Dear Extended Cobble Hill LifeCare Family,

Last week, two staff members tested positive.  One was symptomatic and immediately quarantined at home.  The other was asymptomatic and had no known exposure.  He retested the next day and was negative.  We suspect a false initial positive.  Despite this he was taken off the schedule out of an abundance of caution. 

Several days ago a resident tested positive as well.  The resident is asymptomatic and has previous antibodies.  Although this too we suspect is a false positive, the resident is quarantined out of an abundance of caution. 

This morning we received positive results from one resident and one staff.  Both are asymptomatic and also have antibodies.  Although we suspect these two are false positives, the staff member is quarantining at home and the resident quarantined on the COVID unit until the samples are rerun to confirm. 

As a result of this, 1B, 3B, 1A, 2A are on quarantine until we get clarification of these cases.  As a reminder, we also have separate quarantine areas for new admissions to ensure none are bringing COVID into the building from the hospital.  We are doing everything we can to proactively identify potential cases with frequent testing and quickly isolating and quarantining as a result. 

The great news is that the vaccine is here!!  All residents and designated representatives will receive a call to discuss the vaccine and hopefully give us your consent for your resident to receive it.  For 10 months we’ve been praying for something to save us from this pandemic so life can go back to normal and it’s finally here!  I know there is a lot of misinformation out there and we want to put your minds at ease.  I will be taking it at the first opportunity and urge you all to do the same. 

We had a wonderful holiday luncheon last week albeit socially distanced and for many while in quarantine.  Our culinary team once again out did themselves.  We are doing our best to keep residents’ spirits up and to enjoy this season as much as possible.  Despite all that we’ve gone through, we all have so much to be thankful for and we’re determined to support one another and find light and enjoyment this holiday season.  It’s heart warming to see the staff take such care in helping residents smile and enjoy themselves. 

If you have any specific questions or concerns about this or anything else, I encourage you to reach out to us via the COVID hotline at (718) 247-1153 or email us at covid19@cobblehill.org.  

Warm regards,

Donny Tuchman 

CEO

Cobble Hill Health Center
380 Henry Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Tel: (718) 855 – 6789 x 177
Fax: (718) 247-5285