May 14, 2020

Dear Residents and Families,

It has been an eventful week here at St. Joseph’s Home. On Monday, May 11, DOH Passaic County for Long Term Care Testing for Covid-19 for all Residents and staff. The tests were administered by staff from St. Joseph’s Medical Center. They were very pleasant with everyone and the process went smoothly.

Our tests results indicate that we still have much to be concerned about during this time of pandemic: Of 67 Residents tested, 6 individuals were found positive, bringing the total of Covid-positive Residents to 22. Of 85 employees tested, 12 were found positive, bringing the total to 28. None of the 12 Little Sisters were found positive at this time. As I mentioned previously, 2 Sisters had tested positive for Covid-19, but they have now recovered.

We continue to have daily contact with the local health department and have been assiduously following their guidance, together with the CDC guidelines. However, we realize that we might need to do even more to defeat the coronavirus, so we have taken three additional measures.

First, beginning this week, all Residents will wear face masks during care. Second, we have hired a housekeeping company with experience in hospital settings to assist our own housekeeping staff with the cleaning of high contact areas two times per day. Third, we have purchased a special machine to disinfect the Residents’ rooms.

We pray that these additional measures will help us to finally contain and completely defeat this virus. Even with so many sick, we don’t give up hope because we have seen a few Residents recover and regain their strength; as well, 3 staff members have returned to work.

Our activities staff members continue to provide Residents with fun activities that can be enjoyed from their rooms to boost their spirits.

In closing, on behalf of all the Little Sisters I would like to thank all of our families and friends for their generous donations, support and prayers during this unusual time.

God bless you!

Sr. Mary Thomas and all the Little Sisters

Previous Updates:
May 5, 2020
May 2, 2020
April 24, 2020
April 21, 2020
April 13, 2020

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