The Christwood Return to Normalcy Task Force is working diligently to make safe decisions, both short and long term, to loosen restrictions on campus with the overall goal of keeping residents and staff healthy. Social isolation, although difficult, has allowed us to protect each other. In the true sense of community – residents, family members and staff have all sacrificed for the good of the whole.
On May 12th Governor Edwards proclaimed a move to Phase 1 starting May 15th. As our residents fall within the definition of vulnerable populations many of these changes do not apply to Christwood. While visitors are still prohibited from coming on campus, in an effort to move safely towards normalcy, some changes are being integrated into daily life.
- Residents can use the corridors while still adhering to physical distancing
- Groups of not more than 10 people can meet, particularly outside keeping six feet apart
- All staff working from home have returned to campus
- Breakfast pick up in the Harvest Room has resumed
- The annual Crawfish Bowl is being held today with delivery to residents
- The Resident Volunteer Task Force will resume their deliveries
- Off campus excursions begin this week. Eight residents will go in the Christwood bus to the Solomon Center for a picnic while keeping their physical distance
- The Beehive Market is now opened for pick up orders
- A rolling Bar Cart is available for Isolation Libations
- A music festival scheduled for May 22th which includes multiple performers holding concerts in courtyards (to be heard from windows and balconies) around Christwood
- Masks will continue to be worn by residents and staff
- Daily screening checks for residents and staff will continue
More decisions will be forthcoming by the Return to Normalcy Task Force. Currently at the forefront of discussion is the reopening of the Lotus Spa safely so residents can get haircuts and have beauty appointments. A plan to have scheduled family visits is being developed so residents and family members can meet at the gate. Families won’t be entering the campus but can visit in a tent behind the Guard House. Physical distancing will be maintained and privacy provided. Residents and family members will be notified when an appointment schedule is developed.
As is felt in the local community and across the world, we all want to get back to normal. At Christwood, we are making small careful steps in that direction.