January 17, 2021
With regard to weekly testing of staff for COVID-19, which was held Tuesday, Jan. 12, all results have been received. One employee has tested positive and is isolating at home. As required by the NYS Dept. of Health, the quarantine period has been extended until Jan. 29. Monitoring for symptoms and changes in health status among residents and staff is ongoing.
The first of three COVID-19 vaccination clinics took place yesterday for Ingersoll’s residents and employees. CVS pharmacists were on-site to administer the vaccines with administrative and resident care support provided by a cross-section of Ingersoll’s staff. “In all my years of assisting with annual flu vaccine clinics,” says Michelle Rearic, Business Office/HR Manager, “this was definitely the most well organized event of its type. We actually finished ahead of schedule and even the pharmacists appeared impressed.”
Most of Ingersoll’s residents have received their initial vaccinations. There are only a few instances of individuals whose current health status or personal preferences will preclude the vaccine’s use. Staff participation is nearly 50 percent and expected to increase as distribution of the vaccine becomes more widespread.
The next resident/staff clinic will be held Feb 5, during which second doses of the vaccine will be administered. Residents and staff that did not receive the initial vaccination will have the opportunity to do so on this date, with their second dose on Feb. 26.
Over the course of Ingersoll’s nearly 97 year history, the launch of the COVID-19 vaccination program stands out as an extraordinary moment in time. The residents and staff who rolled up their sleeves on Friday were celebrated for their faith in medicine and science and willingness to help conquer the spread of the coronavirus disease. Balloons and banners welcomed them as they entered the main lobby. Certificates, stickers and goodie bags were distributed and appreciation conveyed to one and all for their roles in making history happen.
Appearing in the photos below: Annie “Cookie” Crocker, Scheduling and Training Coordinator; Michelle “Shelly” Rearic, Business Office/HR Manager and Christina Benardo, Activities Director.
