Dear Families and Friends,
We encourage our residents, staff and families of our community to become vaccinated against COVID-19. And remember, even after vaccination, please continue to maintain physical distancing, use caution when attending gatherings, wear a mask and practice hand hygiene. We remain focused on principles of cleanliness set forth by Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
COVID-19 Vaccine Campaign at the Jewish Home of Eastern Pa
We are participating with the Vaccine Partnership Program. Our pharmacy partner, Walgreen’s, is providing onsite vaccination clinics for our staff and residents. The vaccine includes a series of two injections, scheduled 21 to 28 days apart. Today is our third COVID 19 vaccine clinic day so half of our group will be having their second shot As of today we have had 93% of resident and 77% of our staff group signed up to take the vaccine series with a combined rate of 78%. We continue to provide education and answer questions to provide evidence based information on the benefits of the vaccine as a means to control the spread of the COVID 19. Our last clinic date is March 5, 2020. We will provide the final percentage numbers on completion of the series after our last clinic date. Thanks to all who are an essential piece in solving the much bigger puzzle of COVID -10 by getting the vaccine!
The public can learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine from:
- The CDC offers information for the public about what to expect at your vaccination appointment.
- The Pennsylvania Department of Health has a vaccine page for families to reference. This will help with understanding about vaccination eligibility and locations.
These links and other vaccine information are presented on our website’s COVID-19 page as well as updates, videos, links and frequently asked questions.
Testing News:
We are continuing to test our staff twice weekly as the positivity rate in Lackawanna County remains at red status.
We had staff testing on Monday February 1, 2021. All results have returned negative, however twenty seven swabs are still pending related delivery issues with FedEx secondary to the snow storm. Our staff group tested for the second time this week on Thursday February 4, 2021. Results will be expected to be returned over the weekend.
Our Facility’s Resident Impact (Since March 30, 2020, through February 5, 2021)
0 – Residents currently in our building with a confirmed active case of COVID 19
56 – CONFIRMED: Residents with laboratory positive COVID-19
0 – SUSPECTED: Residents with new suspected COVID-19
49 – 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 the community positivity rate being at red status and the need to have 14 full days without positives from staff or residents in our building, we will remain closed to in person visits with the exception of compassionate and end of life visits. Our next scheduled check of the county positivity rate is Monday, February 8, 2021, hopefully it will be back under 10%!
We appreciate all of our staff and their hard work in these unprecedented times as well as their commitment to defeating this pandemic. We are proud of the care we provide to our residents. Now, we need for this to become a community effort. Family members may send thank-you cards to the staff for doing their part by getting vaccinated. We thank you in advance for being vaccinated as well.
Thank you again for entrusting 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
