Update from Administrator – February 8, 2021
February 8, 2021
Dear Families,
As always, we hope this letter finds you safe and healthy!
Our Covid 19 status is currently negative for our building as all staff and residents have tested negative.
As you know by now, our staff and residents have completed two COVID-19 vaccination clinics, with the majority of our eligible staff and residents now having received at least one dose. The third and final clinic is scheduled to be administered on Saturday 2/13/21 to residents and staff who are receiving their second and final dose. The Department of Public Health is actively working on developing further vaccine guidance which will include recommended options and strategies for vaccination.
With most nursing home residents having already received their first, and in many cases, second doses of the vaccine, the state has already reported a significant decrease in nursing home cases of COVID among residents and staff, further proof that the vaccine works and we’re doing our part to eliminate COVID!
While the vaccination plan in our state is well underway, we continue to take all necessary precautions, including wearing personal protective equipment and conducting regular testing, to ensure the safety of our residents and staff.
Visitation
We continue to receive many questions on whether in-center visitation can resume once vaccination of the center is complete. The vaccine will not provide immediate protection and we still need to see prevalence in the surrounding communities decline. Currently, community prevalence remains 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.
We currently offer visitations using our technology (iPads, tablets, calls, etc.) and when we can, window and outside visits.
If you have any questions please call the facility directly and we will help get answers for you.
Thank you and please stay safe and healthy!
Alan R. Bates, LNHA
Lanessa Extended Care