January 10, 2022 —We continue to experience more positive COVID cases among staff. In the last 24 hours we have had three staff test positive. We currently have 21 staff out of work; this is slightly lower than where we were last week. The good news is that most cases are mild, and under the new CDC guidance, we are able to bring some people back before ten days.
I’d like to share some pending regulatory changes that New York State is adopting in response to the widespread Omicron surge. The Governor announced Friday that boosters in accordance with CDC recommendations will be required for all healthcare workers in New York State. We do not have the implementation date, but this affirms our decision to move forward with our booster requirement effective January 19th. Several clinics are scheduled to get as many staff booster shots as possible.
The State has also announced plans to require all visitors to nursing homes to have a negative COVID test within 24 hours of their visit. We have no further details about this yet nor do we know if it applies to Cascadilla House, our assisted living residence, as well. All visitors to the health center will also be required to wear surgical masks – cloth masks will not be permitted. When we have details about when these requirements will take effect or if we will be provided with tests for visitors, we will share information as we receive it.
Please watch our News for updates. Be well.
-Laurie