COVID-19

Carol Woods was quick to react to news of the spread of the coronavirus by putting many protocols in place in mid-March 2021 in an effort to minimize exposure. With 99.5% of residents and more than 80% of staff being vaccinated, many of our strict Covid protocols have been lifted. Here is an update of our protocols:

If a resident or staff member has a suspected case of COVID-19

Residents and staff showing symptoms of COVID-19 are required to self-quarantine until they test negative or until symptoms cease.

If a resident or staff member tests positive for COVID-19

If a staff member or resident is confirmed to have COVID-19, local and federal health officials are notified. To ensure transparency, Carol Woods will also post updates in the Campus Health Updates section.

Carol Woods will initiate contract tracing, but vaccinated residents and staff who came in close and sustained contact with a person who tests positive will not have to self-quarantine at home for 14 days.

If residents currently living in the Health Center or Assisted Living test positive for COVID-19, they will be moved to an isolation unit in the Health Center.

Residents living in the Health Center and Assisted Living

Many group activities have restarted because 99.5% of the resident population is vaccinated. Dining rooms have reopened.

Residents living in Independent Living

About 85 percent of our residents live independently in cottages, apartments and townhomes. Because 99.5% percent of the resident population is vaccinated, residents no longer need to wear masks or practicing social distancing while with each other on campus in the residents' homes. Indoor activities in the common buildings have resumed with vaccinated residents and their vaccinated guests. The Carol Woods Home Services program can be utilized by residents who still don't want to go out shopping.

Staff

Even though 80% of staff have been vaccinated, protocols are still in place. All staff members are screened as they arrive at work. Screening involves temperature checks and a series of health and exposure questions based on CDC guidelines. All staff are wearing masks in Higher Level of Support buildings.

Contractors

Contractors are screened with temperature checks and questions.

Deliveries

Delivery drivers are no longer screened.

Other changes and protocols in place around campus

Public tours for those looking to learn more about Carol Woods have been suspended.
Visitors are allowed to visit with residents in their homes or in public spaces.
Public indoor spaces have been reopened to residents. This includes the library, craft building and indoor gathering spaces. The fitness center and pool are open. Dining rooms have reopened.
In-person activities are resuming such as indoor group exercise classes, indoor resident meetings, staff meetings, and indoor gatherings of resident committees and special interest groups.
Our on-site clinic and physical, occupational and speech therapy services continue.
The Home Services program, which offers shopping services, continues.
Hand sanitizers are available throughout campus, although hand washing is encouraged over using hand sanitizers.
A supply of personal protective equipment such as masks, gloves, gowns and goggles are on site.
A staff hardship fund has been created to help staff who are financially impacted by COVID-19.

The Carol Woods Infection Prevention team is continually monitoring reports of COVID-19 and its variants. We are also following the guidelines of the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), NC SPICE (North Carolina Statewide Program for Infection Control and Epidemiology), CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services), AHCA (American Health Care Association) and LeadingAge.