Communication Update October, 7 2021 Guest Visitation
October 7, 2021
Dear Regina Health Center Community,
I am writing to provide an update regarding our visitation policy. After much careful thought and consideration, we are going to begin to amend our current procedures. We realize the strain the coronavirus pandemic has caused for both residents and their loved ones, and we remain committed to finding the right balance between caution and quality of life. Our ultimate goal has been – and will continue to be – the health and safety of our residents. In addition to the challenges of the health crisis caused by the pandemic, our staffing has been challenged as well, as it has been in virtually every corner of society. Despite these hardships, our residents remain healthy and COVID-free, thanks be to God! Our amended visitation procedures will continue to support a healthy and safe environment while allowing more flexibility for visitation. Beginning on Monday, October 11, 2021, guests will be permitted to visit with residents in their rooms from Monday through Friday between 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM, and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM. No prior sign-up is necessary, and no appointment time is required. Visitors will need to sign in and have their temperatures taken each time they arrive, and masks must be worn at all times. These are requirements of CMS. Masks may be removed during the visit while in the resident’s room, but they must be worn everywhere else in the facility. According to CDC guidance, “During indoor visitation, facilities should limit visitor movement in the facility. For example, visitors should not walk around different halls of the facility. Rather, they should go directly to the resident’s room or designated visitation area. Visits for residents who share a room should not be conducted in the resident’s room, if possible.” (Ref: QSO-20-39-NH) This means that, for the time being, visitors are not permitted to attend Mass, Activities or meals with the residents. For residents with a roommate, alternate visitation locations will be made available. We anticipate that this will be the first phase of an eventual return to pre-COVID procedures. With the promise of a vaccine booster imminent, and with the community infection rate decreasing, we are hopeful that the end of the pandemic is in sight. However, COVID remains a daily threat to all of us, and a positive case among our residents or staff would once again require a temporary cessation of all visitation. Pray with me that this does not happen! Thank you for your continued support during these trying times. Please pray for our staff, who continue to work tirelessly under very challenging conditions. We so appreciate their commitment to our residents. They truly are the healthcare heroes!
Sincerely,
Deacon Mark Yantek
Executive Director