UPDATE: Bridge Park in High Point has a COVID-19 case, families told

7:07 PM: We have been told by multiple sources that families of residents at Bridge Park, a senior living complex at 3204 SW Morgan in High Point, have been notified of a COVID-19 case there. One shared this letter they received, signed by the general manager:

We went over to see what we could find out. The front doors were locked (though their website says they’re usually open until 7:30 pm); a notice on the door says they are not accepting visitors. We have a message out to Bridge Park’s parent company Holiday Retirement but have not yet received a reply. This would be the second publicly known COVID-19 case in West Seattle, after the one announced by South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) earlier this week.

ADDED 12:12 PM: We have heard back from Bridge Park’s parent company. Spokesperson Alyssa Cerrito emailed:

It has been reported to us that a resident at Bridge Park has tested positive for COVID-19. We are following our infectious disease prevention and response protocols. These include isolation for all residents at the community. In addition, we’re following safety measures across every aspect of our community operations, including closing the communal dining room, limiting entry to essential personnel and restricting interaction among our residents and associates. We are in the process of notifying the emergency contacts for our residents.

Our community team contacted King County health authorities immediately upon learning the diagnosis and is awaiting their recommendations on specific further steps to be taken beyond our current actions. Bridge Park is not a medical facility and does not provide healthcare for its residents, however the community will comply fully with all directions from applicable health authorities.

Additional information about Holiday Retirement’s response to the COVID-19 situation can be found at:

https://www.holidaytouch.com/corona-virus-info

(As far as we could tell from a quick look, that link does NOT include any information specific to the Bridge Park situation.)

ADDED 5:28 PM: From a letter sent to residents and families from Holiday Retirement, saying this is what they knew as of 1 pm today:

Yesterday, we informed the Bridge Park community that one of our residents had tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. First, we thank residents and their family members for their understanding and cooperation during this stressful time. We know it is not enjoyable for residents to isolate in their apartments, but limiting social contact is truly the best way to prevent the spread of this virus.
Bridge Park has the support of the entire Holiday Retirement family, and our support center and community leadership team are working tirelessly to maintain essential services to residents while keeping our residents and employees safe.

We would like to reiterate the importance of limiting contact among residents and with the outside world. Leaving and reentering the community will only increase all residents’ risk of contracting the virus. We especially appreciate the understanding of family members who are unable to enter the community to visit with their loved ones. Please be assured that we are doing all we can to keep your loved ones safe and comfortable.

Today at approximately 11 am Pacific Time, community management and the Holiday support center spoke with the King County Department of Public Health. The Department advised Bridge Park to continue with the measures it has already implemented. The Department also said that it will follow-up with any additional guidelines within the next couple of days and requested that we call the Department if we learn of any additional cases.

We understand that testing for COVID-19 is not widely available. However, if you experience symptoms and see a doctor, we encourage you to ask your doctor about being tested. If we obtain any information from the Department of Public Health about testing availability, we will share it with the Bridge Park community in a future update.

If you would like additional information about the situation at Bridge Park, please call the community’s phone number at (206) 938-6394. In order to allow community staff to attend to residents’ needs without distraction, the Holiday support center will help you when you call. We apologize in advance if your call is not immediately answered. Please understand that our first priority is supporting Bridge Park and other Holiday Retirement communities with all available resources to address this rapidly evolving situation. If you are unable immediately to speak with a live individual, please leave a message or a callback number and someone will respond as quickly as possible.

33 Replies to "UPDATE: Bridge Park in High Point has a COVID-19 case, families told"

  • Concerned Daughter March 12, 2020 (8:04 pm)

    I look forward to hearing what you get back from Holiday. When I spoken to the manager she did not have any info on the trace report of who the infected person had contact with prior to going to the hospital. As the emergency contact of my dad who is a resident I did not receive this notification and am still waiting on the notification after requesting it. Please keep those of us with family there informed since Bridgepark has not done that in my case. 

    • Gatewood mom March 12, 2020 (8:37 pm)

      I am so sorry for you, concerned daughter. My MIL is in an assisted living facility in our area, as well. We are so torn right now about leaving her there or bringing her to our home. I just don’t know where she is safer.

    • Another Concerned Daughter March 12, 2020 (10:01 pm)

      My father is there too. I am determined to make sure every resident has access to testing and medical care immediately. I have contacted all of out local officials and expect a swift response, or there will be hell pay.

      • Concerned Daughter March 13, 2020 (6:51 am)

        Thank you! I would also like to know what hospital the infected person was at. She was taken on Tuesday for pneumonia, tested and then sent back on Thursday before results?!  She should not have been sent back to a retirement community before testing results were released. Pneumonia, would fall under “shortness of breath or challenged breathing” IMO. I’d also like to know the trace report of who she had contact with prior to going to the hospital on Tuesday. That would help prioritize who to test/treat first. I would also like to know what Holiday Retirement is doing to ensure the employees (many of whom are HS students and other part time employees) are safe. Have they temp hired folks to deep clean the entire facility? So many questions. Ive also reached out to them and hope to hear back today. 

