Saint John XXIII Home:
COVID UPDATE: Edition #30 (August 18, 2021)
- From: Kirk Hawthorne, Administrator
I’m hopeful this update finds you well.
As you’ve likely heard on the news, COVID-19 cases are once again increasing across the Nation. We continue to use the Mercer County COVID Positivity Rates to make decisions related to testing and process within the facility. Unfortunately, Mercer County is also seeing a “spike” in cases recently. At present, the County rate stands at 5.45% per the CDC data.
We continue to test our unvaccinated staff members are a regular basis, with the frequency determined by the County Positivity Rate. Our most recent testing cycle was held on Monday 8/16/21. Unfortunately, on Tuesday (8/17), for the first time since January 2021, we had a positive case identified amongst our staff. This positive staff test is considered an “outbreak” by CDC definition. As a result, we tested all staff and residents (vaccinated and unvaccinated) this week. Fortunately, there were no additional positive cases identified in this weeks testing. As you can imagine, we are monitoring everyone very closely for signs/symptoms of the virus. As an on-going mitigation effort, we will test ALL staff again on Monday (8/23) and ALL residents on Tuesday (8/24). As always, we will contact each resident and responsible party with your loved ones results.
Contact tracing determined that this positive case will NOT impact our visitation process, nor create “yellow/red zones” within the home, at this time. SHOULD additional cases surface, additional mitigation efforts may be necessary.
In the meantime, we encourage everyone to continue visiting their loved ones, through Roncalli Visits, virtual visits and/or patio visits. As we see the spread of this virus increasing locally, PLEASE use good judgement when visiting. IF you are not feeling well and/or have been exposed, please do not visit. If you become ill following a visit, please notify us. This allows us to implement mitigation efforts to help protect everyone here. We have not required mask use by residents and family members during visits while outside, however, given the current spike we do ENCOURAGE mask use, while visiting.
We are beginning to receive information regarding the “COVID Booster”. The final rule and the timing and process of the “booster” distribution has not yet been received. As soon as this information becomes available, we will be in touch.
Thank you for your support and understanding. Please continue to pray for everyone at Saint John XXIII Home. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have questions. –Thank You.