thank you:
The Wales has been closed to visitors and nonessential services for seven weeks now. This conclusion has not been easy, nor do I expect this closing to get less difficult. We are fortunate to have involved and present family members and, due to their love for residents and employees, they are remaining at home and have been respecting our measures. You are fragile, and you understand this reality. This pandemic will most likely last for many more months; we have won a battle, but the war is not over. Thank you so much for your support and tireless understanding.
I am so proud when I hear your loved ones say they feel safe here. You, beloved residents, have followed my recommendations since day one. When I strongly suggested you should not leave the Wales, you stayed. You respected isolation protocols, even for small colds, you are careful of the two-metre distancing, and you eat in your rooms to keep yourself and your fellow residents safe. You are doing amazing and, thanks to our astonishing employees, we are still COVID-19 free! We will overcome this virus together; our actions are important and essential.
COVID-19 REMINDERs:
The Estrie's situation is improving and the news is excellent. Hospitalizations are decreasing, and daily new cases of COVID-19 are very low, sometimes non-existant! These decreases mean that our actions are working. This improvement does not mean we can lower our guard. Please keep following measures to remain virus-free and prevent COVID-19 from entering the Wales.
Thank you for continuing to wash your hands with soap and water:
- Before leaving your room/apartment
- When entering you room/apartment
- Before and after meals
Please keep up the good two-metre distancing habit inside and outside the Wales. Please remain on your unit and avoid gathering. The weather is improving, but please remember that measures apply outside as well. Please inform your LPN when you go outside for a walk. If you notice family members on the grounds visiting through the windows, please change directions and keep your distance.
I do not recommend that you weak masks or gloves, as these personal protective equipments provide a false sense of security. These supplies are for medical use: for employees to wear to protect you. Employees know how to wear and remove this gear so they do not contaminate themselves. The best way to remain safe is to wash your hands and physical distance. We will take care of the rest. Again, please understand that no employee will come to work if they are sick unless previously authorized by me. I am available 24/7 for employees. If someone presents new symptoms, they call me and get tested before returning to work. Your safety is my priority. We have been safe for the last seven weeks, and this protection remains my goal for the coming weeks and months.
influenza season:
I have good news; influenza season is now over, and we had zero infections again this year! Thank you for the high vaccination rate; these injections definitely help prevent influenza outbreaks. The return of the remaining doses closes flu season.
Now, if we can have some consistent sunshine and heat, that would be very much appreciated!
Happy Mother's Day to the loving mothers and stay safe,
Vicky Gingras
Director of Health Services
819-826-3266 extension 224
Please wash your hands effectively for at least twenty seconds. Remember, soap and water is more effective than hand sanitizer.
Please do not us a towel to dry your hands if you use hand sanitizer; rub until your hands are dry.