Dear Cedar Lane community members,
Maryland reported 6,218 new COVID-19 cases Tuesday, marking the most infections added in 24 hours during the coronavirus pandemic. Recently, St. Mary’s County also saw a large spike in cases, including the highly-contagious Omicron variant. With this information, we believe additional steps are needed to mitigate any potential spread of the virus within the Cedar Lane community. Starting January 1st, 2021, we will be doing the following:
A 30-day stop to in-person dining in the Dining Room
For the next 30 days, Cedar Lane will cease all in-person dining and coffee service in the Dining Room. To offer the best protection for residents and staff, the midday meal provided by the Department of Aging & Human Services will be provided in to-go packaging, starting Monday. Residents who participate in this meal program will pick up their meal and enjoy it back in their apartments. At the end of 30 days, we will reevaluate the situation and tentatively return to normal services on February 1st if it is safe to do so.
Other Uses of the Dining Room
The Dining Room may still be used for activities including Mass. All attendees at group activities must wear a mask and socially distance. Participation in any activity in the Dining Room is limited to a maximum of 25 people.
Masking Requirements
Masks will once again be mandatory for all staff members. Masks and temperature screenings will continue to be mandatory for all visitors, vendors and caregivers. Residents who congregate in groups of four (4) or more people will be required to wear a mask. (For example: please wear masks when playing cards, working with others on puzzles, sitting in common areas for conversation, picking up your Department of Aging meal, etc.)
When Receiving Housekeeping or Maintenance Services
Residents who receive housekeeping or maintenance services in their apartment will be required to exit their apartment until the completion of services. Residents who are unable to exit due to mobility issues will be required to wear a mask and maintain six (6) feet of distance during the service.
30-day stop to Overnight Visitation
Visiting hours will be 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Overnight visitation will be suspended as of January 1st, 2021 with a tentative return February 1st, if it is deemed safe at that time. If an overnight stay is required for legitimate caregiving, special accommodations may be made on a case-by-case basis. Please call the Front Desk if you require this type of accommodation.
Visiting Cedar Lane Offices
Cedar Lane offices will remain open to serve you by appointment. Masks will be required in all Cedar Lane offices. We ask that no more than two residents visit any one office at a time.
Onsite COVID-19 Testing
Cedar Lane has asked NP Family Practice to increase current onsite testing to twice a month, if possible. We will keep you posted as plans develop. As a reminder, testing for COVID-19 is also performed locally in doctor’s offices, pharmacies, urgent care facilities, and through community testing initiatives. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 – call your personal doctor to discuss your concerns and options for testing.
Thank you for your continued support, and as always, please feel free to contact me at [email protected] or 301-475-8966. Until next time, be well and stay safe!
Sincerely,
Eric Golden
President & CEO
Be Alert for Symptoms of COVID-19:
Coughing
Shortness of breath
Fever
Chills and shaking
Fatigue
Muscle pain
Headache
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
New loss of taste or smell
Diarrhea
Vomiting