Phoebe Seasonal Update: COVID-19, Flu Season, and Visitation Policy and Procedures
SEASONAL REMINDERS
As the Fall and Winter rapidly approach, Phoebe has some seasonal reminders and updates for residents, loved ones of residents, volunteers, and staff.
COVID-19 UPDATE
Vaccine Mandate: On August 16, Phoebe Ministries announced that it will require all employees to receive COVID-19 vaccination by October 15, 2021 as a condition of employment. “As a healthcare provider, we are duty-bound to protect the vulnerable population we serve,” said Scott Stevenson, President and CEO of Phoebe Ministries. “Guided by recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is clear that community-wide immunization is a crucial next step to overcoming this pandemic. This decision serves the best interests of everyone in our Phoebe community and beyond.”
In addition to mandating the COVID-19 vaccine, Phoebe continues to follow CDC guidelines and recommendations to best protect residents and staff. This includes continuing to mask, sanitizing and washing hands continuously, and wearing proper PPE when necessary.
Visitation: Phoebe communities may temporarily close due to one or more COVID-positive cases inside our buildings. When this happens, COVID testing must be done on all staff and residents that work or reside in that building. Phoebe is able to do this efficiently, but we do ask for your understanding and cooperation while testing is being conducted. Closures are immediately posted on the website. Please be sure to visit phoebe.org/covid19 for the most recent information regarding closures and current visitation guidelines before you plan to visit your loved one.
Zoom Visits: If a neighborhood is closed, you can still enjoy a virtual visit with your loved ones via Zoom. While we understand a Zoom call is not the same as an in-person visit, we encourage family and friends to utilize this form of communication when unable to visit in person. https://phoebe.org/connecting-hearts-video-call-session-and-health-care-center/
Holidays & Outings: As the Holiday season approaches, we would like to remind family and friends of fully vaccinated residents that outings for non-medical reasons are permitted. Outings for unvaccinated PC and SNF residents will need the approval of the administration. This policy may change at any time, and we remind and encourage you to visit phoebe.org/covid19 for the most up-to-date information, or call and speak with a campus representative.
FLU SEASON
Flu Vaccine: Phoebe will be offering flu vaccines to all residents and staff in the coming weeks.
One final reminder: If you are feeling ill, we kindly ask that you postpone your visit until you are well. We thank you for being considerate of your loved ones and all of Phoebe’s residents and staff. Visitors exhibiting a fever or other symptoms of COVID-19 will not be permitted into the building.