TO: Residents and Staff
FROM: David Swartley, President/CEO
DATE: May 4, 2020
RE: Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Update #11
As I’ve discussed in my earlier updates, Moravian Manor Communities has been rigorously following all infection control protocols stipulated by the PA Dept. of Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for dealing with the new Coronavirus. But despite our best efforts, efforts, on May 3, 2020, a staff member in skilled nursing 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. The team member tested was asymptomatic (no symptoms); a sick family member at home was the impetus for the test.
Our staff has been using appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to protect both residents and staff. The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) has been notified and we are taking every step possible to limit future exposure. We will continue to monitor residents and team members following state and federal guidelines. Our team member is doing very well and is self-isolating at home.
Moravian Manor Communities has long had a robust infection control system in place, and we have been updating our control measures as new information becomes available. We will continue to restrict visitation to the facility, and 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 to advance our heightened hygiene practices. Lancaster County is known for our senior care, and we are fortunate to be part of a quality health care system. I ask that you continue to do your part with our visiting restrictions and the Governor’s “Stay At Home” order.
Our Medical Director is keeping 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