November 20, 2020

To: All family members of a current Resident at St. Martin’s and to our friends

On Tuesday, November 17, 2020, Governor Larry Hogan held a press conference where he announced increased restrictions for visitations at nursing homes. As elsewhere, we are seeing a rapid uptick in the prevalence of positive cases in Maryland. In response to the worsening statistics, the Governor promulgated new guidelines for us. “We are now seeing widespread community transmission in every corner of our state.” Governor Hogan said. “Maryland is in the red zone for the number of cases per 100,000.”

Yesterday, we watched the White House press conference, in which Vice President Pence spoke, as well as members of CDC and other professionals. They spoke of the increase of COVID throughout the country, the strain of the surge of infections on our hospitals nationwide, the promised vaccine and what we can do as a Nation, a State, and as a caring Community for one another.

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, everyone is concerned about family gatherings and people traveling to celebrate together. We have a unique opportunity to unite together to stop the spread of this deadly virus, by accomplishing together what is asked of each of us for the good of all. Once we can get this virus under control, we will have more reason than ever to celebrate afterwards. As we strive to protect and care for your loved one here, won’t you join us in these simple, common tasks that our asked of everyone now adays? In order to keep everyone safe and decrease this new wave of infection they are asking everyone to wear masks, keep social distance and frequent hand washing, which is still the best strategy in fighting this deadly virus.

We have no new cases from our testing this past Monday, but we are still waiting for a few test results to come back from Tuesday. Additionally, the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) ordered mandatory, weekly testing for all nursing/assisted living Residents and twice-weekly testing for all staff. We will begin this increased testing the week of November 23, 2020. This testing does come with a financial cost to the Home, so the sooner our Country can get control of this virus, the less of a financial burden it will be in the weeks and months ahead.

With the Governor’s new directives which takes place as of today, it is with a heavy heart we have new guidelines to follow from him for Resident visitation in Nursing Homes and therefore we will no longer be able to have indoor visits at this time, except for an in person compassion visit and with a new requirement of 72 hour negative test result before being allowed to come in. With the holidays upon us, we know this is extremely difficult for all of you and for your loved one to be separated because of this pandemic.

You may still contact Danielle, to schedule a window visit with your loved one or through Zoom, Skype or FaceTime. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

The holidays are upon us and even though they will look much different than in previous years, we are filled with hope in God’s promise to protect and provide for all of us. May you be filled with the goodness of God’s abundant graces during this special time of the year. The Little Sisters and our staff will do everything in our power to ensure each Resident enjoys this happy, holy season.
Most sincerely,

Mother Joseph Caroline, l.s.p.
Superior

Previous updates:
November 6, 2020
October 30, 2020
October 23, 2020
October 16, 2020
October 9, 2020
October 2, 2020
September 25, 2020
September 18, 2020
September 11, 2020
September 4, 2020
August 28, 2020
August 21, 2020
August 17, 2020
August 14, 2020
August 7, 2020
July 31, 2020
July 24, 2020
July 17, 2020
July 10, 2020
July 3, 2020
June 26, 2020
June 21, 2020
June 19, 2020
June 12, 2020
June 5, 2020
May 29, 2020
May 22, 2020
May 15, 2020
May 8, 2020
May 2, 2020
April 22, 2020
March 19, 2020

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