COVID-19 Updates

GTH FEBRUARY, 2024 UPDATE

Good afternoon Germantown Home Families,

We are reporting 3 new COVID-19 cases. All are staff members.

Unit testing has begun with staff and residents. Families and staff are being notified.

Germantown Home continues to have adequate PPE to support its residents and staff and all staff members are required to wear masks.

If you have any questions please contact Lisa Johnson MSN RN, Infection Preventionist at 215-951-4287.

We appreciate your continued support during these unpredictable times as we continue to provide a safe environment for your loved ones.

Kindest regards,

Germantown Home Staff

GTH JANUARY 30, 2024 UPDATE

Good afternoon Germantown Home Families,

We are reporting 2 new COVID-19 cases. Both are staff members.

Unit testing has begun with staff and residents. Families and staff are being notified.

Germantown Home continues to have adequate PPE to support its residents and staff and all staff members are required to wear masks.

If you have any questions please contact Lisa Johnson MSN RN, Infection Preventionist at 215-951-4287.

We appreciate your continued support during these unpredictable times as we continue to provide a safe environment for your loved ones.

Kindest regards,

Germantown Home Staff

GTH JANUARY 17, 2024 UPDATE

Good afternoon Germantown Home Families,

We are reporting 2 new COVID-19 cases. Both are staff members.

Unit testing has begun with staff and residents. Families and staff are being notified.

Germantown Home continues to have adequate PPE to support its residents and staff and all staff members are required to wear masks.

If you have any questions please contact Lisa Johnson MSN RN, Infection Preventionist at 215-951-4287.

We appreciate your continued support during these unpredictable times as we continue to provide a safe environment for your loved ones.

Kindest regards,

Germantown Home Staff

GTH JANUARY 9, 2024 UPDATE

Good afternoon Germantown Home Families,

We are reporting 2 new COVID-19 cases. Both are staff members.

Unit testing has begun with staff and residents. Families and staff are being notified.

Germantown Home continues to have adequate PPE to support its residents and staff and all staff members are required to wear masks.

If you have any questions please contact Lisa Johnson MSN RN, Infection Preventionist at 215-951-4287.

We appreciate your continued support during these unpredictable times as we continue to provide a safe environment for your loved ones.

Kindest regards,

Germantown Home Staff

GTH JANUARY 5, 2024 UPDATE

Good afternoon Germantown Home Families,

We are reporting 1 new COVID-19 case, a staff member.

Unit testing has begun with staff and residents. Families and staff are being notified.

Germantown Home continues to have adequate PPE to support its residents and staff and all staff members are required to wear masks.

If you have any questions please contact Lisa Johnson MSN RN, Infection Preventionist at 215-951-4287.

We appreciate your continued support during these unpredictable times as we continue to provide a safe environment for your loved ones.

Kindest regards,

Germantown Home Staff

GTH DECEMBER 27, 2023 UPDATE

We are reporting 2 new COVID-19 cases. Both are staff members.

Unit testing has begun with staff and residents. Families and staff are being notified. 

Germantown Home continues to have adequate PPE to support its residents and staff and all staff members are required to wear masks.

If you have any questions please contact Lisa Johnson MSN RN, Infection Preventionist at 215-951-4287.

We appreciate your continued support during these unpredictable times as we continue to provide a safe environment for your loved ones.

 Kindest regards,

Germantown Home Staff

GTH DECEMBER 19, 2023 UPDATE

We are reporting 1 new staff member with COVID-19.

Unit testing has begun with staff and residents. Families and staff are being notified.

Germantown Home continues to have adequate PPE to support its residents and staff and all staff members are required to wear masks.

If you have any questions please contact Lisa Johnson MSN RN, Infection Preventionist at 215-951-4287.

We appreciate your continued support during these unpredictable times as we continue to provide a safe environment for your loved ones.

Kindest regards,

Germantown Home Staff

GTH DECEMBER 14, 2023 UPDATE

We are reporting 1 new COVID-19 case, 1 staff member.

Unit testing has begun with staff and residents. Families and staff are being notified. 

Germantown Home continues to have adequate PPE to support its residents and staff and all staff members are required to wear masks.

If you have any questions please contact Lisa Johnson MSN RN, Infection Preventionist at 215-951-4287.

We appreciate your continued support during these unpredictable times as we continue to provide a safe environment for your loved ones.

 Kindest regards,

Germantown Home Staff

GTH DECEMBER 7, 2023 UPDATE

Good afternoon Germantown Home Families,

We are reporting 6 new COVID-19 cases, 1 staff member and 5 residents.

Unit testing has begun with staff and residents. Families and staff are being notified. 

Germantown Home continues to have adequate PPE to support its residents and staff and all staff members are required to wear masks.

If you have any questions please contact Lisa Johnson MSN RN, Infection Preventionist at 215-951-4287.

