done throughout this pandemic, CHCC will continue to communicate clearly with all stakeholders – residents, their family members, staff members and the community. We will share new information with you via our website and through various communication platforms.

Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as our care center and our community work through a very difficult time. If you have questions about CHCC’s reopening plan, please feel free to contact our administrator or director of nursing services. Their contact info is provided below.

Stay safe, be well!

Administrator: Tonja Myers
Director of nursing services: Heather Lewis
Phone: 360-354-4434

On May 28, Governor Inslee held a live press conference to provide an update on the state’s long-term care COVID-19 testing strategy. Included in the presentation was the announcement of a proclamation that went into effect that same day: 20-05 COVID-19 Testing of Residents and Staff of Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities with Memory Care Units.

A recording of the presentation is available online: https://www.tvw.org/watch/?eventID=2020051095.

Proclamation 20-05 impacts CHCC’s residents and staff, so we wanted to share some of the most important details.

First and foremost, the purpose of testing residents and staff in a long-term care setting is to show the scope and magnitude of COVID-19 infections and to help limit further transmission. This testing is an important first step in determining CHCC’s safe re-opening plan.

• Washington State will be conducting Point Prevalence Surveys (PPS), which are used in healthcare facilities to identify the number of people with a disease or condition at a specific point in time.
• With few exceptions, every nursing home in Washington state must complete PPS testing on or before June 12^, CHCC will participate in this testing.
• The test itself will involve a swab of the anterior nasal passage (the front portion of the inside of both nostrils).
• CHCC must require all staff to be tested for COVID-19 and administer tests to all staff, except those who provide medical justification for declining testing. This includes contracted individuals who provide services in the facility.
• CHCC must offer COVID-19 tests to all residents and administer tests to all consenting residents.
• The State of Washington will provide test kits and personal protective equipment (PPE) for administering tests to CHCC at no cost.
• The arrival of those supplies is unknown at this point. CHCC will schedule testing times once it becomes clear when the test kits and PPE will be delivered.
• CHCC is not obligated to pay laboratories for tests performed for residents and staff. Laboratories will obtain payment from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and HCA Healthcare for tests performed for residents and staff who are covered by Medicare and Medicaid. The State of Washington will pay laboratories for tests performed for staff who are not covered by Medicare or Medicaid.
• Positive test results will be immediately reported to DSHS.

It will be challenging to meet the state’s June 12 deadline, however, CHCC will continue to do whatever it takes to protect our residents, staff and the community. We really are in this together.

Dear CHCC community,

On March 21, 2020, new admissions were temporarily paused at our skilled nursing and rehabilitation center.

That means we did not allow any new people to move in for rehabilitation or long-term care during the time in which the health care industry and our care team were adjusting to COVID-19 protocols – preventative measures, symptoms, care, testing.

The decision to pause admissions, while financially difficult for our nonprofit and hard on the local health care industry, was a proactive measure that was designed to protect the health and wellness of our staff and of those already receiving care here.

Since the time that CHCC paused admissions on March 21, the State of Washington and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services have provided a great deal of guidance, and CHCC has been able to verify existing procedures and to put other protective measures in place – actions that have prevented our residents from being identified as COVID-19 positive thus far.

Now, we are better prepared, as a team and as an industry, to transition people in and out of CHCC – particularly those in need of short-stay therapeutic rehabilitation services.

We plan to slowly and cautiously reopen admissions on May 8, 2020.

CHCC’s director of nursing, Heather Lewis, has worked with CHCC’s administration and admissions team to develop an admissions plan that includes these steps:

Pre-screening

• Admissions staff will review each potential admission to identify any possible exposure the person may have had to the novel coronavirus. CHCC will not admit anyone who is considered high risk.
• Everyone seeking admission must have had a COVID-19 test with negative results.
• After each person is screened by our admissions team, CHCC’s director of nursing and administrator will make the final decision – yes or no – regarding an individual entering CHCC for care.

14-day quarantine

• Once admitted to CHCC, each person will receive care in a private room for 14 days. They must remain in their room during the quarantine. Meals, activities and therapies will be provided in their room.
• When caring for a person in quarantine, staff will use all safety protocols designated by CHCC – personal protective equipment, proper sanitization, infection control practices, etc.
• The person receiving care must wear a non-medical fabric mask while staff are in the room.
• The person’s quarantine status will be lifted if there are no respiratory or COVID-19 symptoms after 14 days.
• Anyone demonstrating respiratory or COVID-19 symptoms while in quarantine must be presumed to have COVID-19 and will be tested – for the novel coronavirus and other viruses – as soon as possible. The person receiving care will be placed in isolation, and additional precautions will be taken to minimize the risk to others of exposure.
• Any patient who tests positive for COVID-19 will be moved to a designated care unit, where specialized care will be provided.

From the start of this pandemic, CHCC has responded in proactive and protective ways, and we will continue to do so as we restart admissions.

Please continue to send your wishes of well-being and to pray for the safety of all – those who receive care here, our staff, our leaders, our community and the world – as we live through this global pandemic.

If you have any questions about CHCC’s COVID-19 response, you are welcome to contact our administrator, Tonja Myers, or our director of nursing services, Heather Lewis, at 360-354-4434.

Stay safe, be well.

Visitors are not allowed inside of CHCC until further notice. The only exception is for end-of-life and similar compassionate care situations, in which case visitors will be allowed only in the resident’s room and must participate in COVID-19 screening, practice hand hygiene and use personal protective equipment, such as facemasks. Decisions about visitations during end-of-life care situations are being made on a case-by-case basis.

