GARDENA — The following respiratory illness notice was issued by Howard Hiyoshida, administrator of South Bay Keiro Nursing Home in Gardena, on Tuesday:
“Please note that South Bay Keiro Nursing Home is currently experiencing an outbreak of respiratory infections. Most of the infected residents are showing typical cold symptoms, such as cough or runny nose, without fever. A few residents have experienced fevers with productive coughs.
“We have notified the Department of Public Health, Licensing and Certification, Acute Communicable Disease Control and the Public Health Nurse of this occurrence.
“We are implementing strict infection control precautions to limit the spread of infection. Please be aware that all symptomatic residents are confined to their rooms and are restricted from group activities. All staff and visitors are encouraged to use a mask when visiting the affected resident rooms and to wash their hands frequently with soap and warm running water for at least 20 seconds, before and after contact with a symptomatic resident.
“Hand washing with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer should be done when entering and exiting the resident’s room. Masks and hand sanitizers are available at nurses’ stations I and II.In addition, hand sanitizers are available in the main and back entrances as well as hallways.
“In order to help us minimize the spread of infection, please refrain from visiting our facility if you have any symptoms of a cold or flu, or any other contagious illness. We also suggest that visits from young children be limited at this time.
“Thank you for your prompt attention to this important message. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Juliet Martinez, Director of Nursing, at (310) 354-6261 or jmartinez@keiro.org.”