- Submitted by Kirk Hawthorne, Administrator
Wishing all of our residents, family members, staff and everyone praying for our residents, staff and facility, a very Merry Christmas! We are so appreciative of the endless support, encouragement and well wishes during these extremely challenging times.
Mercer County continues to be deemed a “Red Zone”, with COVID outbreaks continuing to occur. Here at Saint John XXIII Home, we continue to be in the midst of an outbreak. All residents were tested twice this week with 3 new positive cases. In total, we have had 16 positive cases of COVID-19 amongst our resident population. The positive cases remain contained within the Personal Care/Special Needs unit(s). In an effort to mitigate the virus, we have implemented RED and YELLOW zones within these units. All residents within the Nursing Home remain COVID free. Our testing rotation will remain twice weekly until further notice. Staff will be tested on Monday/Wednesday. Residents will be tested on Tuesday/Thursday. Please note that this schedule is subject to change, should we see new signs, symptoms or positive cases.
Over the past week, we have had 6 staff members test positive and placed 2 staff members in quarantine due to community exposure. Please understand that all staff are wearing N-95 masks at all times and full PPE in Yellow and Red zones, in an effort to protect our residents and employees. While our entire focus is on the safety and well-being of our residents, I ask that everyone continue to pray for, encourage and support our staff for the amazing job and endless hours everyone is working.
The vaccine should be arriving soon. You have likely heard about the vaccine distribution challenges. We continue to have a TENTATIVE vaccination date (01/06/2021) scheduled for Saint John XXIII Home residents and employees. Now is the time to make decisions related to the vaccine. The CDC recently announced that individuals who have previously tested positive for COVID-19, are appropriate to be vaccinated. Saint John XXIII Home will not MANDATE the vaccination, however, for the safety and well-being of those we serve and our co-workers, we encourage everyone to strongly consider being vaccinated. Please see the CDC website related to vaccination questions/concerns and/or speak with your physician. Over the next week, you will be contacted by Chrissy Stabile (Admissions Director) related to the vaccination consent form authorization.
In conclusion, we continue to battle this virus on a daily basis. We remain diligent in testing both staff and residents, in attempt to contain and mitigate the virus and identify cases as early as possible.
During this Christmas Eve, we wish everyone a Merry Christmas and give our promise that we will do our best to make this Christmas as special as possible. While our team, selflessly give up holiday time with their family to care for those we serve, we ask that everyone do their part to flatten the curve, wear a mask, physically distance, wash your hands and make good decisions. Thank you for the continued prayers!