Update from Administrator – January 20, 2021
January 20, 2020
Dear Families,
As always, we hope this letter finds you safe and healthy as we begin the New Year!
I wanted to inform you that we did have one staff member test positive for COVID-19. We continue to test our staff weekly and follow the guidelines provided to us by DPH, CDC and our local epidemiologist. In the meantime, family visits will remain on hold until further notice.
The COVID-19 vaccination was administered at our center to staff and residents on December 30, 2020. The second dose of the vaccine is being administered today January 20, 2021 to residents and staff. This date is also available to those individuals who did not receive their initial dose. The vaccine was delivered and administered by pharmacists from CVS.
We are very excited that our residents and staff have had now had the opportunity to receive their initial and second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine from CVS here at our center. Any resident and staff member who did not participate in the first round, but did during the second visit, will have the opportunity to receive their second dose of the vaccine on our third date, will be communicated to you.
As you know by now, this vaccine has gone through testing and clinical trials to ensure it meets the highest safety standards. It also is safe to get if you already had the virus. The health and safety of our residents is always our top priority, and we are confident this vaccine is a much better option than the risk of getting this virus. If you have any questions, please follow the below links or contact Jamie Carr – Administrator at 978-458-8773 X 4742 with any questions.
We will continue to take all necessary precautions after the vaccine is administered, including wearing personal protective equipment and conducting regular testing, to ensure the safety of our residents and staff. We will also continue to follow the guidance and recommendations of our public health officials to determine how and when to adjust our policies for visitations and social activities and keep you updated.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel. We are hopeful that the vaccine will be a lifesaving turning point in the fight against COVID-19. We look forward to getting back to a “new normal,” with families and friends again visiting our center on a regular basis. Entertainers coming back into the center to further enrich the lives of our residents.
In the meantime, family visits will remain on hold until further notice. We encourage all families and loved ones to schedule video calls as well as window visits and we will notify everyone once in person visits can resume once again.
Activities
The activities department is soliciting for valentine’s card from our families and loved ones, to help brighten their day. Please you can drop it off at the reception and activities will ensure it is personalized for each resident.
You may also visit several websites listed below to learn more about the vaccine.
- AMDA: FAQs about the COVID-19 Vaccine for PALTC Staff, Patients, Residents and Family Members http://paltc.org/sites/default/files/QA%20about%20the%20COVID-19%20Vaccine%20for%20PALTC%20Patients%20Family%20Member%20and%20Staff%20_%2012_1_20%20FINAL.pdf
- CDC: About COVID-19 vaccines. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/about-vaccines.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/covid-conversations/answering-questions.html
- CDC: Understanding the Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program and Frequently Asked Questions. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/long-term-care/pharmacy-partnerships.html
Thank you and please stay safe and healthy!
Sincerely,
Jamie Carr
Administrator