From: David Swartley, President/CEO
Date: August 3, 2020
RE: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update #23
As I’ve discussed in my earlier updates, Moravian Manor Communities has been rigorously following all infection control protocols stipulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) and the United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for COVID-19. But despite our best efforts, recent testing confirmed on August 3, 2020, that a staff member in our maintenance department has tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by this Coronavirus.
There is no reason for panic – while our staff and fellow residents have worked tirelessly to prevent this highly contagious virus from entering our community, we have also been preparing for this possibility. Our team member is resting and self-isolating at home. We have been in contact with the DOH and are taking every step possible to limit future exposure. We are thoroughly investigating the source of the exposure and will reach out to every known person with whom the affected team member has been in contact within our facility. We will continue to monitor residents and team members with the risk of exposure per state and federal guidelines.
Unfortunately, this occurrence puts a temporary halt to our scheduled visitations in our care areas. We have suspended visitations immediately, per DOH guidelines. Also, we are implementing the following short-term precautions:
- Warwick Woodlands residents will not be permitted to dine in the Garden Court Dining room.
- All group in person activities are cancelled until we receive results of universal testing.
- Maintenance will address only essential work orders until testing is completed.
- Universal testing will be implemented for all team members (required by DOH).
Moravian Manor Communities has long had a robust infection control system in place. We will continue to aggressively screen staff and other essential personnel for any signs of exposure before and after each shift. We will also continue to limit the contact of necessary care personnel to specialized areas within the facility and keep our heightened hygiene practices.
Our Medical Director continues to keep us apprised of the latest recommendations from the CDC and the PA Department of Health. For those of you seeking additional information, continuous updates are available at the following websites:
- Pennsylvania Department of Health: www.health.pa.gov
- Center for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov