Saint Mary’s Home of Erie’s top priority is the health and wellness of our residents and employees.

We understand the concerns surrounding COVID-19 and its impact, and we are committed to making sure our residents, their families and our community are aware of our active efforts for prevention and containment.

COVID-19 Status

As part of our commitment to transparency, we are sharing the status of COVID-19 in our facility including positive (active) cases, recovered cases, and deaths.

The data reported is cumulative from May of 2020 and will be updated as needed.

Updated on 9/22/2023

Employee(s) Resident(s) Total
Active/positive case(s) of COVID-19 0 4 4
Recovered cases of COVID-19 178 92 270
Deaths who also had COVID-19 0 5 5

Visiting Our Facility

While visitors are generally permitted at all times, visitors should be aware of the risk of spreading and contracting COVID-19 when visiting our facility, particularly during periods of outbreak. Please do not visit if you are feeling sick, have recently been exposed to COVID-19, or currently have COVID-19. Being up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines and boosters is highly encouraged but is not required for visitation.

    In a continued effort to keep our residents, employees and visitors safe, all individuals in our facility must adhere to the following core principles of infection prevention as outlined below.

    Face mask guidance

    NEW 6/28/2023: Based on the decreased County Hospitalization Rate, face masks are not generally required in our facility except under certain circumstances.

    Use of a well-fitting face mask or face covering in our facility is determined based on the County Hospitalization Rate and outbreak status of the facility. This applies to visitors, employees, and residents. The information changes on a weekly basis and individuals should be prepared for the face mask policy to change as levels increase or decrease. Please follow the guidance and notices posted at our entrances for information on masking requirements when visiting.

    During periods of time when hospitalization is high, face masks are required for everyone in the building regardless of vaccination status. They must be properly fitted and cover the nose and mouth.

    During periods of time when hospitalization is low, the facility may determine face mask requirements based upon certain criteria. Visitors, employees and residents who meet this criteria are not required to wear a face mask. Individuals who wish to continue wearing a face mask are encouraged to do so. However, you must still wear a face mask if:

    • You reside, work, or visit on a unit or area of the facility experiencing a SARS-CoV-2 outbreak
    • You have suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection or other respiratory infection (e.g., those with runny nose, cough, sneeze)
    • You have had close contact or a higher-risk exposure (HCP) with someone with SARS-CoV-2 infection, for 10 days after their exposure

    Practice frequent and proper hand hygiene

    Hand hygiene is simple and effective. Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, or washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water, can help prevent infections.

    Follow physical distancing measures

    While there are no limits on how many visitors a resident may receive, we recommend that you practice physical distancing when possible.

    When weather permits, outdoor visitation is preferred

    Viral particles spread between people more readily indoors than outdoors. Socializing in areas with improved ventilation, or preferably outdoors, can limit the spread of COVID-19. When weather permits, visitors and residents are encouraged to spend time together outside on the patios.

      COVID-19 Vaccines & Boosters

      Why Get Vaccinated? Vaccines are an important tool in the fight against COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccines available have undergone the same level of rigorous testing for safety and efficacy as other vaccines. We encourage anyone visiting to be vaccinated and if eligible, to receive their booster, as this will continue to help safeguard the health of our employees, their families, our residents and visitors, and the community at large.

      Learn more about vaccines and boosters:

      What We’ve Been Doing

      In accordance with the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and the PA Department of Health concerning COVID-19 and higher risk populations such as the elderly, we have been diligently enacting precautionary measures to help protect our residents and staff.

      In the beginning of 2020, our response included restricting visitation, limiting group activities, screening visitors, quarantine measures for residents when appropriate, and implementing a universal mask mandate. Since then, the advancements and availability of COVID-19 testing and the roll out of COVID-19 vaccines has allowed for the phased reopening and lifting of some of those original measures. Ongoing efforts include universal masking and testing as directed by current guidance, a team of fully vaccinated staff, proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), monitoring and efficient use of medical and cleaning supplies, availability of hand sanitizer, communicating with families through phone blasts and email updates, and daily monitoring of COVID-19 activity in our region, state and nation.

      These actions continue to be necessary to protect those in our care. We are grateful for the community’s understanding, cooperation and trust.