updated September 22, 2020
September 14, 2020
JAA is well underway regarding its re-opening plans with a goal of reuniting families in person with their loved ones.
The reopening is subject to change at any time. It is particularly important to note that, should there be a single positive case among residents or staff of a particular facility, that facility’s re-opening plans would be put on hold.
Unfortunately, JAA was notified on Sunday, September 13 that an employee of Charles Morris tested positive for COVID-19. Contact tracing has been performed, and anyone who was in contact with this individual has been notified.
What does this mean for re-opening?
Re-opening plans will be on hold for Charles Morris Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. Beginning the week of September 14 and continuing through at least the following week, per guidelines from CMS, JAA will be conducting mandatory universal testing of all residents and staff of Charles Morris. If two weeks of successful universal testing with no positive cases occurs, JAA will be able to resume its re-opening plans for Charles Morris
Obviously, residents and those families with loved ones at Charles Morris are disappointed by this news, as is the staff and adminstration at JAA. This is a reminder for all that the virus is still out there, and everyone should all continue to follow precautions inside and outside of JAA, such as hand-washing, social distancing, and wearing masks in public.
With the recent reopening of schools, we are especially mindful that cases may increase again in the general community in Allegheny County. As occurred in August, when positive rates rise in Allegheny County, so does the chance of positive cases impacting JAA.
JAA continues to manage this crisis on a day-to-day basis and is doing its very best to reunite residents and their families as quickly and safely as possible.