At this time, the NM Dept. of Health, in collaboration with Presbyterian Hospital, are testing residents and staff of La Vida Llena for Covid-19. Prior to this week, testing was limited only to individuals who displayed symptoms of Covid-19, and so it was impossible to track the spread of the virus if people were asymptomatic. During her Press Conference on Monday, March 30, Governor Lujan Grisham announced that she had procured significant quantities of coronavirus test kits, and that the protocols of the Dept. of Health would now include testing asymptomatic individuals, particularly of vulnerable populations. This was very welcome news, and the new development allowed testing of all residents and staff in Health Care at LVL. Furthermore, it enabled LVL management to work cooperatively with DOH and Presbyterian to implement the testing that is currently being done.

As part of the testing in Health Care, there have been positive test results reported, and we continue to receive updates from the Dept. of Health. As of this writing, there have been 18 residents in Health Care who have tested positive. All are are being isolated and cared for by the dedicated Health Care staff who are using PPE as part of the regular protocol to ensure infection control.

Again, we are thankful that Governor Lujan Grisham has, as part of her ongoing efforts to mitigate the effects of Covid-19, directed the Dept. of Health to make testing available to senior care communities. The testing now being done at LVL is an important part of safeguarding our residents and staff. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to be tested, whether you are a resident or member of the LVL staff. Testing will continue over the next few days, making testing available to all residents in the various locations throughout LVL.

The management of LVL is working with DOH to include our sister community, NIRR, in the testing of residents and staff.