The Issaquah City Council is encouraging residents to send kind words to Issaquah Nursing and Rehabilitation Center to help get through these uncertain times. On March 6, the facility was placed under quarantine and a no-visitors policy was implemented.

Residents of the care center, the city said, would appreciate cards, drawings or pictures from children and students throughout the community.

In a video released by the city on March 16, City Council president Victoria Hunt said letters and drawings are something parents who have kids out of school could do as an activity at home. The words of comfort and artwork let residents of the care center know the community is thinking of them during this difficult time, she said.

“The seniors are particularly touched to see these well-wishes from our younger community members,” Hunt said in the video.

The care center was put under quarantine due to a presumptive positive test from a resident who was transferred to the hospital March 3.

Since March 7, the facility has partnered and worked with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Public Health — Seattle & King County.

“The collaborative approach is helpful,” said Nicole Francios, the publicist for Issaquah Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

On March 12, the facility recommended having all staff members tested and requested resident testing be prioritized.

Residents have been given access to testing but the total number of positive cases currently is unknown, according to Francios.

As of March 18, one resident of the facility had died.

Any staff member showing symptoms of illness has been asked to stay home. Special teams of care providers are assigned to residents who have tested positive for COVID-19.

Based on an update posted to the facility website on March 18, the residents and their loved ones are receiving regular briefings from the managing nurses via phone. Staff members have been working to ensure residents are comfortable and in good spirits.

According to the website, the facility has brought in some of the residents’ favorite snacks, the facility purchased books for one resident’s kindle, and residents also are in constant communication with family via Skype or Face Time.

“We communicate with the family members and loved ones of our residents on a regular basis,” Francios said. “The Issaquah community as a whole has been very kind to us. Neighbors have expressed care. The residents love receiving positive and encouraging messages on our Facebook page. Issaquah Mayor Mary Lou Pauly took the extraordinary effort of writing a note to each resident. King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert has checked in and extended a message of care for our residents and staff. Congresswoman Kim Schrier [also] spoke with our care team.”

Cards or pictures from the community are encouraged to be sent to Issaquah Nursing and Rehabilitation, at 805 Front Street S., Issaquah, 98027.

Kind words of positivity also can be shared at the Issaquah Nursing and Rehabilitation Facebook page.