TO: Residents and Staff
FROM: David Swartley, President/CEO
DATE: May 15, 2020
RE: Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Update #13
At the time of this writing, there have been no residents, and no additional employees tested positive for COVID-19.
On Friday afternoon, May 8, Donna Gerofsky, RN, and Donovan Carper, RN, DON, had a lengthy conference call with officials from the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH). The conversation was a collaborative call; both parties were learning from each other. DOH decided that they would like to do some trial COVID-19 testing in our skilled nursing area. They selected Moravian Manor Communities as the site and delivered 300 free test kits this past Monday. On Monday, we tested 57 skilled care residents. On Tuesday, we tested 77 employees, and on Wednesday we tested an additional 55 employees. All test results were negative. Our team could not have been more pleased!
Lancaster County has decided to move forward to a “yellow zone,” which means that some businesses may begin to reopen. This decision is certainly not without controversy. The Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce is recommending that companies be cautious and seek legal counsel before opening. These changes from the County do not impact any guidance we are following at either of our campuses. The positive aspect of this move has been very lively discussions about the impact of the broader community on our care areas. Lancaster County has noticeably “ramped up” support for skilled nursing facilities. I am hopeful that this may bring some relief in our daily scavenging for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Without a doubt, this has been our most significant challenge. We are also processing some guidance that was issued this week from DOH regarding mandatory, weekly testing. While overall, we are supportive of this action, many questions remain in terms of the added cost and administrative burden. However, all these changes are indicative of state and local leaders, realizing where the risk of the Coronavirus is most significant.
Thank you for your participation in our weekly ZOOM calls. Yesterday, we had our largest group yet. I find it a valuable way to connect. Indeed, not as effective as face to face meetings, but is a useful alternative.
Thank you again for your support of our team members. Over 200 donors contributed over $28,000, which was all given to our team! They are most appreciative.
Thank you as well for the spirit you bring to Moravian Manor Communities during these trying times. It is indeed rewarding to see all everyone work through this together.
In closing, I share a letter from Steph and Rich Barbour that they sent to me this week. I believe it tells the “rest of the story” of our community.
Dear Fellow Residents of Moravian Manor Communities:
I write on behalf of Steph and I and all members of our community who are immunocompromised and may have underlying conditions that make us highly vulnerable to the ravages of COVID-19.
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Thanks for your empathy and compassion to other fellow residents. A community in the truest sense is a group of individuals who, regardless of opinions and preferences, are sensitive and respectful of the needs of all.
While we, residents of Moravian Manor Communities, are all unique and have a wide variety of experiences, it is evident to Steph and me that we have one quality in common, concern for others!
Our thanks to Moravian Manor Communities leadership and staff for the awesome job they are doing keeping us safe and informed, has already been expressed, and cannot be expressed enough!
Steph and I think it time for us to express our sincere appreciation to our fellow residents. Although we are vulnerable, we are not frightened. And the reason for that is our caring community.
Stay Safe! Be Well! Thank You!
~ Steph & Rich Barbour