September 20, 2020
Beginning Tuesday, September 8, JAA’s Charles Morris Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, AHAVA Memory Care Center, and Weinberg Village are implementing plans for reopening. Weinberg Terrace began the first step of the process on August 19 but will adhere to the remaining dates for Steps 2 and 3 in line with other JAA communities.
Reopening is a three-step process. For Charles Morris, AHAVA and Weinberg Village, Step 1 is in effect from September 8-21. Each subsequent step will be phased in at 14-day intervals. Barring diagnosed cases of the virus, Step 2 would begin on September 22 and run through October 5. Step 3 would begin on October 6. For Weinberg Terrace, Step 1 began on August 19 and will run through September 21. Step 2 will run from September 22 through October 5. Step 3 begins October 6.
If at any time, there is an onset of COVID-19 cases, all steps of the plan are voided and a return to original restrictions will take place.
The following statement provides an overview of the formal Department of Health document posted here on behalf of Charles Morris Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. (click here for link)
The following statement provides an overview of the formal Department of Health document posted here on behalf of AHAVA Memory Care Center. (click here for link)
The following statement provides an overview of the formal Department of Health document posted here on behalf of Weinberg Village. (click here for link)
The following statement provides an overview of the formal Department of Health document posted here on behalf of Weinberg Terrace. (click here for link)
In accordance with requirements of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the PA Department of Health (DOH), and Department of Human Services (DHS), the Jewish Association on Aging is planning to initiate a three-step “reopening” process to lift COVID-19 restrictions in 14-day increments. This includes AHAVA Memory Care Center, Charles Morris Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Weinberg Terrace, and Weinberg Village.
Along with a measured approach to each, the goal of the three steps in our resident communities is to:
- Resume communal dining, activities, and outings for residents
- Resume the entry of visitors, non-essential personnel, and volunteers
According to the DHS, the process should “strike a balance between protecting residents’ physical health (through incrementally reopening when it is safe) with their mental and emotional health (that necessitates visitation and communal activities).”
JAA enacted Step 1 on September 8, which provides for the reinstatement of communal dining and social activities among no more than five residents, with strict protocols in place for safe distancing, handwashing, and mask wearing among residents and includes wearing of appropriate PPE by staff.
Steps 2 & 3 address the inclusion of larger numbers of residents in communal dining and activities (no more than 10 in Step 2; 10 or more in Step 3).
Regarding visitation, Step 2 permits outdoor visits between residents and a limited number of their loved ones while Step 3 permits indoor visits in designated neutral areas. Visitation is limited to residents unexposed to COVID-19. “Unexposed” refers to a resident who has no known recent exposure to COVID-19 or has not had a positive test result for COVID-19 in the past 14 days. Visitors will be screened prior to the start of a visit.
From the date Step 1 begins, if there is no new onset of COVID-19 cases for 14 consecutive days, we move on to Step 2. Similarly, from the date the Step 2 begins, if there is no new facility onset of COVID-19 cases for 14 consecutive days, we move on to Step 3.
If at any time, there is an onset of COVID-19 cases, all steps of the plan are voided and a return to original restrictions will take place.
JAA joins residents, families, and staff with a cautiously optimistic outlook for reopening that is meant to provide more flexibility among residents and better access to them by their loved ones. It is a very regimented process that we embrace knowing it could change quickly. As we move through this process, our continued focus is on the health and safety of those for whom we care and the staff who cares for them.
An easy-to-follow chart explaining the steps of reopening is included here.