Video visits. Video chat technologies — Skype and Facetime – are being used to connect individuals receiving care at CHCC with their loved ones. Please read “How to schedule a video chat at CHCC” below.

In-person visual visits. Visual visits are allowed from the exterior of the building. Brief stops outside a resident’s window – waving, holding handmade signs, talking via phone — can help celebrate birthdays and offer encouragement while simultaneously protecting the health of the person receiving care at CHCC. Windows must remain closed during all visual visits to prevent the spread of germs. Visual visits must be planned in advance for privacy and security reasons; visitors who navigate around the outside of CHCC – over uneven ground, around landscaping, etc. – do so at their own risk. Call 360-354-4434 to schedule an exterior visual visit.

Gifts, food and personal care items. Deliveries can be dropped off on the cart located in the vestibule of the rehab entrance, which is located behind CHCC. Whenever possible, the items (including food) should be commercially packaged or placed in a plastic bag (preferably a zipper bag).  Make sure the recipient’s name is on each item being delivered. Our screening staff will take it from there. For the safety of all residents and staff, we ask that you do not proceed beyond the vestibule area; anyone proceeding beyond the vestibule must have their temperature taken and answer screening questions.

Flower deliveries. Highly fragrant flowers — such as Oriental lilies, hyacinths, lilac stems — can cause people who live and work here to have allergic reactions. Highly scented flowers cannot enter the building, so they should be excluded from any bouquets that are delivered. Recommended flowers: tulips, chrysanthemums, sunflowers, dahlias, hydrangea, calla lilies, daffodils, ranunculus, snapdragon, and poppies.

On April 2, 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new recommendations for state and local governments and long-term care centers.

The new recommendations are intended to help slow down the spread of COVID-19 amongst vulnerable adults.

Many of the recommendations put forth by the CMS and CDC on April 2 were already implemented at Christian Health Care Center. Those included ensuring proper hand hygiene, the conservation and use of PPE, COVID-19 screening of anyone who enters CHCC, etc.

New to CHCC is the recommendation that all residents (those physically able to do so) cover their nose and mouth in certain situations.

CHCC’s protocol for compliance is shared below.

• Patients and residents who must regularly leave the facility for care (e.g., hemodialysis) should wear facemasks when outside of their rooms.
• When possible, all long-term care residents, whether they have COVID-19 symptoms or not, should cover their noses and mouths when staff is in the room, and when a resident is outside of their room, such as in the hallway. Residents may use tissue for this. If a resident is unable to use a tissue, they may use a cloth, non-medical mask — when those are available, and when the resident is willing.
• If using a cloth, non-medical mask, a resident should be educated about not touching the mask (except for elastic bands or ties), performing good hand hygiene, and changing the mask when wet or soiled — at least once per day. CHCC staff members will provide a cloth, non-medical mask to a resident at least once daily, more often as needed.
• If a resident is unable to use a tissue or unwilling/unable to tolerate wearing a cloth, non-medical mask (e.g., those with dementia) then CHCC staff should continue to utilize PPE as instructed and document in the resident’s chart.
• Residents should not use medical facemasks unless they are COVID-19 positive or assumed to be COVID-19 positive.

We will continue to keep staff, families and the public alerted as we live through the COVID-19 crisis.

We’re so incredibly proud of our team, those receiving care here, and their families – all coping with ongoing changes with flexibility, grace and determination.

These are challenging times, and we’re working through each day as it comes, bolstered by the prayers and encouragement (below) that our community continues to send. Thank you!

“Thanks so much for helping my mom FaceTime with me. It’s hard not to be able to be with her, but I know she’s receiving the best care and compassion to keep her healthy and comfortable. You and your staff are heroes to my family. I can’t thank you enough for all you do, and I consider you all like family! Please take care of yourselves, stay safe, healthy and may God bless!”

Dear CHCC community,

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, CHCC leaders have been assessing each day as it comes – remaining flexible and responding to the needs of our staff and residents. At the same time, we have been strategizing and planning for the days, weeks and months ahead.

While CHCC has thus far been spared – there have not been any residents with COVID-19 as of March 30, 2020 – we know that can change at a moment’s notice due to the aggressive nature of the coronavirus.

As a proactive measure, our staff is now doing the work necessary to create a designated care unit inside CHCC. This will be a place where symptomatic residents can be monitored and cared for while minimizing their exposure to others.

After considering several options, we identified a portion of our Baker wing (see map) as the best location for a designated care unit. The north end of the Baker wing provides appropriate separation from other resident rooms. This space also has a separate entrance for staff, which will help further contain the virus.

A number of residents are being relocated within CHCC to accommodate this designated care unit. Our nursing department and social services teams are working together to help people settle into their new (temporary) living spaces.

Our technology and environmental services staff are also working to temporarily move the nursing department office out of the Baker wing to make space for the designated care unit.

These are significant and necessary changes. Through this entire crisis, our staff and residents have shown such adaptability – being nimble and flexible when needed.

We are so grateful for the grace and understanding of all who live and work here. We also are grateful for the prayers, encouraging words and gifts that our community blesses us with each day.

Keep those prayers and encouraging words coming. They help everyone here keep their spirits and energy high!

Also, please continue to do all you can to help bring an end to the spread of COVID-19 in our community so we can once again open our doors to families, friends and our wonderful volunteers. We look forward to that day with great anticipation.