        • Arla March 13, 2020 (9:59 am)

          As the family member listed as the key contact, I have NOT been contacted.  It is absolutely true that this affected person did return back to their apartment from the hospital and was waiting there for the test results.  How is it possible they let this person come back into this independent living facility without waiting to hear the results?  I have known from my mom, who is a resident, from the very minute that that the affected person was admitted to the hospital, was being tested and waiting for the results, was sent home to wait, and finally, that they had tested positive — and still yet, nothing from the facility.  We can do better than this, Seattle facilities — step it up as this is sure to be on your doorstep shortly if it’s not already.

      • Concerned Brother March 13, 2020 (7:43 pm)

        Start raising. My brother lives there and has underlying issues.  UWMC would not test without symptoms.  In spite of what we heard from DC. PS I am so far happy with level of info sharing between BP and residents . Everything but the patient’s name. Frustrating but understandable. Kind of.

    • Pam Linxweiler March 14, 2020 (12:12 pm)

      Hello Concerned Daughter and other BP Families. I know that this may be the last thing on your mind but we have lots of kids around that would love to make cards or signs or videos to cheer up these residents. I don’t know if there is a way that we could get them to them, tape them outside, hang them from trees, email them, etc. I expect that the staff should be focused on other things. However, if there is ANY way that all of us with young kids can cheer up all of these older residents via technology or cards or anything please let us know.  I know that the isolation is going to be very hard for them and that the elders always light up when they see our kids at Halloween and other events in the community.  I’m easy to find on Facebook. Thinking of all of you and keeping you and your loved ones in our prayers! 

  • Mrs. A March 12, 2020 (11:53 pm)

    Contact the Seattle Flu study or UW.  They have faster testing than health dept.  They can send test kits by courier – seattleflu.org

  • Roberta Cruver March 13, 2020 (4:38 am)

    I am a resident at Bridgepark. We havebeen asked to stay in our apts  House-keeping suspended, No Visitors  Our3 meals r delvd to our doors  They rvery concerned and r doing a greatjob to protect all residents   

  • SnakeHill Res March 13, 2020 (7:10 am)

    Mrs. A  The Seattle Flu web site update from 3/10/20 says that they are no longer taking case studies or issuing kits. They recommend that you contact your doctor.

  • Friend O'Dinghus March 13, 2020 (7:31 am)

    Here is a link for more information that Mrs. A. in the comment above is referring too. https://testguide.labmed.uw.edu/public/view/NCVQLT Once someone uses the UW program successfully to get tested, and learns about their procedures & policies, please share that information immediately with all of the families of other residents at the facility. I believe UW is interested in the surveillance benefits, while the other families of residents will naturally also be hoping to find help in these regards. Vigilance and supporting each other will be what sees us all through this. Thank you Mrs. A for that timely help!

  • akb March 13, 2020 (8:33 am)

    My brother is at Bridge Park, I took him to Dr. appt. at noon yesterday (3/12) and when my husband & I returned him at 3:30 we were told of the positive case identified just two hours earlier, so we did not deliver him to his apartment. I, too, want to ensure that these residents are tested swiftly, as they’ve all been exposed thru communal dining and shared common areas. Will they be tested only once/if they show symptoms? I certainly hope that’s not the case.

  • onion March 13, 2020 (9:57 am)

    Hang in there, Roberta. My father used to live at Bridge Park.  The community is sending you best wishes and prayers that we all get through this. For all of its flaws, connecting through social media can help get us through this crisis.

  • Another Concerned Daughter March 13, 2020 (10:13 am)

    I spoke with Bridge Park this morning and they said there has been no response from the department of health and there is no plan to test residents. I don’t believe the staff at Bridge Park will be able to handle this alone. They do not have any resources. They need community support. I contacted Lisa Herbold last night and she is trying to find out more on the current situation. Please join me in reaching out to Lisa Herbold and the DOH so residents can get testing and medical care.

    • WSB March 13, 2020 (10:30 am)

      I am sure they’ll try their best to help but Public Health is in the county jurisdiction, not the city, so you might consider contacting the office of County Councilmember Joe McDermott, the West Seattleite who represents this area on the couhty council. Did you talk to local management or the corporate HQ (Holiday Retirement)?

      • Concerned Daughter March 13, 2020 (11:01 am)

        I have not heard back from HQ. They have not published a plan or released the trace report of the resident that tested positive. Still hoping that they identify the hospital they patient was released from bc every person there could also be infected. I wonder what the protocol was for releasing the patient back to a community full of the most vulnerable population. Has anyone heard back from HW?

      • Another Concerned Daughter March 13, 2020 (1:26 pm)

        Thanks for the info WSB. I will contact Joe McDermott. I contacted the offices of 5 elected officials last night and Lisa Herbold’s was the only one to respond. She has been very helpful. I have talked to 3 employees at Bridge Park who are all local. My main concern is the last of response from the DOH. 

