Updates

Many state and county governments have already reopened the economy to essential businesses. However, we now see the surges of positive COVID-19 cases in 40 states as a clear result of opening too quickly. As data shows, contrary to skeptics, the rising % of positive cases as a whole is NOT a result of more testing being done but rather a direct result of mass gatherings combined with a lack of social distancing and not wearing face masks. Our residents are vulnerable to these potential outbreaks and as a result we move cautiously and slowly ahead. We base all decisions for each step we take by carefully watching local/ regional/state statistics, advice from the CT Department of Public Health, and by monitoring the health status of our community.  We will evaluate how we shift our protocols after we know our community is no longer at risk, and with careful consideration of the guidance offered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and local and state health departments.

 We took immediate action on March 12^th   and continue to move ahead cautiously keeping in mind both the mental and physical health of our community (residents and staff alike). There are no short cuts or easy answers to how we reduce our risk to COVID-19, and it is as important as ever that we continue to remain focused on protecting ourselves and supporting each other. We want to keep you informed regarding what services will re-open and our policies on visitors to the community.

As of 7/20/20, The Mews has updated its policies as follows:

• Visitors are restricted from visiting inside the buildings, except for compassionate care situations as defined by our ALSA Supervisor. A limited number of visitors are permitted outside our building at arranged locations (keeping social distance and requiring face masks) by setting up specific visiting dates/times by 9am the day of the visit.
• Meals are still delivered in apartments. We will go back to the dining room in August with social distancing.
• Residents are driven to and from physician appointments that are deemed necessary after consulting with the physician’s office.
• We are now open for tours with restrictions (call ahead for details).

In the upcoming weeks, and until further notice, the Mews will continue to maintain the policy above and follow social distancing protocols, wearing masks, and washing hands. All residents have tested negative. The staff and private aides have been tested weekly with negative results. We understand the risks posed to our community from COVID-19 and remain committed to our processes. If we decide to make changes to our protocols, residents, employees, and families will be notified first. We will continue to keep you informed weekly or you may visit our website for updates.

Thank you for your patience and your support (emails, phone calls, and letters), as we move forward. If you have any further questions, please contact me at 203-869-9448.

Tom Megna                 Executive Director           executivedirector@nullthemewsingreenwich.org