Update from Administrator – January 26, 2021
January 26, 2021
Dear Families,
As always, we hope this letter finds you safe and healthy as we begin the New Year!
We currently have two residents that have tested positive on Monday and two staff members that have tested positive.
We are very excited that our residents and staff have now had the opportunity to receive their initial and second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine from CVS here at our center. Any resident and staff member who did not participate in the first round, but did during the second visit, will have the opportunity to receive their second dose of the vaccine on our third date, Monday February 1st 2021.
With the first round complete in most nursing homes and the second doses in many, the state has already reported a decrease in nursing home cases of CVOID among residents and staff, further proof that the vaccine works and we’re doing our part to eliminate COVID!
We have encouraged as many residents as possible to get this vaccine. As we have learned, the elderly and those with significant health concerns have a much higher risk for getting very sick, being hospitalized, or succumbing from COVID-19. The vaccine has been shown to provide a great deal of protection against serious illness due to COVID-19.
As you know by now, this vaccine has gone through testing and clinical trials to ensure it meets the highest safety standards. It also is safe and recommended if you already had the virus. The health and safety of our residents is always our top priority, and we are confident this vaccine is a much better option than the risk of getting this virus. If you have any questions, please let us know. We can provide you with up to date, independent research, and links to various educational websites.
We will continue to take all necessary precautions after the vaccine is administered, including wearing personal protective equipment and conducting regular testing, to ensure the safety of our residents and staff.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel. We are hopeful that the vaccine will be a lifesaving turning point in the fight against COVID-19. We look forward to getting back to a “new normal,” with families and friends again visiting our center on a regular basis. Entertainers coming back into the center to further enrich the lives of our residents.
Speaking of visitation, we are receiving many questions on whether in-center visitation can resume once vaccination of the center is complete. As mentioned earlier in the this and other emails, we must remain vigilant. The vaccine will not provide immediate protection and we still need to see prevalence in the surrounding communities decline. Currently, community prevalence remains very high. Therefore, we need to continue with the same visitation and infection control practices put in place and enhanced throughout this pandemic. We will also continue to follow the guidance and recommendations of our public health officials (CDC, CMS, DPH) to determine how and when to adjust our policies for visitations and social activities and keep you updated.
Thank you and please stay safe and healthy!
Don Davanzo
Administrator