Dear Patients and Families:

As you participate in holiday gatherings and plan your visits to the Center, we want to take a moment to address the Omicron variant of COVID-19. This latest variant is believed to be more virulent, or contagious, than previous strains of the COVID-19 virus, although symptoms are reportedly less severe for most individuals. With that said, the CDC continues to recommend COVID-19 vaccination, including booster doses for those eligible to receive it, as our best defense against the virus. While those who have previously contracted COVID-19 or have been vaccinated months ago may still contract the virus, vaccination (including boosters) helps to lessen the severity of symptoms, which can be the difference between life or death for some individuals. The CDC also recommends wearing masks while indoors, even if an individual has been vaccinated, to further help decrease the chances of contracting the virus. The CDC expects that anyone infected with the Omicron variant may not experience symptoms but may be able to spread the virus to others.

We strongly urge you to become vaccinated and to receive a booster if you have already been vaccinated.  We also ask that you not visit the Center if you are experiencing any symptoms of illness, including seasonal allergies, which are similar to symptoms of COVID-19. Visitors are required to be screened upon entry to the Center, and anyone who is visibly experiencing symptoms or reports having symptoms will not be allowed to visit until symptoms resolve.  All visitors are required to wear a mask while in common areas of the Center, or at all times if unvaccinated.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me. We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season.

Sincerely,

Adham Hasan, LNHA
Interim Administrator