COVID UPDATE: 2/11/2021 – Edition #26
* By: Kirk Hawthorne, Administrator
As we migrate into 2021, the search for the new normal continues. The challenges this virus creates related to our day to day activities, providing care/services, constant testing, continuous mitigation efforts and loss of normalcy are significant. On a daily basis, the entire crew at Saint John XXIII Home, strive to provide the best care possible, as well as, search for normalcy for our residents, family members and staff members alike. We are ALL anxious to resume family visitations.
We have been fortunate to make a great deal of progress regarding COVID vaccine administration on our campus. As of today (2/11/21), 87% of our resident population has received BOTH doses of the Pfizer vaccine. An additional, 7% of the residents will receive their second dose on February 26, 2021. This is a significant step in the right direction.
As mentioned in the past “COVID UPDATES”, words can not express my/our appreciation, respect and gratitude to each and every staff member (HERO) that works at Saint John XXIII Home. The selfless acts of love, kindness and compassion, that we all witness every day is uplifting and reassuring. With that in mind, we continue to offer the vaccine to our staff members as well. Thus far, approximately 75% of the staff has been vaccinated, with more to follow.
We continue to test staff twice weekly. Yes, even those who have been vaccinated. Over the past two weeks, we have completed 350 staff tests, with ZERO staff testing positive for COVID-19. In addition, weekly resident testing has been completed. As with staff, we continue to test residents who have been vaccinated. Over the past two weeks, we have had no additional positive cases amongst our residents.
As a Country, we wait to see how the vaccination process will impact our ability to re-establish normalcy, as a healthcare entity, we are also waiting for new/updated direction to safely move forward. We have implemented the following measures, based on the current standards. On 2/10/21, our entire campus returned to a “Green Zone”, as we no longer have active COVID cases on campus. As of today, the Mercer County positivity rate has decreased to 6.7% (Yellow). Effective immediately, we will return to WEEKLY testing of staff each Monday. Providing we have no new positive cases AND Mercer County stays below 10%, we will be able to gradually resume “scheduled visitation” with family members and return “non-essential” staff (ie- Beauty shop). Again, providing we meet all of the above criteria, our goal is to resume visitation the week of February 22nd. However, if at any time, we experience a new positive case (“outbreak”), we will be required to return to lockdown status, cease visitation and resume our current testing cycle(s) based on the current rules/guidelines.
As a facility, we want to thank everyone for their continued support, encouragement and prayers. We will continue to post updates on FaceBook, facility website and in paper form, it does appear that better days are on the horizon. Be Safe and Thank you!