Community Update: June 5, 2020
Dear residents, families, caregivers and friends:
Finally, we have some encouraging news! Stage 2 of Maryland’s Roadmap to Recovery goes into effect at 5 p.m. tonight, allowing some aspects of life to resume, with strict safety measures in place. Here are the things you need to know:
What Does Stage 2 Mean for Maryland?
Governor Hogan announced that Maryland is prepared for a safe and gradual reopening of workplaces and businesses, additional personal services and Maryland State Government operations. The Governor also said, “Moving into Stage 2 does not mean that this crisis is behind us or that we can afford to stop being vigilant and cautious. All Marylanders, particularly those older and more vulnerable populations, are advised to continue staying home when possible. Marylanders should also continue practicing physical distancing, staying six feet apart, avoiding crowds and close gatherings.â€
What Does Stage 2 Mean for Cedar Lane?
This has been an incredibly difficult period and I appreciate the sacrifices you have all willingly made to safeguard our community against this terrible virus. Thanks in no small part to your efforts; I am able to report that there are still no known cases of COVID-19 at Cedar Lane.
We are in the process of developing a thoughtful and measured re-opening plan that includes the return of staff members who have been working remotely and modifications to office spaces for everyone’s protection. For the time being, all policies regarding facemasks, temperature checks, health screenings, visitation, activities and building access will remain unchanged until we receive new direction from County leaders and health experts.
Avoid the “THREE Csâ€
If you’re anything like me, you’re excited to get back to the things you enjoy. As more businesses, services and organizations reopen, where you go and what you do will be your decision to make. Please choose wisely. Ongoing health risks will be an unfortunate part of our “new normal.†Local health experts are urging us to change the way we think. Every outing comes with risks, which you can minimize by avoiding THE THREE Cs:
- Closed Spaces – with poor ventilation
- Crowded Places – with many people nearby
- Close-Contact Settings – such as close-range conversations
Updates for Residents
- If you are struggling or need assistance, please call the Front Desk so we can help.
- While staff members are currently working in the Finance office, the office is closed to help protect everyone’s safety. Please understand we are not trying to be rude, but to minimize any potential viral spread. While no cash payments can be accepted, rent checks can be dropped in the rent boxes. You do not need to give us the rent in person. If you need assistance, please call the Front Desk and ask for the Finance Office.
- Thank you for your cooperation and understanding during last week’s move-in and move-out; the moves were successful and without incident. We will move forward with gradually introducing new residents to our community in a safe and controlled manner.
- Hot weather has arrived to Southern Maryland, be safe – stay hydrated, wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and minimize physical activity during the hottest part of the day. Safe food handling is also more important than ever. If you receive meals from the Department of Aging, please be sure to remove perishable items from your bag immediately and place these items in your refrigerator. Keep an eye on bread, which molds quickly in high temperatures and humid weather. Please do not leave perishable food products in the Food Pantry or in other community spaces. Your kindness is appreciated; however, safety comes first.
- A special thank you to Candy Cain and her friends for supplying Food Panty items. Please be considerate of others and only take what you can use.
- The Leonardtown Library has announced Phase I of their reopening plan. The new library is located next to the Walter Francis Duke Elementary School, on Hayden Farm Lane in Leonardtown. Effective June 17, checked out materials can be returned to the Leonardtown Library book drop and on June 22, reserved materials will be available for curbside pickup. If you have checked out items needing to be returned to the library, please contact Kirk at 301.475.8966 ext. 14. We will coordinate the return of your checked out library materials. While we are waiting for the opening of the new library, remember, you can access many of the library resources from home! Visit www.stmalib.org for reopening details, digital content, trivia games, online programs and other fun things to do.
We have endured many challenges over the past 13 weeks but your resilience and selfless efforts have been impressive. I appreciate your continued support as we work on a safe reopening plan for Cedar Lane.
Sincerely,
Beverly A. Stickles
President & CEO
P.S. We hope you enjoyed yesterday’s fried chicken dinner sponsored by the Friends of Cedar Lane and catered by Rita B. What did you think? We would love to hear your feedback. Please call the Front Desk and ask for Wanda Fenwick to share your thoughts.