2020 – COVID-19 Pandemic and Shut Down

When the worldwide COVID-19 Pandemic broke out in March 2020, Franke Tobey Jones took extraordinary measures to keep residents and team members safe.  No gathering whatsoever was allowed for many weeks, then residents were able to gather in their own buildings provided masks were worn at all times.  No visitors were allowed in any building on campus for one year.  FTJ management distributed weekly communication to all residents and family members regarding the status of the Pandemic on and off campus. 

In April 2020 a Personal Concierge Program was established.  Thirteen team members volunteered, and each was a liaison between 10 to 20 residents and their family members over and above their regular work.  This included everything from helping residents with their technology (phones, TVs, tablets, computers), shopping for them, keeping them company, arranging for services, delivering goodie baskets and bags back and forth between resident and family members, arranging HUNDREDS of virtual visits and window visits, and so much more. 

In April 2020, weekly door to door and drive by (for the duplexes) happy hours started that were provided by the Admissions, Marketing, Philanthropy and Activity team members.  Hallway exercise in each building also began provided by the Wellness Center team member.  Also, holiday grab and go meals were provided by the Dining team members.  Masks had to be worn at all times. 

One of the highlights of the Pandemic (if there could be such a thing) was a Springtime Car Parade held April 17, 2020.  After weeks of family members and friends not being able to visit their loved ones, Franke Tobey Jones offered a car parade so families could at least put eyes on their loved ones to know they are okay.  Masked residents lined the sidewalks and parking lots, sitting six feet apart, and family members and friends in cars, motorcycles and on bicycles turned out in droves.  We expected 40 cars to participate and over 100 showed up including numerous Daffodil Princesses sitting in convertibles decked out in their gorgeous yellow dresses.  The sun was shining, horns were honking, signs and balloons were plastered all over the vehicles, family members were smiling and waving just THRILLED to see their loved ones who were smiling and waving right back.  There was not a dry eye on campus!

On January 21, 2021, Franke Tobey Jones held its first COVID vaccination clinic for all residents and staff.  Nearly 100% were vaccinated, giving hope that in the near future life might return to normal without the daily threat of contracting COVID.  This was followed by a second vaccine dose on February 17.  Booster clinics were held on October 2021, May 2022, October 2022 and yearly since.

In March 2021, nearly to the day of the campus shut down, the campus reopened to visitors (who still needed to be masked).  It was a great day at Franke Tobey Jones!

On August 20, 2021, Washington State Governor Inslee introduced a Proclamation that required all state employees, higher education, child care, and K-12 education employees, and most health and long-term care providers to be fully vaccinated with a recommended COVID-19 vaccine by October 18, 2021 as a condition of employment. This was repealed on October 31, 2022.

October 31, 2022, Governor Inslee ended the state-wide public health emergency.  This did not mean a full “return-to-normal,” but it did mean many of the “COVID rules” ended. 

During the Pandemic, 2020 to 2022, very few residents and team members contracted COVID.  The precautions imposed by the State of Washington and Franke Tobey Jones, though the right thing to do, yet very difficult to live through, helped keep us safe and healthy.