January 8, 2021

Dear Residents, Families and Friends,

I hope that you and your family had an enjoyable Christmas, despite our current circumstances, and that you were able to connect with your loved one here at Jeanne Jugan Residence. We put our hope and trust in God and ask for his continued protection and blessings during the New Year 2021.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic continues to present many challenges, I have relatively good news to report this week. Our weekly testing from Monday, January 4, confirms that the results of all our Residents in the nursing units and the 2nd floor are once again negative for COVID-19. Unfortunately, another staff member has tested positive this week. That individual works part-time, thankfully does not have direct care with the Residents and is in isolation at home.

At present, several staff members who were in isolation have been cleared to return to work. Fortunately, they all remain asymptomatic. We will also continue with our staff screening while monitoring their temperatures at the beginning, middle, and end of their shifts. All precautionary measures already in place will be continued along with any additional guidance of the CMS-CDC and DC Health.

Due to these most recent results, we are still required to be on lockdown. You may recall from a previous letter that CDC and DC Health require that the Residents remain in their rooms until we have two consecutive weeks of negative test results for 100% of Residents, staff, and Sisters. Although communal dining and group activities are still suspended at this time, the Residents may ambulate individually in the hallways of their unit for 10-15 minutes at a time with a staff member while wearing a mask, assuring safety and infection precautions, and keeping socially distant.

You are aware that we have partnered with Walgreens to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to our Residents, staff, and Sisters. We expect to offer the first vaccination on January 22. Vaccines that are currently authorized for use by the FDA, and most that are under development, require two doses. The first dose helps the immune system recognize the virus and the second helps strengthen the immune system’s response. Both are necessary for the best protection and we are grateful for the opportunity to be able to receive it. We will still maintain weekly testing as protocol, even after the vaccination is initiated. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Daisy Alzate, RN or Sister Alphonse Marie.

As we begin this New Year, we remain as vigilant as ever to assure the safety and well-being of our Residents and collaborators. Let us continue to pray for one another.

God bless you,
Sr. Mary Michael and all the Little Sisters

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Previous Updates:
December 31, 2020
December 24, 2020
November 18, 2020
November 2, 2020
October 8, 2020
September 15, 2020
August 17, 2020
July 19, 2020
June 24, 2020
June 8, 2020
May 28, 2020
May 21, 2020
May 12, 2020
May 5, 2020
April 28, 2020
April 22, 2020
April 14, 2020

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