We appreciate your continued support during these unpredictable times as we continue to provide a safe environment for your loved ones.

 Kindest regards,

Germantown Home Staff

GTH NOVEMBER 22, 2023 UPDATE

Good afternoon Germantown Home Families,

We are reporting 16 new COVID-19 cases, 3 staff members and 13 resident.

Unit testing has begun with staff and residents. Families and staff are being notified. 

Germantown Home continues to have adequate PPE to support its residents and staff and all staff members are required to wear masks.

If you have any questions please contact Lisa Johnson MSN RN, Infection Preventionist at 215-951-4287.

We appreciate your continued support during these unpredictable times as we continue to provide a safe environment for your loved ones.

 Kindest regards,

Germantown Home Staff

GTH NOVEMBER 16, 2023 UPDATE

Good afternoon Germantown Home Families,

We are reporting 1 new staff COVID-19 case.

Unit testing has begun with staff and residents. Families and staff are being notified.

Germantown Home continues to have adequate PPE to support its residents and staff and all staff members are required to wear masks.

If you have any questions please contact Lisa Johnson MSN RN, Infection Preventionist at 215-951-4287.

We appreciate your continued support during these unpredictable times as we continue to provide a safe environment for your loved ones.

Kindest regards,

Germantown Home Staff

GTH SEPTEMBER 25, 2023 UPDATE

Good afternoon Germantown Home Families,

We are reporting 1 new resident COVID-19 case.

Unit testing has begun with staff and residents. Families and staff are being notified. 

Germantown Home continues to have adequate PPE to support its residents and staff and all staff members are required to wear masks.

If you have any questions please contact Lisa Johnson MSN RN, Infection Preventionist at 215-951-4287.

We appreciate your continued support during these unpredictable times as we continue to provide a safe environment for your loved ones.

 Kindest regards,

Germantown Home Staff

GTH SEPTEMBER 24, 2023 UPDATE

Good afternoon Germantown Home Families,

We are reporting 2 new COVID-19 cases, one staff member and one resident.

Unit testing has begun with staff and residents. Families and staff are being notified. 

Germantown Home continues to have adequate PPE to support its residents and staff and all staff members are required to wear masks.

If you have any questions please contact Lisa Johnson MSN RN, Infection Preventionist at 215-951-4287.

We appreciate your continued support during these unpredictable times as we continue to provide a safe environment for your loved ones.

 Kindest regards,

Germantown Home Staff

GTH SEPTEMBER 22, 2023 UPDATE

Good afternoon Germantown Home Families,

We are reporting 2 new COVID-19 cases, one staff member and one resident.

Unit testing has begun with staff and residents. Families and staff are being notified. 

Germantown Home continues to have adequate PPE to support its residents and staff and all staff members are required to wear masks.

If you have any questions please contact Lisa Johnson MSN RN, Infection Preventionist at 215-951-4287.

We appreciate your continued support during these unpredictable times as we continue to provide a safe environment for your loved ones.

 Kindest regards,

Germantown Home Staff

GTH SEPTEMBER 19, 2023 UPDATE

Good afternoon Germantown Home Families,

We are reporting 2 new COVID-19 cases, one staff member and one resident.

Unit testing has begun with staff and residents. Families and staff are being notified. 

Germantown Home continues to have adequate PPE to support its residents and staff and all staff members are required to wear masks.

If you have any questions please contact Lisa Johnson MSN RN, Infection Preventionist at 215-951-4287.

We appreciate your continued support during these unpredictable times as we continue to provide a safe environment for your loved ones.

 Kindest regards,

Germantown Home Staff

GTH SEPTEMBER 13, 2023 UPDATE

Good afternoon Germantown Home Families,

We are reporting 2 new COVID-19 cases, both are staff members.

Unit testing has begun with staff and residents. Families and staff are being notified. Symptom surveillance continues for all residents, staff, and visitors.

Germantown Home continues to have adequate PPE to support its residents and staff and all staff members are required to wear masks.

If you have any questions please contact Lisa Johnson MSN RN, Infection Preventionist at 215-951-4287.

We appreciate your continued support during these unpredictable times as we continue to provide a safe environment for your loved ones.

 Kindest regards,

Germantown Home Staff

GTH SEPTEMBER 11, 2023 UPDATE

Good afternoon Germantown Home Families,

We are reporting six new COVID-19 cases, two residents and four staff members.

Unit testing has begun with staff and residents. Families and staff are being notified. Symptom surveillance continues for all residents, staff, and visitors.

Germantown Home continues to have adequate PPE to support its residents and staff and all staff members are required to wear masks.

If you have any questions please contact Lisa Johnson MSN RN, Infection Preventionist at 215-951-4287.

We appreciate your continued support during these unpredictable times as we continue to provide a safe environment for your loved ones.

