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Daily Briefing, April 17, 2020

 

  • 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.