Until then, stay healthy and be well.

Dear CHCC family members, loved ones and community,

Thank you deeply for your prayers and encouragement as we continue to provide care for our residents during this global healthcare crisis. All of us – healthcare workers, residents, and community members – are in this together as we work to slow down the spread of this virus.

Our hearts go out to the assisted living and long-term-care centers in our county, state, country and world that are working through COVID-19 outbreaks. We know that they, too, have been doing their very best to take care of their residents and staff.

Here at CHCC, we continue our efforts to minimize exposure to COVID-19 with determination and extreme care – carefully following government recommendations and allowing only essential individuals into the building. We’re continuously monitoring the latest industry information, planning ahead and taking additional proactive measures.

Today, for example, all team members, even those not involved in patient care, will be required to wear standard PPE (personal protective equipment) masks during their shifts to further protect residents and staff from the potential spread of germs.

CHCC’s supply of N95 respirator masks – necessary for certain situations such as the provision of aerosolized treatments – is being carefully monitored. There is a global shortage of N95 masks, and each person assigned an N95 mask must be fit-tested and trained in its use. With those factors in mind, we will only use N95 masks as needed.

Community members continue to ask how they can help CHCC during this time. First and foremost, please continue to send well-wishes and to pray for all who live and work here.

Other ways you can help:

Sew and donate facemasks for our team members

Like many healthcare centers in Whatcom County and around the country, we at CHCC are hoping to supplement our existing supply of masks with handsewn versions. Individuals with sewing skills, a stash of fabric and a generous heart can use their newfound spare time to make masks for CHCC residents and staff. That would be such a blessing!

There are two versions that CHCC can accept:

• Deaconess
• Filter pocket

Donated fabric masks should be placed in a plastic zipper bag and dropped off in the box that has been placed outside the rehab entrance at CHCC (behind 855 Aaron Drive). Or, masks can be mailed to CHCC, 855 Aaron Drive, Lynden, WA 98264.

The fabric must be 100 percent cotton, and it should be laundered before sewing to reduce shrinkage. Masks will be laundered again upon arrival at CHCC.

Donate DVDs for our residents

Our therapeutic recreation department continues to receive generous donations from community members, and we are incredibly grateful for that! Thank you all, from the bottoms of our hearts. Our supply of puzzles is great for now. Residents have suggested that having access to fresh DVD movies – think of such recent classics as Top Gun, Star Wars, Indian Jones, Back to the Future, ET, Remember the Titans and others – would brighten their days. Movies purchased online during the current “stay-at-home” order can be shipped directly to CHCC at 855 Aaron Drive, Lynden, WA 98264.

Stay home

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee issued a “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order for non-essential workers on March 23. This order requires Washingtonians to stay home for the next two weeks unless they need to pursue an essential activity. Please heed this order and stay home, if you can.

Wash your hands and monitor your health status

It is critically important that you are aware of your health status. Anyone who is sick or who has been exposed to someone who is sick must stay out of CHCC and should avoid other public places as well, as much as possible.

The virus is spread through droplets such as those produced by coughing and sneezing. The best way to reduce your chances of getting sick or infecting others is to avoid being around a lot of people and to wash your hands well.

Thank you for your patience, understanding and grace as we work with other agencies and health care providers to limit the spread of this virus and to protect all members of our community. We look forward with great anticipation to the day when we can see you all in person again. Until then, stay safe and be well.

Current policies at CHCC:

In addition to the items noted above, here is where things stand as of March 24:

• Visitors are not allowed at CHCC until further notice. The only exception is for end-of-life and similar compassionate care situations, in which case visitors will be allowed only in the resident’s room and must practice hand hygiene and use personal protective equipment, such as facemasks. Decisions about visitations during end-of-life care situations are being made on a case-by-case basis.
• All residents and team members are being actively screened for COVID-19. Everyone who lives or works at CHCC is taking part in regular checks for fever and respiratory symptoms.
• Everyone who enters the building must sign in and participate in COVID-19 screening. Information collected includes name, contact information, bodily temperature (will be taken at the desk), date of visit, time in and out of the building, current health status, recent travel information, and recent contact with others who may have COVID-19. Anyone who does not pass COVID-19 screening, including staff members and those visiting in end-of-life situations, will not be allowed in the facility for 14 days. The front doors are closed; anyone who needs to enter the building must come to the rehab entrance at the back of the building.
• All non-essential services and large group gatherings are canceled until further notice, including beautician services, music therapy services, psychologist services, memorial services, pet visits, volunteer services and communal dining.
• CHCC residents are discouraged from going out into the community. We are not canceling medical appointments, but we want to discourage non-essential ventures out of the facility, especially to locations with other community members.
• Space is encouraged between residents. Communal dining and all group activities have been postponed until further notice. Instead, residents are being served meals in their rooms, and staff are practicing one-on-one activities whenever possible.
• Video chat is available. With visits having been suspended, those who want to talk with loved ones at CHCC may make use of the telephone and/or video chat technologies such as Skype and Facetime to connect with their loved ones. To use video chat services, please contact CHCC in advance at 360-354-4434 so a computer can be set up in the resident’s room.

