There was a graduation of sorts for a resident at Friendship Haven on Wednesday, according to Julie Thorson, president and CEO of the senior living community.

The graduation wasn’t about receiving a diploma, though. It was for a resident who has fought off novel coronavirus.

That resident tested positive for COVID-19 on June 3. She is now in recovery, Thorson reported.

“Our resident that tested positive, she graduated today,” Thorson announced Wednesday on the Friendship Haven Facebook page. “That means she is in recovery and has left isolation in the Catalyst Neighborhood where we have a spot reserved for COVID patients and she has returned to her home in the health center. She was all smiles and it was a wonderful graduation ceremony we had as she recovered today.”

At the same time, Friendship Haven learned of an employee who tested positive for COVID-19. But Thorson said that employee has not been on campus for some time.

“This employee has had no exposure on our campus,” Thorson said. “This employee is very part-time, has not worked since May and will be off the required amount of time before that employee is allowed to come back. We felt confident that we handled the situation quickly, swiftly and there was no exposure on our campus.”

Friendship Haven recently underwent mass testing on its campus. A total of 649 residents and employees were tested. Everyone tested negative.

And while those results were certainly well received, Thorson said any plans for reopening will be conservative.

“Our campus is very unique in that we are all connected,” she said. “Independent living, assisted living and the health center. So as we approach this we want to be very thoughtful about how we do it and when we do it. For now we will resume closed window visits in the health center. Please call to schedule visits to see your loved ones. The pandemic isn’t over. Even though we have guidelines on how to reopen, there are still a lot of concerns. We are optimistic but we are cautiously optimistic.”

Thorson said the staff at Friendship Haven has been diligent in its approach to the pandemic.

“For many of you life has gone back to seemingly somewhat normal — not for us,” she said. “‘The pressure our team members is under is higher than it’s ever been before. The discipline of wearing PPE appropriately. The patience it takes to work with our residents who are longing for their loved ones all weighs on our team members and they are doing a wonderful job. As you can imagine, it isn’t easy.

“For all of you have been so patient and supportive we want to thank you and those of you who are frustrated, know that we share in your frustration. There is nothing we’d rather see than our residents embrace their loved ones and spend time with them. But because of the restrictions we are under and because the pandemic is still out there, the virus is still out there, we have to be very cautious and we are the protectors to the most vulnerable people to the coronavirus.”

Thorson is asking the public for support during a continued time of uncertainty.

“So if you are looking for something you can do, here is my ask today,” she said. “If you know of someone who has a loved one at Friendship Haven or you know of one of our wonderful team members, call them and tell them you’re thinking of them. Don’t offer your opinion on the virus or that we are doing what we need to do. All we need right now is support. You’d be surprised how optimism and support and a kind word, how far that goes right now. We need good news. We need to be lifted up and every one of you can do this. Again, it’s not over yet. We are in the thick of it. We are going to continue to do the right thing.”