TO: Residents / Family Members
FROM: Kirk Hawthorne, Administrator
DATE: 6/4/2020
RE: Universal (BASELINE) COVID-19 Testing
As you know, we’ve been dealing with the consequences of the CORONAVIRUS for approximately 13+ weeks now in Pennsylvania and more specifically at Saint John XXIII Home. I want to say “Thank You” to everyone for your patience, cooperation, understanding, support and prayers throughout this pandemic.
Mercer County has entered the Green Phase of Governor Wolf’s “process to reopen Pennsylvania”, however, congregate care (nursing homes/personal care homes) restrictions remain in place. The Center for Medicare Services (CMS) has released “reopening recommendations for State/Local officials”. Due to the nature of the vulnerable population living in nursing homes, the PA Dept of Health has announced that the current restrictions shall remain in effect for at least 28 more days after the beginning of the Green Phase in each county.
The PA Department of Health announced: “to develop a well-informed, manageable plan that ensures a measured approach for the safe return to activities, visitation, and other events for residents in skilled nursing facilities, the Department conferring with stakeholders that include the state’s ombudsman, SNF representative, nursing home associations, other government agencies, and academia”. Upon completion of that process, the Department will issue guidance that amends the restrictions currently in place.
With this in mind, BASELINE TESTING of RESIDENTS and STAFF will be required to some degree. This could be weekly testing of residents & staff or a percentage of resident and staff weekly. The above final rule will clarify testing requirements, which I anxiously await.
In an attempt to be as prepared as possible to meet the “re-open” standards, next week, Saint John XXIII Home staff will be contacting each Responsible Party to secure COVID-19 TESTING CONSENT. This consent shows agreement to participate in the Baseline testing. Once testing starts, you will be notified by nursing staff BEFORE the actual test is conducted, as well as, with results.
We are prepared and anticipate testing to begin Mid-June. The “FINAL RULE” from the PA Dept of Health will dictate the frequency and duration of the baseline testing. The “Final Rule”, as well as, the results of the baseline tests, will determine our next step related to; a new normal, activities, dining services, beauty shop, visitation, etc. As we wait for further rule clarification, please continue to wear a mask, wash your hands frequently and social distance.
Thank you.