Statement from Hallmark Nursing Center regarding COVID-19

Updated: Thursday, November 19, 3:10 p.m. MST

At Hallmark Nursing Center, residents are - and have always been - our highest priority.

Here are our COVID-19 cases totals as of November 19:

• Total resident cases: 35
• Total associate cases: 11 (Eight active and three recovered)

We are heartbroken to share that we lost five residents; we extend our sympathies to their families and loved ones.

In accordance with state guidelines, we are testing all residents and associates twice per week. In addition, residents are monitored multiple times per day, and associates are screened when they arrive for work and when they leave.

If a resident tests positive, he or she will be placed in isolation in our building. If an associate tests positive, he or she will recover at home and only return to work when CDC guidelines for returning to work are met.

We stay in consistent communication with families and always welcome their questions and concerns. Even though our visitation remains restricted, we're happy to coordinate phone calls, video chats or window visits.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States, we have been following the latest guidelines, from both state and federal authorities, including the CDC. We are working closely with the Colorado Department of Health, the Agency for Health Care Administration and the county health department to ensure we are taking the appropriate steps at this time.

We will continue to be proactive in taking on the challenges of this pandemic and our resolve remains to provide a safe environment and peace of mind for each individual under our stewardship.

Deborah Barnes, executive director