Update from Administrator – January 25, 2021
January 25, 2021
Dear Families,
As always, we hope this letter finds you safe and healthy as we begin the New Year!
Our current COVID status is, 17 positive Residents and 10 positive Staff Members. We continue to use infection control precautions. All staff are using personal protective equipment while in the facility. There is still no visitation currently.
The first COVID-19 vaccination was administered at our center to staff and residents on 12/29/20. The second dose of the vaccine was administered on 01/19/2021 to residents and staff. This date was also available to those individuals who did not receive their initial dose. The vaccine was delivered and administered by pharmacists from CVS.
With the first round complete in many nursing homes, the state has already reported a decrease in nursing home cases of COVID among residents and staff, further proof that the vaccine works, and we are doing our part to eliminate COVID!
We have encouraged as many residents as possible to get this vaccine. As we have learned, the elderly and those with significant health concerns have a much higher risk for getting very sick, being hospitalized, or succumbing from COVID-19. The vaccine has been shown to provide a great deal of protection against serious illness due to COVID-19.
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 and recommended 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 contact the Infection Control Nurse Jayson Lacanilao, he can be reached at (860-628-0364 Ext. 237) or you can email him at (ICN@summitatplantsville.com) with any questions. We can provide you with up to date, independent research, and links to various educational websites.
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.
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.
Speaking of visitation, we are receiving many questions on whether in-center visitation can resume once vaccination of the center is complete. As mentioned earlier in the this and other emails, we must remain vigilant. The vaccine will not provide immediate protection and we still need to see prevalence in the surrounding communities decline. Currently, community prevalence remains very high. Therefore, we need to continue with the same visitation and infection control practices put in place and enhanced throughout this pandemic. We will also continue to follow the guidance and recommendations of our public health officials (CDC, CMS, DPH) to determine how and when to adjust our policies for visitations and social activities and keep you updated.
Thank you and please stay safe and healthy!
Carol Mortensen