March 7, 2021
Dear Estates Residents and Family Members,
Almost one year ago today, you received a letter from us that opened by sharing with you that coronavirus (COVID -19) was active in Monroe and Ontario County and the plans in motion to safeguard the residents of St. Ann’s and Quail Summit. We closed to visitors, secured masks and protective equipment, creatively changed meal service, and started door-to-door activities. We know the last year has been challenging; filled with anxiety and loss for so many.
We have done our best to keep current on information from credible sources, to share with you what we know, and to promote the emotional and physical well-being of every resident at a time when we have had our options limited.
Securing on-site vaccine clinics for all residents was a proud accomplishment, and a relief. Since then, we have received many great questions about what the vaccine means for our communities and you. Please review the frequently asked questions on page two of this letter.
Now that community incident rates are low again, and nice weather is on the way, we are happy to share some encouraging updates. In the coming weeks, you can look forward to outings on the event calendar such as scenic tours, and grocery shopping, a limited number of entertainers returning for small group events and the return of community volunteers.
Our dining rooms must remain at reduced capacity per health department guidance, and we choose to remain closed to outside dining guests. However, you are welcome to have up to two guests in your home at any time, and may order meals for delivery!
Visitors must be screened upon entry, visit in limited designated areas to allow us to appropriately sanitize. Also, visitors must leave their masks on and head straight to your apartment. While visiting in your apartment, we encourage the use of masks and to sanitize afterwards.
We are working closely with spiritual care and religious leaders on their return to service. Some individuals have shared a concern about returning. We respect that and will work to identify alternatives.
Spring is the season of new beginnings. Fresh buds bloom, animals awaken and the earth seems to come to life again. I look forward to a similar feeling of renewal within our buildings and ourselves. Please do call Laura Hollenbeck at 585-396-1010 with specific questions.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Blackchief, Vice President, St. Ann’s Community
Laura Hollenbeck, Executive Director, Quail Summit
Questions and Answers about the COVID-19 Vaccine for Staff, Elders and Family Members of St Ann’s Community and Quail Summit
When will we be protected after we get the vaccine?
- Even when people receive the vaccine they will not be immediately protected and will need to continue wearing masks, social distancing and practicing frequent hand hygiene.
- The vaccines we have received require 2 shots, with a few weeks between each shot. Protection usually occurs about 2 weeks after the second shot.
- No vaccine is 100% effective. The vaccines we received are more than 90% effective. This will greatly reduce your risk of getting sick with or spreading COVID-19.
After I have had the second dose of the vaccine and it is 2 weeks after my second shot, do I still have to wear a mask?
- Yes. Even though you have received your vaccine, many of the people around you have not. We know the vaccine prevents disease in the vaccinated person, but it still may be possible to transmit the disease to others, until the vaccine is in widespread use.
- Wearing a mask, social distancing, and practicing hand hygiene protects those who have not been vaccinated.
Now that I am vaccinated, will I have to quarantine for any reason?
Yes. You may have to quarantine for a few reasons. The two most common reasons would be attendance to a large gathering or hospitalization.
- Large gatherings create increase risk of exposure, illness and transmission to others. The decision to attend is a personal one that only you can make. Upon return, ensuring the protection of those living in your community is a priority.
- The community approach to quarantining for hospitalizations, urgent care visits and medical appointments has changed over time, based on data such as community and hospital rates of COVID-19. Currently, quarantining is only required should an individual require hospital care for 24 hours or more.
My family lives out of state. Do they have to quarantine or get tested to visit?
Last week, the Governor announced changes to the travel guidelines based on vaccination status, however, no new formal guidance has been issued by the state. We will follow the state requirements and encourage you to visit the NYS Department of Health COVID-19 Travel Advisory. We check this daily.
What if my question was not answered? Please see Laura Hollenbeck.