How CHCC is working to protect residents and team members:

CHCC continues to follow recommendations for long-term care centers issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. All CHCC staff members are trained on standard precautions and the use of such personal protective equipment as gloves, gowns, masks and protective eyewear. Our daily practice — the way in which we have always worked, long before the coronavirus — is designed to minimize the spread of infection, whether of influenza or COVID-19 or anything else. Throughout our building, every day, we use cleaners and disinfectants recommended and approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. All staff are instructed on hand hygiene, including the frequent washing of hands with soap and water and the use of alcohol-based gels, or hand sanitizers. As noted above, team members also have begun wearing surgical masks throughout their shifts to limit the potential spreading of germs.

Since the novel coronavirus became known in the region, we have been washing residents’ hands as often as possible. CHCC staff have been and continue to actively monitor all residents for possible signs of respiratory infection, such as shortness of breath, new or different cough, sore throat. We also are monitoring residents for changes in oxygen saturation.

Handwashing stations are set up outside the building entrance. These are to be used by everyone who enters the building. Soap and water also are easily available in every resident room, dining room and bathroom. We all must work together to prevent the spread of germs, and handwashing is our best tool.

CHCC’s emergency and disaster plan includes a policy and procedure for responding to any type of pandemic outbreak. CHCC has participated in table-top emergency exercises specifically regarding pandemic outbreak situations. We have staff members on the Whatcom County Infection Control Task Force and in the Northwest Regional Healthcare Response Network. Both organizations, along with Washington Health Care Association and LeadingAge Washington, send out regular updates, sometimes several each day. Members of the CHCC leadership team are tracking new developments in order to be prepared.

Dear CHCC family members, loved ones and other community members,

Once again, we thank you for your patience and perseverance as we work with the guidance we are receiving to ensure that we’re doing all we can to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Recently, we’ve been receiving a number of questions about how people in the community can support all those who live and work here at CHCC. We are so appreciative of that! Please note that all deliveries, including flowers and donated items for our therapeutic recreation department, can be delivered to the rehab entrance located behind CHCC. A CHCC team member will screen each item and, once cleared, deliver it to the appropriate person or department within CHCC.  Everything brought to CHCC must be in a plastic bag. The sealable zipper-style bags are preferred, but larger garbage bags are OK, too, for laundry and similar larger items. Homemade and/or homegrown food is OK to bring, too, as long as it’s in a plastic bag.

You also may have heard that the U.S. border with Canada is being closed to all nonessential traffic. We continue to work with our employees who cross the border to ensure that they can continue to come to work.

In addition to the items noted above, here is where things stand as of March 18:

• Visitors are not allowed at CHCC until further notice. The only exception is for end-of-life and similar compassionate care situations, in which case the visitor will be allowed only in the resident’s room and must practice hand hygiene and use personal protective equipment, such as facemasks. Decisions about visitations during end-of-life care situations are being made on a case-by-case basis.
• All residents and team members are being actively screened for COVID-19. Everyone who lives or works at CHCC is taking part in regular checks for fever and respiratory symptoms.
• Everyone who enters the building must sign in and participate in COVID-19 screening. Information collected includes name, contact information, bodily temperature (will be taken at the desk), date of visit, time in and out of the building, current health status, recent travel information, and recent contact with others who may have COVID-19. Anyone who does not pass COVID-19 screening, including staff members and those visiting in end-of-life situations, will not be allowed in the facility for 14 days. The front doors are closed; anyone who needs to enter the building should come to the rehab entrance at the back of the building.
• All non-essential services and large group gatherings are canceled until further notice, including beautician services, music therapy services, psychologist services, memorial services, pet visits, volunteer services and communal dining.
• CHCC residents are discouraged from going out into the community. We are not canceling medical appointments, but we want to discourage non-essential ventures out of the facility, especially to locations with other community members.
• Space is encouraged between residents. Communal dining and all group activities have been postponed until further notice. Instead, residents are being served meals in their rooms, and staff are practicing one-on-one activities whenever possible.
• Video chat is available. With visits having been suspended, those who want to talk with loved ones at CHCC may make use of the telephone and/or video chat technologies such as Skype and Facetime to connect with their loved ones. To use video chat services, please contact CHCC in advance at 360-354-4434 so a computer can be set up in the resident’s room.

We thank you for your patience and support as we work with other agencies and health care providers to limit the spread of this dangerous disease and to protect everyone in our care.

Here’s what else you can do to help:

It is critically important that you are aware of your health status. Anyone who is sick or who has been exposed to someone who is sick must stay out of CHCC and should avoid other public places as well, as much as possible.

The virus is spread through droplets such as those produced by coughing and sneezing. The best way to avoid getting sick is to avoid being around a lot of people — especially anyone who is sick — and to wash your hands well. Hands should be washed with soap and warm water for 20 seconds, with close attention paid to scrubbing the entire hands, including underneath fingernails. Soap and water are the best option and should be preferred over gel hand sanitizer, which is experiencing a worldwide shortage. If used, hand sanitizer should be rubbed into hands until dry.

If you have any questions about these mandated restrictions or other issues related to the care of your loved one at CHCC, please give us a call at 360-354-4434.

Up-to-date information on COVID-19 is available on the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at https://www.coronavirus.gov. Information specific to Washington state also is available at https://coronavirus.wa.gov/. Please monitor these websites for updates on the disease, as appropriate.

Once again, thank you for your patience as we care for your loved ones.

CHCC works daily to protect the safety of those in our care:

All CHCC staff members are trained on standard precautions and the use of such personal protective equipment as gloves, gowns, masks and protective eyewear. Our daily practice — the way in which we work every day — is designed to minimize the spread of infection, whether of influenza or COVID-19 or anything else. Throughout our building, every day, we use cleaners and disinfectants recommended and approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. All staff are instructed on hand hygiene, including the frequent washing of hands with soap and water and the use of alcohol-based gels, or hand sanitizers.

