Lily Kirchmann resident tests positive for Covid-19

A resident from the Lily Kirchmann Complex in Berea, East London has contracted Covid-19.

The resident, whose name has been withheld to protect their privacy, tested positive following their admission to St Dominics Hospital for a lung infection.

According to Berea Gardens Retirement Foundation executive manager Mike Schulze, the complex was informed about the resident’s condition on June 3.

“It seems likely that he contracted it from a care worker in the Step-Down unit who developed symptoms after her day shift on Tuesday June 2.

“She had been asymptomatic up to that point and had passed the daily screening prior to her shift commencing.

“She was advised to stay off work and seek medical attention immediately, which she did and was hospitalised on Wednesday June 3. She has been confirmed as Covid-19 positive,” he said.

Schulze said the remaining residents in the Step-Down unit have been placed under quarantine and the area has been thoroughly sanitised.

At the time of writing, no other residents in the unit have shown Covid-19 symptoms.

“There was only one patient in the unit who had been discharged within the window period of infection. She has been contacted and has had self-isolation procedures explained to her,” said Schulze.

The Step-Down unit is staffed seperately from the rest of the Lily Kirchmann complex and no interaction has been allowed between the two.

“Staff of the Lily Kirchmann complex, as with all our other staff, are screened daily and are required to use the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) while on duty.

“Staff using public transport are required to travel in other clothing and sanitise and change into their uniforms after arriving at work,” Shulze said.

In addition, no visiting is permitted across all Berea Garden complexes.