Hoping this update finds everyone healthy and well. The virus continues to spread rapidly in our community and healthcare systems are becoming overwhelmed. The Mercer County COVID positivity rate has risen above 14%, thus, Mercer County remains a “Red Zone”. This also requires us here at Saint John XXIII Home to remain in “lock down/phase 1” of reopening. We are both hopeful and prayerful that the curve starts to flatten to allow us to move to phase 2 of reopening.
We have received an update from our “Vaccine partner” (CVS pharmacy) related to the vaccine administration here on our campus. We have received a TENTATIVE vaccine administration date of January 6th, 2021. We anticipate this date being finalized over the next few days. Once the date is official, Saint John staff will be reaching out to each family to secure “Consent to vaccinate”. Please review CDC and PADOH recommendations related to the vaccine, and if desired, contact your medical provider. While we strongly encourage the vaccine, it is a medical choice. With this in mind, we ask that everyone work through the decision making process related to accepting the vaccine at this time, as time will be of the essence once we begin the consent process.
Over the past 10 months, we have been fortunate that the virus has not spread to our resident population. We have been testing residents weekly and staff twice weekly over the past several weeks. This week, we tested all staff on Monday and Thursday with all negative test results. Unfortunately, we had 13 residents within the Special Needs unit test positive for COVID-19 using the Point of Care (POC) rapid testing device. As per facility policy, we have completed a PCR (Lab Test) as a follow-up process. All residents within the Nursing Home and Personal Care unit remain negative. We will continue to monitor all residents across our campus closely for signs and symptoms. Please pray for everyone at Saint John XXIII Home.
Our testing strategy will continue until further notice. The residents will be tested on Tuesdays for the next two weeks, while staff will be tested on Monday and Wednesday over the next two weeks. As always, our staff will reach out to you regarding your loved ones test results.
We ask that everyone continue to do their part to “flatten the COVID curve” here in Mercer County. As we approach Christmas, we fully understand how difficult and heartbreaking it is to be away from your loved ones. Our staff will do our best to make this Christmas special. This year, we ask that we all show our love for our families and friends by celebrating safely and protecting one another. Again, please pray for the residents and staff at Saint John XXIII Home.