Residents’ hands are being washed as often as possible. CHCC staff are actively monitoring all residents for possible signs of respiratory infection, such as shortness of breath, new or change in cough, or sore throat. We also are monitoring residents for changes in oxygen saturation.

Handwashing stations have been set up outside the building entrance. These are to be used by everyone who enters the building. Soap and water also are easily available in every resident room, dining room and bathroom. We all must work together to prevent the spread of germs, and handwashing is our best tool. Please be extra diligent about this, and please use soap and water so that we can conserve the gel we have.

CHCC’s emergency and disaster plan includes a policy and procedure for responding to any type of pandemic outbreak. CHCC has participated in table-top emergency exercises specifically regarding pandemic outbreak situations. We have staff members on the Whatcom County Infection Control Task Force and in  the Northwest Regional Healthcare Response Network. Both organizations, along with Washington Health Care Association and LeadingAge Washington, send out regular updates, sometimes several each day. Members of the CHCC leadership team are tracking new developments in order to be prepared.

Dear CHCC family members, loved ones and other community members,

In light of the ongoing spread of the novel coronavirus and of COVID-19, the disease it causes, long-term care centers such as CHCC continue to receive additional guidance on how best to protect vulnerable populations. With the COVID-19 situation having been declared a national emergency, further restrictions are now in place.

We are now being required to disallow all visitation with those who live at CHCC, except in end-of-life and similar compassionate care situations, until further notice. The new restrictions come from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which is part of the federal Department of Health and Human Services, as part of ongoing White House Task Force efforts to combat the COVID-19 virus.

In accordance with these and other restrictions, here are where things stand as of March 14:

• Visitors are not allowed at CHCC until further notice. The only exception is for end-of-life and similar compassionate care situations, in which case the visitor will be allowed only in the resident’s room and must practice hand hygiene and use personal protective equipment, such as facemasks. Decisions about visitations during end-of-life care situations are being made on a case-by-case basis.
• All residents and team members are being actively screened for COVID-19. Everyone who lives or works at CHCC is taking part in regular checks for fever and respiratory symptoms.
• Everyone who enters the building must sign in and participate in COVID-19 screening. Information collected includes name, contact information, bodily temperature (will be taken at the desk), date of visit, time in and out of the building, current health status, recent travel information, and recent contact with others who may have COVID-19. Anyone who does not pass COVID-19 screening, including staff members and those visiting in end-of-life situations, will not be allowed in the facility for 14 days.
• All non-essential services and large group gatherings are canceled until further notice, including beautician services, music therapy services, psychologist services, memorial services, pet visits, volunteer services and communal dining.
• CHCC residents are discouraged from going out into the community. We are not canceling medical appointments, but we want to discourage non-essential ventures out of the facility, especially to locations with other community members.
• Space is encouraged between residents. Communal dining and all group activities have been postponed until further notice. Instead, residents are being served meals in their rooms, and staff are practicing one-on-one activities whenever possible.
• Video chat is available. With visits having been suspended, those who want to talk with loved ones at CHCC may make use of the telephone and/or video chat technologies such as Skype and Facetime to connect with their loved ones. To use video chat services, please contact CHCC in advance at 360-354-4434 so a computer can be set up in the resident’s room.

The new restrictions from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services are the agency’s “most aggressive and decisive recommendations with respect to nursing home safety in the face of the spread of COVID-19.” We thank you for your patience and support as we work with other agencies and health care providers to limit the spread of this dangerous disease and to protect everyone in our care.

Here’s what else you can do to help:

It is critically important that you are aware of your health status. Anyone who is sick or who has been exposed to someone who is sick must stay out of CHCC and should avoid other public places as well, as much as possible.

The virus is spread through droplets such as those produced by coughing and sneezing. The best way to avoid getting sick is to avoid being around a lot of people — especially anyone who is sick — and to wash your hands well. Hands should be washed with soap and warm water for 20 seconds, with close attention paid to scrubbing the entire hands, including underneath fingernails. Soap and water are the best option and should be preferred over gel hand sanitizer, which is experiencing a worldwide shortage. If used, hand sanitizer should be rubbed into hands until dry.

If you have any questions about these mandated restrictions or other issues related to the care of your loved one at CHCC, please give us a call at 360-354-4434.

Up-to-date information on COVID-19 is available on the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at https://www.coronavirus.gov. Information specific to Washington state also is available at https://coronavirus.wa.gov/. Please monitor these websites for updates on the disease, as appropriate.

Once again, thank you for your patience as we care for your loved ones.

CHCC works daily to protect the safety of those in our care:

All CHCC staff members are trained on standard precautions and the use of such personal protective equipment as gloves, gowns, masks and protective eyewear. Our daily practice — the way in which we work every day — is designed to minimize the spread of infection, whether of influenza or COVID-19 or anything else. Throughout our building, every day, we use cleaners and disinfectants recommended and approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. All staff are instructed on hand hygiene, including the frequent washing of hands with soap and water and the use of alcohol-based gels, or hand sanitizers.

Residents’ hands are being washed as often as possible. CHCC staff are actively monitoring all residents for possible signs of respiratory infection, such as shortness of breath, new or change in cough, or sore throat. We also are monitoring residents for changes in oxygen saturation.

