June 26, 2020

Dear Residents, Family Members and Responsible Parties,

Thank you for your continued prayers and support during this challenging time. As restrictions are being slowly lifted out in the community, we continue to pray that COVID-19 cases remain low so that restriction in long term care facilities can soon also be lifted.

We have completed the mandated testing of all Residents in skilled nursing and personal care and all of our staff. There had been one Resident in the skilled nursing who had tested positive. The Resident was in isolation for 21 days and is now off of isolation. All of our current staff members have been tested and only one person tested positive. This staff member has not worked at our Home since June 7 and will be quarantined at home for 14 days and must be symptom free for the 72 hours prior to returning to work.

We continue to remind everyone to practice proper handwashing, wearing of masks, and social distancing. Residents and staff are also still screened and have their temperature taken every day. Visitors are still not allowed and Residents are to go out only for essential
appointments. All this is to help keep our Residents, staff and Sisters safe and healthy.

Although Philadelphia has entered the yellow zone, nursing homes, personal care homes, and other congregate facilities will have a longer waiting period because of the vulnerability of the elderly population to COVID-19. Currently, the Department is mandating that the restrictions for nursing homes will remain in effect for at least 28 more days after the beginning of the Green Phase in the counties.

We know the no visitors policy has been very hard on both our Residents and their families. We would like to offer the opportunity of 15 minute drive-by visits, where you would come to the Home, you would stay in the car and we will have the Resident seated outside, six feet away from your car, and you can have a little chat. Both you and the Resident must wear face masks. If you are interested in doing this, please contact Cathy Moffit at 215-729-5153 or email her at phsocialservices@littlesistersofthepoor.org to set up a date and time. Please follow these procedures, specified by the Philadelphia Department of Health, in order not to jeopardize this opportunity for yourself or other families.

Families have been taking advantage of setting up Face Time calls with their loved ones. If you would like to set up a call, please reply to this e-mail and provide us with your name, Resident’s name and phone number (phdevelopment@littlesistersofthepoor.org).

Thank you all for your prayers and for following all the precautionary guidelines we have put into place. Let us all work together to keep each other safe and healthy. Let us continue to pray for each other, especially those who are sick with the virus, that God’s Divine Mercy will protect us and keep us healthy and that there may soon be an end to the coronavirus pandemic.

Sincerely,
Mother Catherine, lsp

P.S. Please go to our website and check out our latest blog update.

Previous Updates:
June 19, 2020
June 5, 2020
May 29, 2020
May 21, 2020
May 13, 2020
May 8, 2020
April 27, 2020
March 19, 2020

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