Update from Administrator – January 22, 2021

Update from Administrator – January 22, 2021

Dear Family Members and Responsible Parties,

As always, we hope this letter finds you safe and healthy.

Our current COVID-19 status is 12 residents on the Covid Positive Unit and 4 staff members who are quarantining at home.

The 2nd dose of the COVID-19 vaccination was administered by CVS at our center to staff and residents on Tuesday, 1/19/21. Also, on that date, staff who did not receive a 1st dose on 12/29 and new residents who were admitted after 12/29 received their 1st dose.  The next tentative date for vaccinations is 2/9/21.

 

With the first round of vaccinations complete in many nursing homes in CT , the state has already reported a decrease in nursing home cases of COVID-19 among residents and staff, further proof that the vaccine works and we’re doing our part to eliminate COVID.

We have encouraged as many residents as possible to get this vaccine. As we have learned, the elderly and those with significant health concerns have a much higher risk for getting very sick, being hospitalized, or succumbing from COVID-19. The vaccine has been shown to provide a great deal of protection against serious illness due to COVID-19. The more residents that get vaccinated, the better we can protect our community against potential outbreaks, save lives, and hopefully impact changes to the state’s visitation guidelines.

 

As you know by now, this vaccine has gone through testing and clinical trials to ensure it meets the highest safety standards. It also is safe to get if you already had the virus. The health and safety of our residents is always our top priority, and we are confident this vaccine is a much better option than the risk of getting this virus. If you have any questions, please follow the below links or contact 203-426-5847 and ask for Francine Williams, Infection Control.

We will continue to take all necessary precautions after the vaccine is administered, including wearing personal protective equipment and conducting regular testing, to ensure the safety of our residents and staff. We will also continue to follow the guidance and recommendations of our public health officials to determine how and when to adjust our policies for visitations and social activities and keep you updated.

There is a light at the end of the tunnel. We are hopeful that the vaccine will be a lifesaving turning point in the fight against COVID-19. We look forward to getting back to a “new normal,” with families and friends again visiting our center on a regular basis. Entertainers coming back into the center to further enrich the lives of our residents.

You may also visit several websites listed below to learn more about the vaccine.

 

This afternoon at 1 p.m. we have our Weekly Call with Family Members and Responsible Parties.

 

The entire Newtown Leadership Team looks forward to speaking with you at 1 p.m.

Thank you and please stay safe and healthy!

Linda A. Urbanski, Ph.D., Administrator

Newtown Rehabilitation and Health Care Center

January 22, 2021 A Healthier Approach To Caring