Handwashing stations have been set up outside the building entrances. These are to be used by everyone who enters the building. Soap and water also are easily available in every resident room, dining room and bathroom. We all must work together to prevent the spread of germs, and handwashing is our best tool. Please be extra diligent about this, and please use soap and water so that we can conserve the gel we have.

CHCC’s emergency and disaster plan includes a policy and procedure for responding to any type of pandemic outbreak. CHCC has participated in table-top emergency exercises specifically regarding pandemic outbreak situations. We have staff members on the Whatcom County Infection Control Task Force and in  the Northwest Regional Healthcare Response Network. Both organizations, along with Washington Health Care Association and LeadingAge Washington, send out regular updates, sometimes several each day. Members of the CHCC leadership team are tracking new developments in order to be prepared.

Dear CHCC family members, loved ones and other community members,

This week, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee issued restrictions governing how long-term care centers such as Christian Health Care Center should respond to the novel coronavirus and COVID-19, the disease it causes.

In accordance with these restrictions, here are where things stand as of March 13:

• CHCC residents are limited to one adult visitor per day. To ensure that no visitors are turned away, please coordinate visits ahead of time. If a visitor has already had one visitor in a day, all subsequent visitors will be turned away. According to the governor’s restrictions, there can be NO exceptions to this policy except in end-of-life situations. CHCC staff members are asking residents whether they want to designate one specific visitor, but it would be best if family, friends and loved ones could communicate ahead of time to coordinate visits – perhaps choosing a one loved one to coordinate visits and assign days to friends and family members so that nobody has to be turned away at CHCC.
• Video chat is available. Those who are unable to visit CHCC may make use of the telephone and/or video chat technologies such as Skype and Facetime to connect with their loved ones. To use Skype or Facetime, please contact CHCC in advance at 360-354-4434 so a computer can be set up in the resident’s room.
• Everyone who enters the building must sign in and participate in COVID-19 screening. Only the front doors and the rehab doors will be open. CHCC is maintaining a record of visitors and their name, contact information, bodily temperature (will be taken at the desk), date of visit, and time in and out of the building. In addition, everyone will be asked about current health, recent travel and contact with others who may have COVID-19. Anyone who does not pass COVID-19 screening will not be allowed in the facility for 14 days.
• Visitors to CHCC will be allowed only in the room of the person they are visiting. They will not be able to tour the facility or visit the cafeteria or group meeting spaces.
• All non-essential services and large group gatherings are canceled until further notice, including beautician services, music therapy services, psychologist services and memorial services. Many of our consultants will be working with us remotely. A few individual volunteers are being permitted to continue to serve residents, and they are being screened in the same manner as staff members and visitors.
• Pet visits have been discontinued until further notice. All visitors and team members are asked to not bring pets to CHCC for the time being.
• CHCC residents are discouraged from going out into the community. We are not canceling medical appointments, but we want to discourage non-essential ventures out of the facility, especially to locations with other community members.
• Space is encouraged between residents. While we are not yet closing our dining and activity rooms, all those who are capable of eating in their rooms are strongly encouraged to do so. CHCC staff are working to have 1:1 activities and small groups only. In addition, family members are not permitted in the activity rooms or dining rooms until further notice.

How you can help prevent the spread of COVID-19:

It is critically important that you are aware of your health status. Anyone who is sick or who has been exposed to someone who is sick must stay out of CHCC and should avoid other public places as well, as much as possible.

The virus is spread through droplets, so through coughing and sneezing in general. The best way to avoid getting sick is to avoid being around a lot of people — especially anyone who is sick — and to wash your hands well. Hands should be washed with soap and warm water for 20 seconds, with close attention paid to scrubbing the entire hands, including underneath fingernails. Soap and water are the best option and should be preferred over gel hand sanitizer, which is experiencing a worldwide shortage. If used, hand sanitizer should be rubbed into hands until dry.

All CHCC staff members are trained on standard precautions and the use of such personal protective equipment as gloves, gowns, masks and protective eyewear. Our daily practice — the way in which we work every day — is designed to minimize the spread of infection, whether of influenza or COVID-19 or anything else. Throughout our building, every day, we use cleaners and disinfectants recommended and approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. All staff are instructed on hand hygiene, including the frequent washing of hands with soap and water and the use of alcohol-based gels, or hand sanitizers.

Residents’ hands are being washed as often as possible, and all visitors are encouraged to wash their hands before entering and leaving residents’ rooms. CHCC staff are actively monitoring all residents for possible signs of respiratory infection, such as shortness of breath, new or change in cough, or sore throat. We also are monitoring residents for changes in oxygen saturation.

Handwashing stations have been set up outside the building entrances. These are to be used by everyone who enters the building. Soap and water also are easily available in every resident room, dining room and bathroom. We all must work together to prevent the spread of germs, and handwashing is our best tool. Please be extra diligent about this, and please use soap and water so that we can conserve the gel we have.

CHCC’s emergency and disaster plan includes a policy and procedure for responding to any type of pandemic outbreak. CHCC has participated in table-top emergency exercises specifically regarding pandemic outbreak situations. We have staff members on the Whatcom County Infection Control Task Force and in  the Northwest Regional Healthcare Response Network. Both organizations, along with Washington Health Care Association and LeadingAge Washington, send out regular updates, sometimes several each day. Members of the CHCC leadership team are tracking new developments in order to be prepared.

Where to go for more information:

If you have any questions about these mandated restrictions or other issues related to the care of your loved one at CHCC, please give us a call at 360-354-4434.

