North Carolina continues to see new COVID cases in the four digits, with the most recently published number of cases reported at 1,051 for August 11, down from a high of 2,481 daily cases reported on July 18. With the virus still widespread in Catawba County, Trinity Ridge in Hickory has not been able to escape infection. To date, a total of 18 residents and 17 teammates at Trinity Ridge have tested positive for COVID-19.
“There has been much improvement in our memory neighborhood, and we continue to use isolation and infection control protocols,” said Trinity Ridge Administrator Tonya Hilliard. “We are happy to report that we have not had any new cases in the past two weeks.”
Trinity Ridge has had several infection control surveys conducted by the Division of Health Services Regulation (DHSR), with the most recent on August 5, when Trinity Ridge was declared deficiency-free, Hilliard said.
“Outbreaks in congregate care facilities are inevitable when infection is pervasive in the community,” said Lutheran Services Carolinas president Ted Goins. “Despite the pandemic, LSC’s skilled nursing homes, including Trinity Ridge, are faring better than many, including some facilities that are having a hard time even getting staff members to work. As weary as our Trinity Ridge teammates are under such extraordinary pressures, they have really stepped up during this pandemic.”
“The DHSR has recognized that Trinity Ridge s doing a great job with the measures it has taken to protect residents and staff,” Goins continued. “We are proud of our teammates in Hickory for doing everything they can to hold the line against COVID.”
“Our staff members have worked hard and done wonderfully well under the circumstances,” Hilliard said. “And our families have been extremely supportive during this difficult time.”
“Testing for residents and staff continues,” Hilliard said. “We continue to work closely with the Catawba County Health Department and follow their guidance.
“Everyone in Catawba County and beyond can do their part to keep our elders safe,” Goins said, “including prayer and practicing the three Ws: Wear a mask, Wait six feet apart, and Wash your hands.”