 Kindest regards,

Germantown Home Staff

GTH JULY 18, 2023 UPDATE

Good afternoon Germantown Home Families,

We are reporting six new COVID-19 cases, four residents and one staff member and a student.

Unit testing has begun with staff and residents. Families and staff are being notified. Symptom surveillance continues for all residents, staff, and visitors.

Germantown Home continues to have adequate PPE to support its residents and staff.

If you have any questions please contact Lisa Johnson MSN RN, Infection Preventionist at 215-951-4287.

We appreciate your continued support during these unpredictable times as we continue to provide a safe environment for your loved ones.

 

Kindest regards,

Germantown Home Staff

GTH APRIL 7, 2023 UPDATE

Good afternoon Germantown Home Families,

We are reporting three new COVID-19 cases, one resident and two staff members.

Unit testing has begun with staff and residents. Families and staff are being notified. Symptom surveillance continues for all residents, staff, and visitors.

Germantown Home continues to have adequate PPE to support its residents and staff.

If you have any questions please contact Ron Renwick, RN, Infection Preventionist at 215-951-4305.

We appreciate your continued support during these unpredictable times as we continue to provide a safe environment for your loved ones.

We would also like to wish all families and friends a warm and loving Easter Weekend.

Kindest regards,

Germantown Home Staff

GTH JANUARY 11, 2023 UPDATE

Germantown Home is reporting three new COVID-19 cases, one is a resident and two are staff members. Unit testing has begun with staff and residents and residents, families and staff are being notified.

Symptom surveillance continues for all residents, staff, and visitors.  Germantown Home continues to have adequate PPE.

If you have any questions please contact Ron Renwick, RN, Infection Preventionist at 215-951-4305 or Ed Lowe, RN, Assistant Director of Nursing at 215-951-4434.

Thank you for your continued support during these unpredictable times and allowing us to provide great quality care to your loved ones.

Kindest regards,

Germantown Home Staff

GTH DECEMBER 27, 2022 UPDATE

Germantown Home is reporting one employee with COVID-19. Contact tracing has been initiated.  The employee is currently on quarantine.

Our facility has current protocols in place to ensure staff are donning PPE appropriately.  Symptom surveillance continues for all residents, staff, and visitors.

If you have any questions please contact Ron Renwick, RN, Infection Preventionist at 215-951-4305 or Ed Lowe, RN, Interim Director of Nursing at 215-951-4434.

Kindest regards,

Germantown Home Staff

GTH DECEMBER 19, 2022 UPDATE

We would like to wish all families and friends a warm and loving Holiday Season. When visiting the facility please remember to always wear your mask when entering the building or when in a resident area and continue to use the hand sanitizer stations located throughout the building.

Germantown Home is reporting two new COVID-19 cases. Both are Residents. Unit testing has begun with staff and residents. Resident’s families and staff are also being notified.

Staff are wearing N-95 masks and PPE in resident area that are positive for COVID-19. KN-95 masks are being worn by staff throughout the facility. Philadelphia County positivity rate is currently 8.7 and we remain in the yellow phase. Our facility has adequate PPE and symptom surveillance continues for all residents, staff and visitors.

If you have any questions please contact Ron Renwick, RN, Infection Preventionist at 215-951-4305 or Ed Lowe, RN, Interim Director of Nursing at 215-951-4434.

Thank you for your continued support during these times and allowing us to provide great quality care to your loved ones, May your holiday be filled with Great Health and Love.

Kindest regards,

Germantown Home Staff

GTH NOVEMBER 7, 2022 UPDATE

Germantown Home is reporting one new COVID-19 case of a staff member. This staff member had limited interaction with residents.   

Staff are wearing N-95 masks and PPE in resident area that is positive for Covid-19 and KN-95 masks are being worn by staff throughout the facility. Philadelphia County positivity rate is currently 7.8 and we remain in the yellow phase. Our facility has adequate PPE and symptom surveillance continues for all residents, staff and visitors. 

We appreciate your continued support during these unpredictable times and allowing us to provide great quality care to your loved ones

If you have any questions please contact Ron Renwick, RN, Infection Preventionist at 215-951-4305 or Ed Lowe, RN, Assistant Director of Nursing at 215-951-4434.

Kindest regards,

Germantown Home Staff

GTH OCTOBER 12, 2022 UPDATE

Germantown Home is reporting two new COVID-19 cases, one is a resident and one is a member of the staff. Unit testing has begun with staff and residents and residents, families and staff are being notified.

Staff are wearing N-95 masks in the infected resident’s area and KN-95 on other units as Philadelphia County positivity rate is currently 7.8 and we remain in the yellow phase. Our facility has adequate PPE and symptom surveillance continues for all residents, staff and visitors.