Up-to-date information on COVID-19 is available on the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. Information specific to Washington state also is available on the Washington State Department of Health website at https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/COVID19. Please monitor these websites for updates on the disease, as appropriate.

Thank you for your patience as we care for your loved ones.

Dear CHCC family members, loved ones and other community members,

This week, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee issued restrictions governing how long-term care centers such as Christian Health Care Center should respond to the novel coronavirus and COVID-19, the disease it causes.

In accordance with these restrictions, CHCC has implemented the following policies, effective immediately. Some of these we alerted you to on March 10, and others were put in place March 11:

• CHCC residents are limited to one adult visitor per day. Family members, friends and loved ones should coordinate visits ahead of time to ensure that everyone who wants to has a chance to visit in the coming weeks. Those who are unable to visit CHCC may make use of the telephone and/or video chat technologies such as Skype and Facetime to connect with their loved ones. To use Skype or Facetime, please contact CHCC in advance at 360-354-4434 so a computer can be set up in the resident’s room.
• Everyone who enters the building must sign in and participate in COVID-19 screening. Only the front doors and the rehab doors will be open. CHCC is maintaining a record of visitors and their name, contact information, bodily temperature (will be taken at the desk), date of visit, and time in and out of the building. In addition, everyone will be asked about current health, recent travel and contact with others who may have COVID-19. Anyone who does not pass COVID-19 screening will not be allowed in the facility for 14 days.
• Visitors to CHCC will be allowed only in the room of the person they are visiting. They will not be able to tour the facility or visit the cafeteria or group meeting spaces.
• All non-essential services and large group gatherings are canceled until further notice, including beautician services, music therapy services, psychologist services and memorial services. Many of our consultants will be working with us remotely. A few individual volunteers are being permitted to continue to serve residents, and they are being screened in the same manner as staff members and visitors.
• Pet visits have been discontinued until further notice. All visitors and team members are asked to not bring pets to CHCC for the time being.
• CHCC residents are discouraged from going out into the community. We are not canceling medical appointments, but we want to discourage non-essential ventures out of the facility, especially to locations with other community members.
• Space is encouraged between residents. While we are not yet closing our dining and activity rooms, all those who are capable of eating in their rooms are strongly encouraged to do so. CHCC staff are working to have 1:1 activities and small groups only. In addition, family members are not permitted in the activity rooms or dining rooms until further notice.

How you can help:

It is critically important that you are aware of your health status. Anyone who is sick or who has been exposed to someone who is sick must stay out of CHCC and should avoid other public places as well, as much as possible.

The virus is spread through droplets, so through coughing and sneezing in general. The best way to avoid getting sick is to avoid being around a lot of people — especially anyone who is sick — and to wash your hands well. Hands should be washed with soap and warm water for 20 seconds, with close attention paid to underneath the fingernails. If soap and water are not available, hand sanitizer may be used. It should be rubbed into hands until they are dry. The friction in both scenarios is important.

More information about CHCC’s response to COVID-19:

All CHCC staff members are trained on standard precautions and the use of such personal protective equipment as gloves, gowns, masks and protective eyewear. Our daily practice — the way in which we work every day — is designed to minimize the spread of infection, whether of influenza or COVID-19 or anything else. Throughout our building, every day, we use cleaners and disinfectants recommended and approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. All staff are instructed on hand hygiene, including the frequent washing of hands with soap and water and the use of alcohol-based gels, or hand sanitizers.

Residents’ hands are being washed as often as possible, and all visitors are encouraged to wash their hands before entering and leaving residents’ rooms. CHCC staff are actively monitoring all residents for possible signs of respiratory infection, such as shortness of breath, new or change in cough, or sore throat. We also are monitoring residents for changes in oxygen saturation.

CHCC’s emergency and disaster plan includes a policy and procedure for responding to any type of pandemic outbreak. CHCC has participated in table-top emergency exercises specifically regarding pandemic outbreak situations. We have staff members on the Whatcom County Infection Control Task Force and in  the Northwest Regional Healthcare Response Network. Both organizations, along with Washington Health Care Association and LeadingAge Washington, send out regular updates, sometimes several each day. Members of the CHCC leadership team are tracking new developments in order to be prepared.

Where to go for more information:

If you have any questions about these mandated restrictions or other issues related to the care of your loved one at CHCC, please give us a call at 360-354-4434.

Up-to-date information on COVID-19 is available on the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. Information specific to Washington state also is available on the Washington State Department of Health website at https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/COVID19. Please monitor these websites for updates on the disease, as appropriate.

Thank you for your patience as we care for your loved ones.

Dear CHCC family members, loved ones and other community members,

Today, March 10, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee issued restrictions governing how long-term care centers such as Christian Health Care Center should respond to the novel coronavirus and COVID-19, the disease it causes.

