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 3/24/2023

Employee(s) Resident(s) Total
Active/positive case(s) of COVID-19 2 1 3
Recovered cases of COVID-19 163 69 232
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

    Based on the increased Community Transmission Level, face masks are universally required at this time for all individuals in the building.

    Use of a well-fitting face mask or face covering may or may not be required when entering our facility depending on the Community Transmission Level. This applies to visitors, employees, and residents. The Community Transmission Level 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 when and for who masking is required.

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

    During periods of time when transmission is substantial, medium or low, the facility may choose to require or limit the use of face masks for those who meet certain criteria. You must still wear a face mask if:

    • You have not received a flu vaccine this fall
    • You have not received the initial full COVID-19 vaccine dose(s)
    • 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
    • You reside, work, or visit on a unit or area of the facility experiencing a SARS-CoV-2 outbreak

    Individuals who meet the requirements above but prefer to wear a face mask may choose to continue using source control if preferred.

    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, physical distancing should be practiced. If physical distancing cannot be maintained in a room due to the number of visitors, visitors may need to stagger their visits.

    Limit travel through the building and avoid common areas

    Visitors should visit in the resident room and should not roam about the building or visit in common areas that would expose another resident. Visitors are not permitted to join residents in Dining Areas, but may order food to go from St. Joe's Café and return with the resident to their private room to eat together.

    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

      As of February 28, 2022 all employees at Saint Mary’s Home of Erie are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This policy also extends to those who provide regular services in our building such as vendors, volunteers, physicians, students, etc.

      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.