  • Concerned Daughter March 13, 2020 (11:13 am)

    Lily Donohue is the CEO of Holiday. I’ve left a message and asked about the concerns notes above. I would suggest everyone do the same. Holiday published a letter to family and residents on March 12th stating there have been no positive cases. Not sure of the time that was published but since we’ve known since at least 2pm pst I asked why that published statement has not been corrected.  Her phone number is 407-986-5573. 

    • Another Concerned Daughter March 13, 2020 (1:51 pm)

      Concerned Daughter – Do you have contact info for Lilly Donohue to share? I would like to contact her directly.

      • Concerned Daughter March 14, 2020 (8:41 am)

        Yes. The contact info is included in my last response. I spoke to her directly. Given the timeline of events from to the resident leaving Tues to her discharge and return on Thur.  BP followed the correct protocols. She did acknowledge lessons learned i.e. emergency contact communication. She said we should expect daily or twice daily updates. 

  • WSB March 13, 2020 (12:19 pm)

    Bridge Park emailed us a statement I have added above for starters.

  • ACD March 13, 2020 (4:49 pm)

    Here is a link to the Holiday corporate facebook page. Please leave a comment if you are concerned. https://westseattleblog.com/2020/03/coronavirus-bridge-park-in-high-point-has-a-covid-19-case-families-told/#comments

    • WSB March 13, 2020 (5:08 pm)

      Not their link. Meantime, someone just sent us the update sent to residents and families this afternoon. Adding above.

  • Concerned Resident March 14, 2020 (9:00 am)

    Here is Lori Colwell’s number. She is the Regional Director and should be required to update families. (503) 798-1478

  • concerned so March 14, 2020 (4:56 pm)

    I just jailbroke my mom out for some time away. She said the resident that tested positive is back at the facility as they didn’t exhibit extreme symptoms.  I cannot believe they let this person back into an at risk community. I went there today and staff wearing masks inadequate to protect them.  I agree bridgepark employees not equipped to address this. who can we call for support?!?!  Why is this person back at the community?!?!

  • Jeff M. March 14, 2020 (11:08 pm)

    WSB, thanks for your reporting on this important issue. Our hearts go out to the residents and families who are being impacted. I know we all want people to remain safe and healthy, and everyone deserves the support of their community, health authorities, and government leaders. By following this story, all of us may be able to both step up to help in small ways, while also practicing care and consideration to protect themselves and others through good health practices (like frequent, thorough hand-washing, vigilance in one’s social interactions, avoiding unnecessary travel, etc.). To the Bridge Park community: Please let us know what we, the community at large, can do to help you and your loved ones.

    • WS Resident March 17, 2020 (10:57 am)

      That is a great ‘Call Out’ Jeff.  Not all those at Bridgepark have family close or at all.  I know many local families are delivering supplemental items to their loved ones.  I know one delivered flowers to be delivered to each resident and staff as a way to put a smile on their faces.  I think if we band together and make sure that all our neighbors (Bridgepark and others) are checked on we can all get through this physical and emotional distancing.  We often forget the emotional toll isolation can have on people.  With Bridgepark in quarantine for another 14 days at least, I think a hello from our neighbors would be nice.  Think about what we can do in partnership with our local businesses who are experiencing challenges too.  Who has extra food that will ultimately go to the compost given the business isn’t open.  What can we all do.  

  • Jo An Lewis March 15, 2020 (7:26 pm)

    I live in a Holiday location in another state. We are being kept apprised daily and are monitoring people who enter the building at this time: questionnaire regarding travel, symptoms, etc. Hand sanitizer usage is required before proceeding. Increased sanitation and other safeguards are being implemented. We are assured of medical care should we need it. I am a retired RN and am satisfied with current precautions. I had been involved for many years in emergency preparedness and response for many crisis scenarios. It is interesting to observe how this is unfolding and the hits and misses in response measures. People working together is key, and may God help us all!

    • Lori March 18, 2020 (6:06 pm)

      Holiday has standardized our response around the nation.  I’m an RN that manages these communities here in WA.  I believe that Holiday has responded quickly to this dire challenge and I will check in on this blog to see if can help answer questions.  I can’t answer specifics due to HIPAA constraints.   But believe that I’m working with the General Manager at Bridge Park very closely to ensure we are doing all we can to keep our residents and associates as safe as possible. 

  • Michael March 16, 2020 (7:28 am)

    https://www.bbc.com/news/business-51906744 I wonder if West Seattle residents would voluntarily be willing to observe something like this setting aside a designated time for vulnerable neighbors to shop to help protect them during the crisis. WSB could publish it as a suggestion and perhaps vet it with grocery stores/pharmacies in West Seattle. We might also consider voluntarily modulating our shopping at these places on alternate days, perhaps by first letter of last name: A-H, I-P, Q-Z to reduce crowd sizes, wait times, and allow essential supplies to be restocked. 

  • AKB March 16, 2020 (5:29 pm)

    Just received voicemail from Holiday/Bridge Park that they have a 2nd confirmed case. Does anyone have additional info on this? Thank you.

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