In accordance with these restrictions, CHCC has implemented the following policies, effective immediately:

• CHCC residents are limited to one adult visitor per day. Family members, friends and loved ones should coordinate visits ahead of time to ensure that everyone who wants to has a chance to visit in the coming weeks. Those who are unable to visit CHCC may make use of the telephone and/or video chat technologies such as Skype and Facetime to connect with their loved ones. To use Skype or Facetime, please contact CHCC in advance at 360-354-4434 so a computer can be set up in the resident’s room.
• All visitors to CHCC must sign in and have their temperature recorded. Only the front doors and the rehab doors will be open. CHCC is maintaining a record of visitors and their name, contact information, bodily temperature, date of visit, and time in and out of the building. In addition, all visitors will be asked the following questions (if the answer to any of them is “yes,” the visitor will not be allowed in the facility for 14 days):
• In the past 14 days, have you travelled outside the country to a high-risk area (China, Iran, Japan, Italy, or Korea)? If yes, where and when did you return?
• Have you had contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or who has travelled outside the country to a high-risk area?
• Do you have any of the following: fever, shortness of breath, new or changed cough? If yes, detail which.
• Visitors to CHCC will be allowed only in the room of the person they are visiting. They will not be able to tour the facility or visit the cafeteria or group meeting spaces.
• We are cancelling beautician services, music therapy services, psychologist services and any other non-essential services until further notice. Many of our consultants will be working with us remotely.

How you can help:

It is critically important that you are aware of your health status. Anyone who is sick or who has been exposed to someone who is sick must stay out of CHCC and should avoid other public places as well, as much as possible.

The virus is spread through droplets, so through coughing and sneezing in general. The best way to avoid getting sick is to avoid being around a lot of people — especially anyone who is sick — and to wash your hands well. Hands should be washed with soap and warm water for 20 seconds, with close attention paid to underneath the fingernails. If soap and water are not available, hand sanitizer may be used. It should be rubbed into hands until they are dry. The friction in both scenarios is important.

More information about CHCC’s response to COVID-19:

All CHCC staff members are trained on standard precautions and the use of such personal protective equipment as gloves, gowns, masks and protective eyewear. Our daily practice — the way in which we work every day — is designed to minimize the spread of infection, whether of influenza or COVID-19 or anything else. Throughout our building, every day, we use cleaners and disinfectants recommended and approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. All staff are instructed on hand hygiene, including the frequent washing of hands with soap and water and the use of alcohol-based gels, or hand sanitizers.

CHCC’s emergency and disaster plan includes a policy and procedure for responding to any type of pandemic outbreak. CHCC has participated in table-top emergency exercises specifically regarding pandemic outbreak situations. We have staff members on the Whatcom County Infection Control Task Force and in the Northwest Regional Healthcare Response Network. Both organizations, along with Washington Health Care Association and LeadingAge Washington, send out regular updates, sometimes several each day. Members of the CHCC leadership team are tracking new developments in order to be prepared.

Where to go for more information:

If you have any questions about these mandated restrictions or other issues related to the care of your loved one at CHCC, please give us a call at 360-354-4434.

Up-to-date information on COVID-19 is available on the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. Please monitor the CDC website for updates on the disease, as appropriate.

Thank you for your patience as we care for your loved ones.

Dear CHCC family members, loved ones and other community members,

You’ve probably heard about the new coronavirus, which has been spreading around the world from its origin in China since late last year. For up-to-date information on COVID-19, the best place to visit for information is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

With the virus having made inroads into the United States — and to the Pacific Northwest in particular — we at Christian Health Care Center wanted to inform you that we are doing everything we can to stay on top of this disease.

While there is no known specific threat to CHCC residents and visitors related to the coronavirus, we wanted to be sure that loved ones, friends, family and community members are aware of what CHCC is doing to limit the potential spread of COVID-19.

First, it is critically important that all community members, family members, loved ones, volunteers, vendors and others be aware of their own health status. Anyone who is sick or who has been exposed to someone who is sick must stay out of the building until well. Signs to that effect have been posted at the entrances, and visitors who are coughing, sneezing or exhibiting any other respiratory or flu-like symptoms may be politely asked to come back at a different time.

Out of an abundance of caution, and in recognition that our residents are an especially vulnerable population, we may keep staff members out of the building for 14 days after they return from areas where the virus has been identified. This will be decided on a case-by-case basis. Any community member who recently has been in an area where the virus has been identified or who is experiencing respiratory or flu-like symptoms also is asked to not visit CHCC at this time.

The virus is spread through droplets, so through coughing and sneezing in general. The best way to avoid getting sick is to avoid being around a lot of people — especially anyone who is sick — and to wash your hands well. Hands should be washed with soap and warm water for 20 seconds, with close attention paid to underneath the fingernails. If soap and water are not available, hand sanitizer may be used. It should be rubbed into hands until they are dry. The friction in both scenarios is important.

Second, please know that all CHCC staff members are trained on standard precautions and the use of such personal protective equipment as gloves, gowns, masks and protective eyewear. Our daily practice — the way in which we work every day — is designed to minimize the spread of infection, whether of influenza or COVID-19 or anything else. Throughout our building, every day, we use cleaners and disinfectants recommended and approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. All staff are instructed on hand hygiene, including the frequent washing of hands with soap and water and the use of alcohol-based gels, or hand sanitizers.

CHCC’s emergency and disaster plan includes a policy and procedure for responding to any type of pandemic outbreak. CHCC has participated in table-top emergency exercises specifically regarding pandemic outbreak situations. We have staff members on the Whatcom County Infection Control Task Force and in  the Northwest Regional Healthcare Response Network. Both organizations, along with Washington Health Care Association and LeadingAge Washington, send out regular updates, sometimes several each day. Members of the CHCC leadership team are tracking new developments in order to be prepared in the event that the coronavirus were to spread farther north.

If you have any questions about the new coronavirus and how it might relate to a loved one receiving care at CHCC, please feel free to give us a call at 360-354-4434.

For updates on COVID-19, please visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.