Dear Residents and Families of Birch Bay Retirement Village,

As we continue to screen and monitor our residents and workforce to identify and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 disease in our Birch Bay Community; we were notified that a resident’s private homecare provider had tested positive for COVID-19. The resident who was exposed has since tested negative. We want to assure the families and the residents that no other residents or our staff had close contact with this individual. Our Director of Health Services, Michael Smith, RN, and I will monitor any subsequent testing guidance in accordance with CDC guidelines.

While we strive for transparency in everything we do, please know that we are bound by federal guidelines under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which protect the privacy of our residents and staff. However, you will notify you in the event that we have any concerns about your loved one having suspected or confirmed COVID-19.

Our second vaccination clinic is planned for the week of January 25th. Vaccination is the first step to our return to “normalcy” and sets the foundation for re-opening our community fully. However, we remain cautious, as the full effect of the vaccine will not take place until two weeks after the second vaccine is administered which would be around Valentine’s Day.

COVID-19 vaccines are an important tool to help stop the pandemic. However, even after vaccination, everyone at Birch Bay will continue following all the current guidance to protect themselves and others. Our guidelines regarding off campus travel or indoor visitation are dependent on the case count here in Hancock County per the Department of Health & Human Services and the Maine CDC. This is where we need help from our staff, your family and all our neighbors in our community. It is more important now than ever before that our entire community continue to be vigilant. Although, private homecare providers are a resident right, there are several services that Birch Bay can provide to limit the need for private homecare providers such as medication assistance, grocery delivery, personal care assistance and more. If there is any question about what services are available, please call our Director of Health Services, Michael Smith at x 5203.

Please social distance, wear a mask, limit your non-essential trips, and practice good handwashing. Thank you for helping us protect the health and well-being of all.

Thank you,

Peter Sullivan, MBA, RN-BC, CDP, LRCA, Executive Director, Birch Bay Retirement Village