If you have any questions please contact Ron Renwick, RN, Infection Preventionist at 215-951-4305 or Ed Lowe, RN, Assistant Director of Nursing at 215-951-4434.

Thank you for your continued support during these unpredictable times and allowing us to provide great quality care to your loved ones.

Kindest regards,

Germantown Home Staff

GTH OCTOBER 6, 2022 UPDATE

Germantown Home is reporting one new resident COVID-19 case.  Residents have been tested and informed of a positive on the unit.

Staff are wearing N-95 masks in the infected resident’s area and KN-95 on other units as Philadelphia County remains in the yellow phase. Our facility has adequate PPE and symptom surveillance continues for all residents, staff and visitors.

If you have any questions please contact Ron Renwick, RN, Infection Preventionist at 215-951-4305 or Ed Lowe, RN, Assistant Director of Nursing at 215-951-4434.

Thank you for your continued support during these unpredictable times and allowing us to provide great quality care to your loved ones.

Kindest regards,

Germantown Home Staff

GTH September 19, 2022 UPDATE

Germantown Home is reporting three new COVID-19 cases, all are employees.  The employees had limited resident interaction, are currently on quarantine and have been vaccinated for COVID-19.

Staff are wearing N-95 masks in resident areas as Philadelphia County remains in the yellow phase. Our facility has adequate PPE and symptom surveillance continues for all residents, staff and visitors.

If you have any questions please contact Ron Renwick, RN, Infection Preventionist at 215-951-4305 or Ed Lowe, RN, Assistant Director of Nursing at 215-951-4434.

Thank you for your continued support during these unpredictable times and allowing us to provide great quality care to your loved ones.

Kindest regards,

Germantown Home Staff

GTH July 14, 2022 UPDATE

Germantown Home is reporting two new COVID-19 cases, both are employees.  The employees had limited resident interaction, are currently on quarantine and both have been vaccinated.

Outbreak testing will continue and the facility currently has adequate PPE.  Symptom surveillance continues for all residents, staff, and visitors.

If you have any questions please contact Ron Renwick, RN, infection preventionist at 215-951-4305 or Ed Lowe, RN, assistant director of nursing at 215-951-4434.

Thanks

GTH June 27, 2022 UPDATE

Germantown Home is reporting three new COVID-19 cases, involving two residents and one employee.  The residents and employee are currently on quarantine. All have been vaccinated for COVID-19. Outbreak testing continues.  The facility currently has adequate PPE.  Symptom surveillance continues for all residents, staff, and visitors.

If you have any questions please contact Ron Renwick, RN, infection preventionist at 215-951-4305 or Ed Lowe, RN, assistant director of nursing at 215-951-4434.

Thanks

GTH June 22, 2022 UPDATE

Germantown Home is reporting a new COVID-19 case, involving a resident.  The resident is “up-to-date” with their COVID-19 vaccinations and currently on quarantine.  Outbreak testing has been initiated.  The facility currently has adequate PPE.  Symptom surveillance continues for all residents, staff, and visitors.

If you have any questions please contact Ron Renwick, RN, infection preventionist at 215-951-4305 or Ed Lowe, RN, assistant director of nursing at 215-951-4434.

Thanks

GTH June 17, 2022 UPDATE

Dear Family Members and Friends:

Germantown Home is reporting nine new cases of COVID-19.  Three new cases of employees were reported on June 17th.  An employee reported yesterday testing positive after experiencing symptoms.  She last worked on Thursday, June 9th.  A second employee notified the facility that they tested positive for COVID-19 yesterday morning at home.  She worked the day prior.  She was asymptomatic.  As a result of these new cases, outbreak testing was initiated and it was identified that five residents and another employee tested positive for COVID-19.

All who have tested positive are fully vaccinated and have at least received one booster for COVID-19.  Isolation precautions have been initiated. The facility has adequate PPE.

Symptom survey continues for all residents, staff and visitors.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

Thanks,

Ed Lowe, RN

Assistant Director of Nursing

Germantown Home

215-951-4434

elowe@newcourtland.org

GTH May 25, 2022 UPDATE

Dear Family Members and Friends:

Germantown Home reports one new COVID-19 positive case since yesterday, May 24, 2022.  It was a volunteer. They had mild symptoms and are “up-to-date” with their COVID vaccinations.

They had limited resident interaction.  We have initiated outbreak testing via contact tracing.

Please note that while the building remains open to visitation, symptom surveillance is required upon entry, as is mandatory adherence to core principles of infection control.

Please contact us if you have any questions.

Thanks,

Ed Lowe, RN-BC

Assistant Director of Nursing

215-951-4434

GTH April 29, 2022 UPDATE

Dear Family Members and Friends:

Germantown Home reports one new COVID-19 positive case since yesterday.  It was an employee. They were asymptomatic and “up-to-date” with their COVID vaccinations.  Please note that while the building remains open to visitation, symptom surveillance is required upon entry, as is mandatory adherence to core principles of infection control.

