Thank you for your continued support through the COVID-19 pandemic. We continue to strive to provide high-quality care and to keep your loved ones safe.
Our guidance from state and federal governing bodies continues to change at a rapid pace. We follow the Centers for Disease Control and Department of Health guidelines with regard to infection control policies and procedures for prevention and mitigation of COVID-19.
We are continuing with weekly COVID-19 testing of staff and residents. We are happy to report that, as of this time, we have no positive or symptomatic residents and all routine resident testing has come back negative. Both staff and residents will be tested weekly until we have reached a 14-day period without any new positive tests.
As discussed in our previous letter, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced updated methodology to determine the rate of COVID-19 positivity in counties. On October 19, 2020, the positivity rate for Lackawanna County rose above 5%. In accordance with CMS, we will be testing our staff weekly while the county positivity rate remains above 5%.
At this time we remain closed to in-person visitation. Compassionate visits can be scheduled. Window visits for our residents in the green zone (second floor) can be scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, 2020. Please Email Lee Rutkowski at lrutkowski@jhep.org or call her 570-344-6177 ext. 1175.
FaceTime or Skype visits can be scheduled for residents in all zones. Sherri Collins, Life Enrichment Director, will make appointments for video chats. Sherri can be reached at 570-344-6177 ext. 1113 or scollins@jhep.org.
While we have adjusted our activity schedules, residents are still enjoying individual activities and visits with staff. We are looking forward to scheduling in-person visits and communal activities as soon as we are able. This week our residents are also receiving their flu vaccines.
We encourage staff to maintain social distancing, use caution when attending gatherings, wear a mask and practice hand hygiene while at work and home. Test results are reported on our daily call in line at 570-207-6711. Specific details on our reopening plan is listed on https://jhep.org.
Thank you for entrusting us to care for your loved ones. If you have any questions we are always available for you.
Sincerely,
Mary Rose Applegate, MBA, RD, NHA
Administrator
