June 4, 2020

Dear Residents and Families,

The purpose of this letter is to communicate updates regarding our covid-19 reporting and the actions we continue to take to combat and protect our community.  

As of today, since this pandemic started, we have had a total of 20 residents test positive with Covid-19. This is an increase of 1 since our last update

We also have 6 employees who have tested positive since this pandemic started. Four have returned to work. The two remaining employees remain at home under quarantine.

Of the 20 residents:

                       4 Residents have recovered

 8 Residents currently in-house with positive Covid

 1 Resident remains at UPMC Hanover 

Today we received the testing results from the Department of Health on the 2 residents tested yesterday, June 3rd. One test came back positive. The families of these 2 residents have been notified of the results.

We have and will continue to test our residents, who show any signs/symptoms. We believe this is in the best interest of our community. While the vast majority of our test results have come back negative, we are still very vigilant in our focus to protect and ultimately mitigate this infection.   

A few weeks back Governor Wolf announced he wanted all nursing home residents and staff tested for covid. Unfortunately, as this directive has filtered down through the varies agencies, we have learned:

•  The department of health does not have enough test kits to perform what Governor Wolf is asking
•  The State epidemiology lab can only handle approximately 800 tests per day.
  

On behalf of Hanover Hall, Wilmac Corporation has secured a contract with an independent lab to test all our residents and staff members. It is my understanding that in addition to this vast initial test, this independent lab will provide our facility will coordinated re-testing capability. As I learn more over the next week, in regards to this new provider, I will keep you updated. 

In early April, we decided to implement isolation precautions on most all new on-set symptoms. We believe we are in a time when we cannot be too overly cautious in protecting our community. Resident and staff safety are our top priority.

We continue to exceed our staff levels throughout the facility to meet the needs of our community.

You can be proud of the staff at Hanover Hall and be assured that all our staff continue to report to work and perform with excellence. 

I know this continues to be a difficult time for everyone. We will continue to update you, as quickly as possible, with any updates and/or changes to our current situation.

Please know we continue to strictly adhere to all directives from the local and state health departments as well as the CDC.

We appreciate your continued prayers and trust in the care and services we provide and for your understanding and support of any necessary adjustments as this situation evolves.

Please feel free to contact me at 717-633-4520 with any questions or concerns. 

May God bless us all.

Respectfully,

Daniel Pyle, NHA

Administrator, Hanover Hall