The facility has all the necessary PPE (gowns, N-95 and surgical masks, face shields, goggles, gloves, sanitizers) and remains fully staffed while continuing to provide exceptional care to our residents. 

Please contact us if you have any questions.

Thanks,

 Ed Lowe, RN-BC

Assistant Director of Nursing

215-951-4434

GTH February 15, 2022 UPDATE

Our next Vaccination Clinic will be on Friday, February 18, from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM. It will take place in the Education Center on the Germantown Campus, 6970 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19119.

This clinic is open to all NewCourtland employees, GTH residents, caregivers, and employee family members. Please feel free to invite your family members!

To be eligible for booster, you must have received your last dose of an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) 5 or more months ago OR your last dose of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine 2 or more months ago.

To make sure that we have an adequate number of does on hand, please make sure that you or your family member RSVP to Zena Edwards, zedwards@newcourtland.org, 215-951-4402, or Ed Lowe, elowe@newcourtland.org, 215-951-4434. If you are getting the booster, please indicate which vaccine you have already received.

GTH January 19, 2022 UPDATE

Hello Germantown Home Family and Friends,

We are pleased to inform you that we have not had any residents test positive since January 4, 2022, and no one is currently occupying the Red Zone at GTH (this is the area for those who test positive). We have had a few staff members test positive the week of 1/10/22 and currently only 2 are self-quarantining. As of the writing of this letter, Philadelphia’s positivity rate is 32.4% and this percentage is lower by 6.6% than last week. We are headed in the right direction!

All staff and residents are encouraged to get the booster. We are hopeful that you too are supporting your loved ones by being vaccinated and receiving the booster. If you need to be vaccinated or boosted, please plan on visiting NewCourtland’s vaccine clinic on January 25, 2022, from 1:30pm to 4:30pm. It is being held here on the Germantown Campus in the Education Center (6970 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 191190).

We are delighted to report these numbers to you especially with the down shift in positive cases here at Germantown Home. As always, thank you for your continued support and faith.

Remember, please make sure to always wear your mask while visiting Germantown Home. This practice is protecting your loved ones, you, and our staff.

Best regards,

Germantown Administration

GTH January 6, 2022 UPDATE

Happy New Year Family and Friends from Germantown Home Residents and Staff!

During weekly testing we have had additional residents and staff test positive as of 01/04/2022.

Routine testing is being done twice a week for our residents and staff to allow us to act quickly. Currently, the county positivity rate in the community is 34.35%, so we are asking that if you have cold or flu like symptoms, please postpone your visit with your loved one until you feel better. However, if you still plan on visiting, you can call into the facility to schedule an appointment to take COVID test prior to your visit.

Once again, we would like to remind everyone that the best way to help us protect your loved ones, our staff and yourself is to get vaccinated.

If you have any questions, please reach out to:

Blessings and thank you,

Germantown Home Administration

GTH December 22, 2021 UPDATE

Hello Germantown Home Family and Friends,

Since our last update we have completed a facility wide COVID-19 testing for all staff and residents. Three additional residents tested positive as well as two staff members. The residents that tested positive have been moved to our red zone and staff have been asked to self-quarantine for 7 days based on the guidelines from the CDC and the Department of Health. Staff will be tested again on day five and upon negative swab will return to work. Residents will also be swabbed again before returning to the green zone.

Here is a breakdown of our zones:

Green Zone– No Positive (Negative for COVID-19)

Yellow Zone– Residents on LOA in community and new Admission to facility/ not vaccinated

Red Zone– Positive COVID-19 Residents

Germantown Home is recommending not visiting if you have any cold like symptoms. If you do visit, we ask that you please follow these regulations for everyone’s safety:

  • Sanitize before and after your visit
  • Wear close, proper fitting mask and/or face covering
  • Answer screening questionnaire as accurately as possible
  • Social distance
  • Do not go to other units before or after your visit

We also ask that you strongly consider visiting in recreation room on your loved one’s unit, especially if your loved one has a roommate.

The COVID-19 vaccine is the strongest tool we have to fight COVID-19. The new, aggressive variants are continuing to evolve and are more easily transmitted. Nearly 99% of recent COVID-19 associated deaths have occurred among people who have not been vaccinated. Data shows that the vaccine is the most effective resource we have to combat the spread and prevent severe illness and death for a medically fragile population as well as for our families and community. If you or your loved one is not vaccinated, please reconsider. In an effort to help make the vaccine more accessible, Germantown Home will be hosting a vaccine clinic on 1/6/2022.  Information will be posted and distributed as the date draws near.

Thank you all for allowing us to provide care to your loved ones and may the New Year bring better Health, Peace, Love and Prosperity!!!

