At Saint John XXIII Home, we remain in Step #2 of “re-opening”. Progressing to “Step 2” has allowed us to start the process of creating a new normal. This includes patio visits with family/friends, return of beauty shop staff and increasing group activity size as permitted. We are also increasing resident outside group opportunities. We ask that families do not make this an additional visit opportunity, as this would violate our re-opening policy/process.
In addition, we continue to take measures to progress to Step 3, which would yet again increase group activity size and allow us to reincorporate MASS a few days weekly. Step 3 also has provisions of allowing inside visits within Roncalli Center instead of using the patio, which is the plan for inclement weather situations (fall/winter weather). If you have not already done so, I encourage you to read the “Plan to Re-open” found on our website at www.saintjohnxxiiihome.org. Please understand per direction from the PA Department of Health that there are no plans, in the immediate future, to return to prior (pre-COVID) visitation processes. This step will not be implemented until it is deemed to be a safe practice. Please understand that we are trying to strike a reasonable balance between safety and mental health, during these unprecedented times.
To date, we have experience two (2) COVID positive cases amongst staff, which were unrelated cases. No additional staff and/or residents were found to be positive from either case. We remain FREE of positive resident cases. Previous updates have mentioned the involvement of the PADOH and the recently formed Regional Response Health Collaboration Program (RRHCP). The PADOH conducted an Infection Control focused survey at the facility from July 8th – July 13th and results determined the facility was in Full Compliance with COVID standards. In addition, on August 20th, we had our initial on-site review with the RRHCP to review policies and procedures related to COVID-19.
On September 1st, 2020, Saint John XXIII Home received a “Rapid COVID testing device”, known as the BD Veritor System from the PA Department of Health. This is an antigen testing system that uses nasal swab (dual nares collection method) for detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antigen. THIS TEST GIVES US RESULTS IN APPROXIMATELY 15 MINTUES! We are only permitted to test residents of Saint John XXIII Home and all employees of the facility, including contracted service personnel. The facility has an updated CLIA certificate and tests will be administered by our facility Registered Nurses, on site. With this device, new standards of testing must be implemented as follows:
- All residents and/or staff who display COVID symptoms will be tested immediately.
- A NEW positive case amongst staff or residents would require that ALL residents and staff are tested every 3-7 days for a minimum of 14 days.
- Routine/Surveillance Testing: Facility staff will be testing based on the Mercer County “COVID POSTIVITY RATE”, starting in September.
- Mercer County Rate <5% = monthly testing
- Mercer County Rate 5-10% = weekly testing
- Mercer County Rate >10% = 2x/week testing
- Mercer County Rate as of 9/2/20 = 3.7%
- **Routine/Surveillance testing of Residents is NOT recommended.
- We will continue to utilize molecular testing should the situation dictate such.
- Please understand that these are the testing standards as of today, should the recommendations from the PADOH, CDC and/or RRHCP change, we will respond accordingly.
The BD Veritor device will allow us to make more timely decisions to help mitigate the spread of the virus. Of course, our priority is prevention through handwashing, social distancing and mask utilization.
In conclusion, I want to thank everyone for their incredible support and understanding throughout this pandemic. Rest assured that we will do everything in our control to keep your loved one AND our staff as safe as possible. Please continue to schedule patio visits and utilize any/all forms to communicate with your loved one. Please know that we are ALL in this together.
Sincerely,
Kirk Hawthorne
Administrator/CEO
Saint John XXIII Home