This is a follow-up from our last letter related to visitation. After further testing, the DOH determined that the result from the resident was not a true positive, so you will see a change in our numbers below removing that case. We proactively continued with our completed base line testing on all of our residents and staff and very happy to report that they are all negative. Our third, second and non-isolation area on 4th units are going to back to green status. We will be opening up to visitation for those units starting on Friday August 5, 2021, at 10:00 am in accordance with our visitation protocol.
Unfortunately, we are placing our 5th floor unit in yellow status as of today due to being notified of a potential exposure of one of our residents from an outside source from the prior week. We will have a second round of testing for all staff and residents on the 5th floor next Wednesday. If results are negative, 5th floor will return to a green zone and visitation will open up for residents on that unit.
Our Facility’s Resident Impact (Since March 30, 2020, through August 5, 2021)
0 – Residents currently in our building with a confirmed active case of COVID 19
57 – CONFIRMED: Residents with laboratory positive COVID-19
0 – SUSPECTED: Residents with new suspected COVID-19
53 – Confirmed Staff Total: with a positive COVID-19
- Please note that test results are reported on our daily call-in line at 570-207-6711. Family members and all others impacted by the virus will be contacted directly and provided with results and updates.
Due to rising concerns about the Delta variant of COVID-19, we are again implementing masking and social distancing protocols for our facility, effective immediately. Decisions of this nature are not taken lightly and are being made out of an abundance of caution. Our primary goal is safety and to prevent introducing the “fitter” and “faster” Delta variant to our community.
We will continue to monitor the Delta variant and update our practices accordingly.
Reinstating the masking and physical distancing protocols is in the best interest for the safety and welfare of your loved ones and our staff. COVID infections are expected to peak in October and will impact both the vaccinated and unvaccinated. We want to reduce the risk of another outbreak.
There are currently no changes with our visitation protocols at this time other than this. We simply request that masking and physical distancing protocols be followed, even if you and your loved one are vaccinated. We continue to encourage vaccination for our staff, residents and visitors.
Our visitation guidelines are posted on our website at jhep.org in the COVID section. To schedule a visit please email Mary Ryan at mryan@jhep.org or call her at 570-344-6177 ext. 1104. Mary is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. We do ask for visits to be scheduled one day in advance. Please schedule visits occurring on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, no later than the Friday before at 1 p.m. so schedules can be provided to reception staff.
Only July 27, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its guidance on how to protect yourself and others who are fully vaccinated:
- To maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others, wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission.
- Wearing a mask is most important if you have a weakened immune system or if, because of your age or an underlying medical condition, you are at increased risk for severe disease, or if someone in your household has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease, or is unvaccinated
- If you have a condition or are taking medications that weaken your immune system, you may NOT be protected even if you are fully vaccinated. You should continue to take all precautions recommended for unvaccinated people until advised otherwise by your healthcare provider.
As always, the best way to limit one’s chances of getting COVID is to become fully vaccinated. We encourage all residents, staff, family members and volunteers to become vaccinated, which makes one less susceptible to the variant. Find vaccines near you: https://www.vaccines.gov/search. For information about vaccinations, please check the CDC’s fact sheet.
Our vaccination rates for our active residents and staff as of August 5, 2021, is 88% of staff vaccinated, 94.2% residents for a total of 90% of our facility vaccinated.
FaceTime or Skype visits can be scheduled for residents in yellow 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.
Thank you again for entrusting us with the care of your loved ones. If you have any questions, we are always available for you.
Sincerely,
Mary Rose Applegate, MBA, RD, NHA
Administrator