Sincerely,

Germantown Home Administration

GTH December 22, 2021 UPDATE

Season Greetings Families and Friends,

Germantown Home is reaching out with a saddened heart during this holiday season. We have residents and staff that have tested positive for COVID-19 in our facility. We remain vigilant with our efforts to contain the spread any further and have designated areas for those who tested positive.

In compliance with DOH guidelines, we will continue to allow full visitation. However, to keep you and our entire community safe, we recommend that you consider visiting at a later date due to current positive COVID cases in the building. If you do visit, we ask that you:

  • Wear a close-fitting mask at all times
  • Wear a face shield (in certain areas)
  • Utilize hand sanitizing stations frequently
  • Considering scheduling a visit in the TR room where your loved one will be brought down to you (this will limit movement in the units)

If you are considering bringing a loved one home for the holidays, we are recommending that you consider doing this at a later date. Due to the rapidly growing COVID-19 positivity rate, which is currently 7.67%, families who do take their loved one home will be subject to a quarantine period of 10-14 days.

Further, we continue to encourage all residents, along with you the community, to get vaccinated and receive the booster as this provides an added layer of protection during this pandemic.

Germantown Home Team appreciates your cooperation and understanding. If you have any questions, please reach out to Ed Lowe at 215-848-3306 ext. 4434.

The staff at Germantown Home wishes everyone a safe and healthy holiday season.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

GTH December 21, 2021 UPDATE

Dear family members and friends:

Germantown Home reports one new COVID-19 positive case since yesterday.  It was an employee with no resident contact and limited staff interaction. Please note that the building remains open to visitation.  Symptom surveillance is required upon entry.  Adherence to core principles of infection control is mandatory.

The facility has all the necessary PPE (gowns, N-95 and surgical masks, face shields, goggles, gloves, sanitizers). Germantown Home remains fully staffed and continues to provide exceptional care to our residents.  Please contact us if you have any questions.

Thanks,

Ed Lowe, RN-BC

Assistant Director of Nursing

215-951-4434

GTH December 8, 2021 UPDATE COVID Booster Information Session for staff, residents and residents’ families

On Thursday, December 16 at 2:00 PM NewCourtland and the Germantown Home will be hosting a virtual education session regarding the COVID-19 booster shot. This session is open to staff, residents and residents’ families

Dr. Neil Pitts, a pharmacist and clinical researcher, Dr. Ashley Ritter, Director of Clinical Care Research for NewCourtland, and staff from Germantown Home will be in attendance to present information and answer questions.

Please make time to check it out. For more information, click HERE

To register, please go to bit.ly/NCBoosterInfo 

GTH November 22, 2021 UPDATE on GTH’s visitation plan for the holiday season

Greetings Family and Friends,

It’s the Holiday season and Germantown Home is very excited to share some news with our Residents, Families and Friends. Effective December 1st, we will be “OPENING OUR DOORS” for visitation to everyone (vaccinated and unvaccinated) without appointments. Because of space restrictions, this does not apply to groups of 3 or more.

While we are excited to welcome everyone, we do have a few “Core Principles” that must be followed by everyone:

  • Observe social distancing (six feet)
  • Complete a health screen before entry
  • Use hand sanitizer upon entry
  • Use hand sanitizer before entering visitation area and upon leaving visitation area
  • A close fitting face covering/mask must be worn at all times (we understand removal during your initial greeting with your loved one  such as a kiss and hug)
  • Small children must be able to wear a mask during visits

Please continue to schedule visits until 12/01/2021 and stay tuned to our website, www.germantownhome.org, for more information.

You can also reach out to Dameica at 215-951-7513 and Priya at 215-951-7500 for more information.

Warmest regards,

Germantown Home Administration

GTH November 1, 2021 UPDATE on GTH’s visitation plan for the holiday season

GTH October 26, 2021 UPDATE

Greetings Family and Friends,

We are notifying you that we have had a vaccinated employee test positive for COVID-19.  This employee followed social distancing and mask  procedures at all times while at Germantown Home.  Residents and staff who had recent contact with this employee have been tested for COVID-19 and all tests were normal. To date, no one has had any signs or symptoms.

Applicable resident representatives have been contacted.  We will continue to carefully follow infection prevention processes, including monitoring of our residents and staff.

Please contact at (215) 848-3306 Priya Cavanaugh -ext:7500 or Ed Lowe- ext. 4434 if you have any questions or concerns.

Kindest regards,

Dameica Rockingham, ANHA

GTH August 31, 2021 UPDATE on GTH’s visitation plan

Dear GTH Family and Friends,

Due to the increase in COVID  cases in Philadelphia, we are modifying our  on-unit visitation policy.

Effective September 1st: all scheduled visits will occur in our 1st floor Recreation Room.

