Since our last update, Governor Wolf has recommended that all Pennsylvanians wear a mask if they must leave their homes to help prevent transmitting the coronavirus (COVID-19). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is advising the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.
With supplies of personal protective equipment, or PPE, running low for healthcare workers, we have been grateful to receive recent donations of handmade cloth masks, which will be given to residents. As the governor has said, members of the general public do not need surgical masks; those should be reserved for healthcare workers and first responders. The handmade masks limit the spread of infectious droplets in the air by containing coughs and sneezes – which will help everyone have greater protection from the virus.
Some of our supporters have asked how they can make cloth masks, and the CDC has shared an online tutorial here, https://bit.ly/2V9qJN5.
We continue to thank you for your understanding, patience and cooperation during this time. To date, Luthercare does not have any diagnosed cases of COVID-19 at its communities.
We ask you to continue to comply with the governor’s requests, which include: an order to stay at home unless you need to go out for essential supplies, such as groceries or medication; to practice social distancing by staying at least 6 feet away from others in public spaces; and to frequently wash your hands. Engaging in outdoor activity is permitted. However, please remember to maintain social distancing because the coronavirus is highly transmittable.
The population we serve are the most vulnerable to viruses such as COVID-19. We are continuing to take careful measures to ensure the health and safety of our residents and team members and are following all current guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and local health systems.
For the latest information regarding COVID-19, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html and the Pennsylvania Department of Health at https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx
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 four PA Keystone Stars-accredited child care and early learning centers in Lancaster, 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.