Dear Residents, Families and Staff,

COVID-19:

As you may have heard in the news, the COVID-19 positivity rates in Pennsylvania have been very high. In Philadelphia County the rate is currently 28.02%. Last week the rate was 34.1%. We continue to be at a vulnerability level of very high. With these high numbers we wish to encourage everyone to make good decisions regarding visitations and outings. Below are some guidelines recently provided by the CDC. There are links embedded in these guidelines to provide further information and direction

Your cooperation and adherence to infection control guidelines is needed.

• Visitors who have a positive COVID-19 test, symptoms of COVID-19 or currently meet the criteria for quarantine (exposed, potentially positive) should not enter WEL Burholme.
• Hand hygiene (hand sanitizing) and face mask (covering the mouth and nose) is required at all times.
• Six feet distance between people is required.
• All visitors must be screened upon entering and exiting WEL Burholme.

During this outbreak, if visits occur, visits will take place in Resident’s rooms only with no common area visits, regardless of the vaccination status. Masks are to be worn during visitation.

Special considerations:

• People who have a condition or are taking medications that weaken their immune system may not be fully protected even if they are fully vaccinated and have received an additional dose. They should continue to take all precautions recommended for unvaccinated people, including wearing a well-fitted mask, until advised otherwise by their healthcare provider.
• You might choose to wear a mask regardless of the level of transmission if a member of your household has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease, or is unvaccinated.
• If you are gathering with a group of people from multiple households and potentially from different parts of the country, you could consider additional precautions (e.g., avoiding crowded indoor spaces before travel, taking a test) in advance of gathering to further reduce risk.

Personal Testing:

The US government is making 4 COVID tests available to each family household. You may go to COVIDtests.gov to order your family’s free COVID testing kit.

Thank you and stay WEL!

Daniel Frost

Executive Director