The process for scheduling a visit remains the same (all visits need to be scheduled with the front desk by calling 215-848-3306) and in-room Hospice visits will be unchanged.

Thank you for your understanding, especially during these unusual times.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Dameica Rockingham, Assistant Administrator, at (215) 951-7513 ext. 7513.

 Kindest regards,

 Administration

GTH August 17, 2021 update on GTH’s visitation plan

Greetings Families and Friends,

Germantown Home has made some changes to the scheduling a visit process at your loved one’s home. Starting Thursday, August 12, 2021, all visits need to be scheduled with the front desk by calling 215-848-3306, Monday through Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We also have a few areas we are asking for your continued cooperation:

We wanted to take this time to update our residents’ families and friends on how we are ensuring that we stay ahead of any unforeseen issues and manage this ongoing situation

  • No pets.
  • No children under the age 16.
  • Two people per visit.
  • You must utilize hand sanitizer before, during and after your visit.
  • All visitors must abide by social distancing regulations.
  • All visitors must fill out the screening form (which is available in the lobby) and bring it with you to the front desk reception area for review.
  • Visits are no longer than 30 minutes. This will allow for time to properly sanitize each area after each visit.

The Administrative Team appreciates your cooperation and understanding as we vigilantly aim to provide a safe home for you and your loved ones.

Thank you and kindest regards,

Germantown Home Administration

GTH April 30, 2021 update on COVID-19

Please click HERE to read an update from the GTH Medical Director, Dr. Mary Schuler.

GTH April 26, 2021 update on COVID-19

Germantown Home has updated their visitation plan. Please click HERE to view the plan. If you have any questions, or need any other information, please call the front desk at 215-848-3306.

GTH January 5, 2021 update on COVID-19

Germantown Home residents and employees started receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine today, January 5, 2020. If you have an questions about the program, the GTH staff has created a FAQ document that you can access HERE.

GTH December 30, 2020 update on COVID-19

Dear Germantown Home Family Members:

We are happy to inform you that the first COVID-19 vaccine clinic has been confirmed for Germantown Home for January 5, 2021 (next Tuesday). Germantown Home residents and staff who wish to be vaccinated will receive the Pfizer vaccine (two doses given three weeks apart). We have called most of you and we continue to do so in order to obtain verbal consents since the process for obtaining electronic consent signatures is unfortunately very slow and unreliable at this time.

We wish you a very Healthy and Happy New Year. Please, stay safe!

Ludmila Kovatcheva

Assistant Nursing Home Administrator

GTH December 10, 2020 update on COVID-19

To the Family Members of Germantown Home Residents:

The Federal government is beginning a vaccine program which will make the first COVID-19 vaccine doses available to highest risk people. This includes health care workers as well as residents of long-term care facilities.

Germantown Home is participating in this program. For more information, please click HERE to read a letter from our Medical Director.

Thank you. Take good care and be safe!

Ludmila Kovatcheva

Assistant Nursing Home Administrator

GTH November 3, 2020 update on COVID-19

A message from the Germantown Home Medical Director:

As we approach the winter, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a huge challenge worldwide. The number of victims continues to climb dramatically in many regions.  Some people have reportedly been infected more than once, so recovering from COVID-19 does not necessarily mean immunity.   We cannot let our guard down.  While vaccines are showing promise, timing of availability of a safe and effective vaccine is still unknown. 

Until we have an effective vaccine, the only way to get control over the pandemic is through safer behavior.  It is more important than ever to follow basic preventive guidelines:

-Wear a mask in public – and wear it properly, covering both mouth AND nose.

-Stay at least 6 feet away from people who are not part of your household; stay outdoors when possible.

-Avoid crowds, confined spaces, and indoor gatherings (such as Holiday events).

-Wash hands frequently; avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.

-If you are sick, or suspect exposure to COVID-19, stay home and seek guidance from your doctor.

I am adding another precaution to the list:  Get a flu vaccine!

While the flu always has the potential to be serious, a simultaneous or sequential infection with flu and COVID-19 could be especially devastating.  Germantown Home has a universal flu vaccination policy for residents and staff.  While the flu vaccine does not provide 100% protection from the flu, it does reduce the chance of a serious infection. 

Germantown Home continues to follow CDC recommendations and other public health guidelines about PPE use, sanitation, care procedures, screening and testing for COVID-19.  Although visitors are currently allowed into the building, strict conditions and precautions apply, and this could change if conditions change.  We appreciate everyone’s understanding and cooperation.  The ongoing safety and health of the Germantown Home community of residents, family members and staff is our number one priority!

 Wishing you the best of health as we approach the Holiday season and the end of this year.  We are all hoping for a better year in 2021!

