Dear Residents, Families and Employees,

By now you have likely heard about all of the new restrictions being implemented on November 20, 2020 in the City of Philadelphia and in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  In light of this new information, we will be placing some restrictions on what will be happening, as well as continuing some activity at WEL Pennypack Park:

  • Fireside Dining Room will be closed after dinner service Thursday, November 19
    • Room service will begin Friday, November 20
    • Room service fees will be waived
    • Follow the same process as we were using
  • The Bistro will remain open for take-out orders only
  • Personal Care residents in R building will continue dinner in the personal care dining room
  • The beauty shop will remain open
  • No visitors in any level of care
  • Compassionate care visits will continue, by appointment only made through Social Services
    • Compassionate care visitors will be required to have proof of a flu vaccine
    • A negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to the visit
  • EVERYONE MUST wear a face mask at all times when in the community – cover both the nose and mouth
    • Staff will be reinforcing this message when they observe residents or staff not wearing a mask, or wearing a mask improperly

These changes are not only going to affect the Thanksgiving holiday, but all of the 2020 holidays.  The Leadership Team here is already working on how we can keep you home, keep you safe and still enjoy the holidays.  It is certainly going to be much different.  We are committed to your safety, health and well-being. 

I am again imploring our independent residents to stay home for Thanksgiving.  COVID cases are rising exponentially throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding counties.  Reports from the health department are cautioning that this round is worse than it was in the Spring.  Our staff received a separate memo from me this week cautioning them about being safe for the welfare of our residents, our co-workers and themselves.  Some staff has already made changes to their Thanksgiving plans, myself included.  I am very thankful to those who are making changes and their commitment to WEL and our residents.

At this time, we will accept flowers, gift deliveries, etc.   Due to the ever changing conditions related to COVID-19, if you want to drop off holiday gifts now, we can hold them until Christmas/Hannukah for delivery to your loved ones.  I am ever hopeful that we will be accepting packages right up to the holidays, but I cannot guarantee that will occur.

Speak with your family – without either side feeling guilty because you don’t want to go to your family’s home due to fear of COVID exposure.  Conversely, family members should not feel guilty for asking your family (our resident’s) to stay home.  I do understand the emotion involved; how hard it is to make a decision like this and I wish it could be different for all of us. 

As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Please be careful, please be smart and please WEAR YOUR MASK, socially distance, and wash your hands, frequently. 

As part of the CMS requirements to keep you informed of COVID-19 activity within the health center of this community, please be advised of the following:

Date:11/18/2020
☒New Confirmed Infection(s) of COVID-19: 1New Cumulative Total of COVID-19 Infections: 37
☐Three or more ☐residents or ☐staff with new on-set of respiratory symptoms occurring within 72 hours of each other.
Mitigating actions implemented to prevent or reduce the risk of transmission.☐Normal operations will be altered. ☒Resident(s) will be moved to quarantine unit. ☐Droplet precautions will be initiated. ☐Resident(s) will be placed on isolation. ☐Resident currently hospitalized.