Dear Stonehill Communities Families,

We understand the COVID-19 pandemic has been stressful and isolating for many people. Gatherings during the upcoming holidays may seem like an opportunity to reconnect with family and friends. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic is worsening, and small household gatherings are an important factor in the rise of COVID-19 cases.

The COVID-19 surge we planned for and anticipated to happen in the mid-summer months is in full throttle. Our local hospitals are at capacity and challenged with meeting patient volumes. Long-term care providers are encouraged to care for residents in the setting in which they reside due to the surge.

We know a vaccine is coming and this pandemic will come to an end. If we can collectively work together through the holiday season and reduce unnecessary exposure to COVID-19, this will help manage the surge our community is experiencing.

As difficult as it is, many of us will be missing out on holiday gatherings in order to curb the transmission of COVID-19. We strongly encourage our residents to remain here at Stonehill Communities during the holidays. If a resident decides to leave for an outside gathering, the resident will be in quarantine for 14 days upon return. Additionally, if you or your loved one would be infected with COVID-19 and need a higher level of care, the hospitals may not have the capacity to care for you and we will care for your loved one the best we can with established standing orders provided by our Medical Directors.

I have included a link to the CDC website which provides guidance and helpful tips to manage through the holidays safely.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact myself, Matt Jahn, or your loved one's social worker at 563-557-7180.

On behalf of our Stonehill family, we thank you for your continued support and wish you a safe and quiet holiday season.

God Bless!