COVID-19 Update: Lytton Gardens


April 13

Covia is pleased to report that there are no additional cases of COVID-19 at Lytton Gardens after the case first reported one month ago. The resident who was initially diagnosed has fully recovered. Thank you to the staff and residents whose efforts and cooperation supported the health of all. 

March 18

There has been a confirmed case of COVID-19 (also called Coronavirus) at Lytton Gardens, Covia’s Affordable Housing Community in Palo Alto, in the Arbors neighborhood. Covia, the owner of Lytton Gardens, was informed of this today, March 18th. 

Since the pandemic started, Covia has been following guidance provided by state, local, and national officials along with long-standing established protocols for infection control.  We continue to take steps to ensure the wellbeing of our residents, staff, and the public.  We have informed the Santa Clara County Department of Public Health and are following all of their recommendations.

Here is what we know:

Last Wednesday, March 11, the resident reported difficulty breathing and went to the hospital which administered a Coronavirus test and instructed the resident to return home and remain in isolation.

On Wednesday, March 18, the resident’s son reported the positive test result to Lytton Gardens’ Housing Administrator who immediately reported the case to the County and began implementing their recommendations. The resident reports that he has not had any other contact with any residents nor has staff been in his apartment for any work orders for the past 7 days.

We continue to take all available steps to control the spread of infection, based on the recommendations of the Department of Public Health and our own best practices for infection control and prevention.  This includes:

  • Proper staff usage of Personal Protective Equipment;
  • Best practices to reduce infection; and
  • Additional deep cleaning routines at the community and in all public areas.

As an affordable community, Lytton Gardens provides housing and social support and is not a health care provider.

March 26

Since the initial report of March 18, Lytton Gardens has taken the following actions:

  • Implemented all of the measures requested by the Santa Clara County Department of Public Health, confirming those steps with a representative from the Department.
  • Lytton Gardens staff members are getting their temperatures checked daily at Webster House before they begin their shift.
  • The Lytton Gardens staff is sanitizing the buildings daily according to the protocols set by the Centers for Disease Control.
  • Starting Friday, March 27, a service that specializes in managing sanitation services will be on site to dispose of trash safely.

To our knowledge, there have been no other cases of COVID-19 in Lytton Gardens. One other resident tested negative for the virus. Residents have been told to call their health care provider and to keep Lytton Gardens staff informed if they exhibit any symptoms of COVID-19.

Covia will provide further updates as they are available, as well as on our COVID-19 Response webpage