December 17, 2021
Dear Family and Friends,
Merry Christmas from the St. Joseph’s Home Family! Christmas always brings such joy and peace to everyone this time of year. I know we can all agree we are all due for some Christmas cheer and an abundance of joy.
The Coronavirus is unfortunately thriving and remains highly infectious, with an uptick in cases in New Jersey over the past week. This is, therefore, a good time to remind you that we must continue to be vigilant of all safety protocols and cannot let our guard down while celebrating the holidays.
It has been 351 days since our Residents last tested positive for COVID-19. Please help us to continue to keep them safe and healthy. To facilitate a safe visit, all visitors must comply with the Principles of COVID-19 Infection Prevention (listed below) at all times while in the Home.
1. Screening of all who enter our Home for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g., temperature checks, questions or observations about signs or symptoms), and denial of entry of those with signs or symptoms or those who have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 infection in the prior 14 days (regardless of the visitor’s vaccination status)
2. Hand Hygiene (use of alcohol-based hand rub is preferred)
3. Face covering or mask worn throughout the duration of the visit (covering mouth and nose) (No cloth masks)
4. Social distancing at least six feet between persons
5. Visitors are asked to limit movement in the facility. They should go directly to the designated visitation area.
6. Visitors are not permitted in the chapel, dining rooms or day rooms.
7. For persons who are not vaccinated or have only been partially vaccinated, a negative COVID (PCR) test 72 hours prior to visit is highly recommended or a negative point of care antigen test (rapid test) result taken within 24 hours prior to visit.
While we prefer that Residents not risk exposure to the virus by gathering with friends and family outside of St. Joseph’s Home, we also understand the importance of getting together with family. If you do plan on taking your loved one out to gather with family and friends for Christmas, please adhere to the following safety practices that are intended to keep everyone safe.
1. Do not take your loved one out if anyone in your home or gathering displays Covid symptoms: fever, sore throat, cough, body aches, headaches, nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea.
2. For Residents who are not vaccinated, they will be required to isolate for 14 days upon return to the Home.
3. Contact the Little Sister Unit Supervisor immediately if any one of your guest’s experience COVID symptoms after Christmas, so that appropriate precautions can be taken for our Residents.
Thank you all for your continued support and prayers for our Home. Our Residents, Staff and the Sisters join me in wishing you a very blessed Christmas and praying that the New Year will bring good health and an abundance of graces and blessings.
Sincerely,
Mother Mary Thomas, lsp
Click here for our Pandemic/COVID-19 Response Plan
CLICK HERE for our wish list of much-needed items
Previous Updates:
November 23, 2021
May 28, 2021
May 7, 2021
April 20, 2021
April 6, 2021
March 12, 2021
February 26, 2021
November 20, 2020
November 13, 2020
October 7, 2020
September 17, 2020
September 3, 2020
August 12, 2020
August 6, 2020
July 15, 2020
July 10, 2020
June 19, 2020
June 12, 2020
May 28, 2020
May 14, 2020
May 5, 2020
May 2, 2020
April 24, 2020
April 21, 2020
April 13, 2020
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