Sincerely,

Mary Schuler MD, Medical Director of Germantown Home

GTH October 8, 2020 update on COVID-19

Dear Family Member:

Germantown Home is happy to inform you that starting Monday, October 12, 2020, the facility will reopen for pre-scheduled, outdoor in-person visits. During inclement weather, we are prepared to accommodate visits in the TR area on the ground floor. In order to remain compliant with social distancing, we ask that we follow a protocol of no more than two family members per resident, per visit. To schedule a visit, please contact Theresa Dietz at 215-951-7606 or tdietz@newcourtland.org.

We will continue to follow all infection control protocols. We require that all visitors and residents wear masks and remain 6 feet apart during visits. We ask that there is no eating during visits. If you choose to bring food to your loved one, please make sure that it is labeled, dated and placed in a fridge on the unit floor as appropriate.

Thank you and take good care and stay safe!

Ludmila Kovatcheva

Assistant Nursing Home Administrator

GTH July 24, 2020 update on COVID-19

To view Germantown Home’s reopening plan, please click here.

GTH May 15, 2020 update on COVID-19

On May 6, 2020 CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) issued a memo regarding the reporting of COVID-19 cases in nursing homes. It stated that effective May 8, 2020 nursing homes are required to inform residents and Resident Representatives of any new cases of COVID-19 for both residents and staff.

Since May 8, 2020, Germantown Home is reporting seven new resident cases and no new employee cases. We are also happy to report that fifteen residents have now recovered, and their re-tests have come back negative.

Our facility has all the necessary PPE and we are at full staff. Our dedicated employees strictly follow CDC guidelines as they continue to provide exceptional care to our residents.

GTH April 27, 2020 update on COVID-19

It takes a village here at Germantown Home!

We wanted to take this time to update our residents’ families and friends on how we are ensuring that we stay ahead of any unforeseen issues and manage this ongoing situation:

  • As we have since this crisis began, we continue to strictly follow CDC guidelines as it relates to safety measures.
  • Residents and staff are our top priority and in order to further ensure their safety, we have started to cohort residents according to their medical status.
  • We are happy to report that we are at full staff and continue to provide exceptional care to our residents.
  • We have doubled our efforts in the areas of infection control, housekeeping and laundry.
  • Our dining service continues to bring residents healthy and nutritious meals and snacks.
  • The therapeutic recreation department continues to provide fun and engaging activities to keep everyone’s spirits up.

Reminders for our families:

  • Video Chat: We know that it takes an emotional toll on our residents and their families when they cannot see each other on a fairly regular basis, so we wanted to remind you that we do offer a video chat option to communicate with your loved one face to face. Appointments are made daily. For more info please click here.
    • Please note that Resident Representatives and listed contacts are the first priority for video chat appointments. All other requests will be given an appointment if and/or when we can accommodate. Thank you for your patience in this matter.
  • Email updates: If you would like to receive these updates via email, please click here.

We thank you again for your trust and support during this time. Now more than ever, we all need to work together to make sure that our residents and our staff are safe.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call Germantown Home’s main number at 215-848-3306.

GTH April 6th, 2020 update on COVID-19

The Germantown Home continues to monitor the situation as it evolves. To stay informed please click here to sign up for email. 

On Sunday, April 5th, we learned that two residents of the Germantown Home have tested positive for COVID-19. We are taking every necessary precaution to make sure these residents are being cared for to help them deal with the effects of the illness.

We are working with City and State Agencies to help control the spread of the illness amongst our community. Currently, every resident is being closely monitored. We have reached out to the families of those affected and have also implemented additional pre-cautions.

The Germantown Home will continue to limit visitor access to our facility for the foreseeable future.

As the virus continues to spread throughout Philadelphia, we are fully prepared to handle any infections among our residents. Since early March we have been working to enact CDC and CMS guidelines, which has included suspending visitors, canceling all group activities, screening anyone that enters the building and requiring that all staff, both medical and others, use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times. Ensuring that our residents and our staff are protected and have access to all necessary equipment and treatment is our top priority.

We are proud of the commitment and sacrifices our employees have made during the past few weeks as we continue to fight this pandemic. We thank the families for your trust and patience as we care for your loved ones. For ongoing updates, please continue to visit our website or you can sign up for emails updates as they are issued by clicking here.

The CDC is continually updating their website as the situation evolves and more information becomes available. They have complied a FAQ on COVID-19 with some of the most commonly asked questions, is it accessible here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

Additionally, here are some informational resources that we hope will be helpful:

CDC video “What older adults need to know” https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=13&v=TjcoN9Aek24&feature=emb_logo

General Information on COVID-19:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

More information for older adults:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

GTH April 2nd, 2020, Update on COVID-19

CEO’s Letter to NewCourtland Team
To read NewCourtland’s CEO’s letter to NewCourtland employees please click here.

GTH March 31st, 2020 Update on COVID-19
To read Germantown Home’s Executive Nursing Home Administrator letter to our families, please click here.