Update from The Pines

The Pines continues to receive results of COVID-19 diagnostic tests being administered to Pines staff. Since our last update, we have been notified that three additional staff have tested positive for the virus, for a total of four staff. None of the three individuals exhibited COVID-19 symptoms at the time they were tested. They are now isolating at their homes until they are eligible to return to work pursuant to government guidelines.

The Pines anticipated that the baseline testing among Pines staff who have worked in our Nursing and Assisting Living wings could result in additional confirmed cases of the virus. As was shared previously, COVID-19 is so contagious and can be spread by individuals without symptoms. Under the best of circumstances, additional spread is not unexpected.

We completed testing of residents in the Assisted Living Wing. No additional residents have tested positive at this time beyond the four Nursing Wing residents. Those four individuals continue to receive treatment: three are now being cared for at Huntersville Oaks in its specialized COVID-19 wing. The other individual remains in the hospital, although we expect that individual to also be transferred to the Huntersville Oaks COVID-19 wing soon.

The Pines’ medical team is closely monitoring the Pines community so that we can continue to reduce the spread of COVID-19, with our residents’ help. We appeal to you to continue adhering to the safety guidelines for reducing exposure to this insidious disease through regular hand washing, staying apart at least 6 feet and wearing a mask in common areas. Equally important – please promptly alert your primary care provider and our nursing staff if you begin experiencing any symptom of COVID-19.