GRF staff member tests positive

COVID-19

On Nov. 6, GRF was advised that an employee in the Administration Building tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. GRF took appropriate and immediate action under the established guidelines and mandated privacy regulations.

Without delay, contact tracing was conducted to identify anyone who may have had close contact with this individual (less than six feet for more than 15 minutes within a 24-hour period).

If you have not been contacted, you have not been identified as having been in close contact with this individual. The obligation of investigating a positive COVID-19 case has been met, and all instituted protocols have been followed while maintaining privacy rights.

“This remains a time of great uncertainty, and we ask that everyone continue to work together to mitigate the spread of COVID-19,” said GRF Executive Director Randy Ankeny. “GRF has taken proactive actions within its ability and resources to keep employees and community members as safe and healthy as possible, but it requires that we all work together through community unity. “Still, with many cases of COVID-19 transmitted before anyone knows they have been exposed,” he continued, “we cannot 100 percent guarantee the virus won’t enter our workplace or community.”

GRF staff is mandated to wear masks at all times and maintain six-feet distances from people. There is minimal office-to-office contact to keep personnel as separated as possible.

This message is ongoing to all GRF staff: Everyone should self-assess daily for potential COVID-19 symptoms (fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea). If you have any symptoms, stay home. If you believe you have been exposed to the virus, contact your medical provider to arrange for testing and self-quarantine for the recommended length of time.

Here are precautionary measures to protect the health and safety of everyone:

• Wear masks or other facial coverings while in shared office spaces, public or high-risk settings, including shopping, taking public transit or seeking medical care unless granted a specific exception (such as for safety, a medical reason).

• Maintain at least six feet of social distance from others at all times.

• Wash hands frequently for at least 20 seconds using soap and water or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60-percent alcohol.

• Cough or sneeze into a tissue or elbow; avoid touching your face.

• Avoid people who are sick, sneezing or coughing.

• Stay home as much as possible and reduce visitors.

• Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that people frequently touch.

• Assess yourself for COVID-19 symptoms.

The GRF is committed to protecting the health and safety of everyone in Leisure World.

—LeAnn Dillman, GRF human resources director