Due to the concern over the rise in COVID-19 cases and the emergence of the omicron and delta variants, most area nursing homes are continuing to limit visitation.
The Bradford Ecumenical Home updated its information on Jan. 10. Currently no residents have tested positive for COVID while seven staff members at the Ecumenical Home have tested positive, as well as three staff members at Chapel Ridge.
If the surrounding community shows a county positivity rate of 10% or greater, indoor visitation is restricted. Outdoor visitation continues to be the preferred method of visitation. The nursing home may be able to access Civil Monetary Penalty funds from the state to purchase items to facilitate outdoor visitation in winter weather.
At the Pavilion at Bradford Regional Medical Center, all visitors must stop at the main information desk in the lobby, where a room number and current visitation restrictions will be outlined.
Bradford Manor currently has no restrictions for visitation, except that visitors must wear a mask at all times.
Lakeview Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Smethport is open for regular visitation, according to director Terry Lopus.
Sena Kean Nursing and Rehabilitation Center continues to follow recommendations of the CDC, Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH), and other federal, state, and local authorities to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading.
Every person who enters the building is screened before they can access resident areas. This includes taking temperatures, as well as looking for signs or symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, or sore throat.
The Lutheran Home at Kane released a statement on Jan. 4 stating that the high county positivity rate remains a concern. In order to protect their residents, they ask individuals visiting to continue to follow these procedures: all visitors must self-screen when entering the building; and all visitors must wear a mask at all times.
Sweden Valley Manor in Coudersport’s website states that outdoor visits, electronic visits and window visits will continue to remain an option for visiting with loved ones. However, stricter guidelines for indoor visitation can be located on their website at https://hcfinc.com/
Unfortunately, residents who are in quarantine/observation are unable to have visitors until they are out of quarantine, with exceptions for Compassionate Care visits.
Elk Haven Nursing Home in St. Marys reports in a statement released this week that they have no residential cases of COVID-19 and two active staff COVID-19 cases.
Visitation protocols may change daily based on facility outbreak testing, COVID-19 positive residents or staff in the facility, or directives from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and DOH. Family and friends are encouraged to connect with their loved ones through calling, video chat, window visits, on social media and/or by other avenues that the facility is able to offer.
Pinecrest Manor in St. Marys updated their COVID-19 information on Jan. 7, with five staff and two residents positive for COVID-19.
Visitors are still required to screen upon entry by taking their temperature and filling out a questionnaire. If someone is COVID positive, experiencing signs or symptoms or has been exposed, they are not to visit. Also, residents who are in quarantine or are COVID positive will not have visitors during their isolation period.
Guy and Mary Felt Manor in Emporium is open for visitation. However visitors must submit to a respiratory check, wash/sanitize their hands, and wear a mask for the entirety of the visit.
Should any individual, regardless of vaccination status, be preparing to visit a nursing home in McKean County, they should check its website or call before visiting to find out any updated specific guidelines or instructions.
