Luthercare is pleased to see the success of COVID-19 vaccination in our communities, with fewer cases among our residents and team members. We currently have no cases of COVID-19 at our campuses. We continue to urge our residents, team members and the greater community to receive the vaccine when possible and to remain diligent in mitigating the spread of the virus by following COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
Luthercare, in partner with Phoebe Pharmacy, will continue to hold regular on-site vaccination clinics for new residents and newly hired team members, as well as current residents and staff now wishing to be inoculated. The combination of getting vaccinated and following the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions’ recommendations for personal safety offer the best protection from COVID-19. Our communities have two upcoming clinics: one on Friday, May 7, and another on Thursday, May 13.
This week, the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) and the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) announced that, effective immediately, fully vaccinated staff and residents of skilled nursing centers and personal care homes are no longer subject to routine universal COVID-19 testing. However, unvaccinated staff are still subject to routine testing as determined by the county positivity rate. The DOH and DHS are aligning with guidance outlined this week from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. As a result, Luthercare will amend its routine testing to include unvaccinated team members only. Outbreak and symptomatic testing will still occur for all team members and residents as needed, regardless of vaccination status.
If you have questions about vaccination schedules, visitation or the reopening status of your loved one’s community, please contact the Executive Director of that campus. They are:
Luther Acres Executive Director Craig Shelly, 717.626.1171
St. John’s Herr Estate Executive Director Anita Martin, 717.684.0678
Spang Crest Executive Director Dan Deitzel, 717.274.1495
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About Luthercare:
Founded in 1949, Luthercare, a social ministry organization affiliated with the Lower Susquehanna Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and a member of Lutheran Services in America, is a leading provider of independent, personal care and skilled care residences in Lancaster and Lebanon counties. Luthercare operates Luther Acres, a Continuing Care Retirement Community in Lititz, Pa.; Spang Crest, a rehabilitation center, skilled nursing and memory support personal care community in Lebanon, Pa.; and St. John’s Herr Estate, an independent living and personal care community in Columbia, Pa. Additionally, Luthercare operates PA Keystone Stars-accredited child care and early learning centers in Marietta, Reamstown and Annville. Luthercare, a pioneer in Child Care Programs, also offers a Mentoring Program, which aids home-based child care providers in Lebanon and Lancaster counties.