- Good afternoon Fowler Family!
- I heard God was spotted at Fowler today. When asked what He was doing He said, “Working from Home!” [joke found on Facebook]
- We know God is with us and we are feeling the love through all His people
- We are now 37 days into our shelter in place routine and I had a revelation today
- I recently learned that a panda bear eats 12 times/day
- And they say a person in quarantine eats like a panda
- That’s why they call it a PANDemic! [joke found on Facebook]
- Yesterday was a big news day for the pandemic so let’s run through the highlights
- New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania extended shelter in place orders through May 15th
- President Trump revealed guidelines for opening the economy which include specific strategies to protect vulnerable seniors
- Governors are empowered to tailor an approach for their states and can be done county by county – this is very important for Texas as we have many counties not affected, yet they are living under our restrictions
- There is initial Gating Criteria that must be met before we can start the Phased Comeback:
- Downward trajectory of flu-like illness within 14-day period
- Downward trajectory of COVID-like cases reported within a 14-day period
- And downward trajectory of documented cases within 14-day period
- The data will drive the decision
- Additionally, hospital vacancies and PPE availability will be monitored in relation to the downturn of cases
- The phases are outlined so that we have a continual litmus test to react if virus returns in the fall, as some predict – we want to be able to react quickly
- Shelter in place will be maintained for the highest risk areas and vulnerable individuals
- In all phases, the following are to be continued:
- Vigorous hygiene
- Social distancing
- Minimize time spent in crowded environments
- Gatekeeping for each phase; cannot enter phasing without passing initial gate
- Phase 1 of Phased Comeback:
- Vulnerable seniors must continue to shelter in place
- Senior living communities and hospitals remain closed to all visitors
- Must continue to socialize in groups of 10 or less
- Employers should continue telework when possible
- Schools and youth activities should remain closed
- Worship, movie theaters, sit down dining, sporting venues can resume with strict physical distancing
- Bars remain closed
- Elective surgeries may resume on an outpatient basis
- Phase 2 of Phased Comeback – after another 14 day drop of statistics and no rebounds from phase 1 thresholds
- Vulnerable seniors must continue to shelter in place
- Senior living communities and hospitals remain closed to all visitors
- We will be able to socialize in groups of 50 or less
- Telework continues for individuals who are considered vulnerable
- Schools and daycare can reopen
- Large venues to operate under moderate social distancing
- Bars must remain closed
- Elective surgeries may resume on an inpatient and outpatient basis
- Phase 3 of Phased Comeback – no rebounds from phase 2 thresholds return to the new normal, continue good hygiene, social distancing, minimize time spent in crowded environment
- Vulnerable seniors can resume public interaction practicing physical distancing
- Employers may resume all worksites
- Visitors will be allowed back to Hospitals and Senior Living Communities
- And bars can open!
- I want to be very clear – they did not distinguish between independent residents and residents in our licensed areas – the language clearly says senior living communities and vulnerable seniors
- The restrictions that we have in place at Fowler are following the laws of Dallas County, the state of Texas and our federal government
- No more, no less
- We heightened our response early on to mitigate exposure, and because of that, we are still COVID free
- But what we are doing now, is what all senior communities and all seniors are mandated to do
- And the regulations keep changing
- Yesterday, Judge Clay Jenkins mandated that effective 4/17. all individuals over the age of 2 must wear some form over covering over their nose and mouth
- We have a handout entitled Stay Home Stay Safe that we will pass out
- Today, Governor Abbott began to outline the Texas plan to reopen Texas in coordination with the federal plan and prioritizing health and safety
- Schools are closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year
- This will really disappoint my daughter Hayden – homeschooling by mom has been a little tough! She just told me yesterday “I hope I don’t have the same teacher next year.” [joke provided by Liz Thurmond]
- Surgical restrictions will be loosened on 4/22
- Retail to-go can begin next Friday
- State parks will reopen Monday with restrictions
- Next phase announcement will be made on 4/27
- This is a lot of information and I want to remind you that these briefings are posted on our website
- Thank you
All Daily Updates are posted on our website – www.fowlercommunities.org/covid19/
COVID Hotline: Phone: 214-515-7184 • Spanish Speaking Line: 214-515-1385
Email: Covid19info@fowlercommunities.org
COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week toll-free at 833-986-1919.
