May 20, 2021

Dear Residents, Family, and Friends,

The results from COVID-19 testing from May 10, 2021 were 100% negative. This has proven to be a real blessing for our Home and a tribute to all our staff who have and continue to take the necessary precautions for infection control and maintain safety for the Residents.

Because of our consistent negative results and the fact that our Residents, Staff, and Sisters are in compliance for full vaccination, we are now able to enter the next Phase of reopening.

• As of May 12 the stay-at-home order issued by Mayor Bowser has been lifted.
• We received word from the DC Epidemiology Team that we will no longer be required to participate in weekly COVID-19 testing in so far as we continue with hand sanitizing, mask wearing, and social distancing.
• We will continue to be vigilant and monitor the Residents for signs and symptoms of illness with routine temperature checks on each shift.
• We will also continue to require all staff, visitors, and contractors to undergo screening upon entering our facility.

We would also like to update you on other news in and around the Home as it has evolved over the past few weeks:

• The capacity for communal dining has increased, which means there may be more than one Resident at a table (up to 10 total) and as long as we keep the tables 6 feet apart.
• Unfortunately, indoor activities are still limited to a group of 10 participants. On a brighter note, we may have a larger group of participants (up to 50) for outdoor activities. The Residents from both floors who are fully vaccinated may also co-mingle, which has been a blessing for friends to interact with each other, and our new Residents are finally able to experience a different side of life in our Home.
• We are able to invite the Residents from the Apartments into the chapel for Mass via a separate entrance. They are also expected to monitor temperatures and sit in designated seats in the chapel for the time being.
• We are also able to facilitate outings for the Residents. This may include small group outings or the ability to leave the facility for a home visit. If you choose to take your loved one home, please be mindful of mingling with large groups, or with those who are unvaccinated. As much as possible, please follow good hand hygiene and wearing a mask.

Thank you for your cooperation in scheduling outdoor & indoor visitations. Although there is a little leeway in the current arrangements, we would still like to facilitate these visits as easily and as safely as possible. This will assure that your loved one is prepared and aware of the visit and will also assure a spot in the designated areas for each visit. As always, feel free to contact Daisy Alzate, RN or Sr. Alphonse Marie, Administrator for further clarifications on any of these issues.

The valiant efforts and collaboration of our entire team have gotten us through some tough periods over the past year. Our Residents and family members have been valiant in accepting the limitations proposed, which without a doubt have been difficult. Many behind-the-scenes tasks were organized and implemented, but flexibility has proved to be a key factor of meeting the Residents’ daily needs. We truly appreciate everyone’s efforts in helping us along the way.

The last piece of news I’d like to share is more personal. I have been assigned to a new mission and am going to our Home in Newark, Delaware. After 9 years here in Washington I sincerely thank all of you for your goodness and generosity to our Home, especially during this past year, but we are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel. There is no fixed date yet of when the transfer will take place but I will keep you posted.

God bless each of you.

Mother Mary Michael

Indoor Visitation Plan (updated April 2, 2021)

Outdoor Visitation Plan (updated April 13, 2021)

Previous Updates:
May 6, 2021
April 14, 2021
April 8, 2021
April 2, 2021
March 11, 2021
February 18, 2021
January 25, 2021
January 8, 2021
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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