Susque-View Home COVID cases spike; outside help brought in

From staff reports

LOCK HAVEN, PA – For the majority of the ongoing pandemic, Susque-View Home has been spared a significant COVID –19 outbreak among the residents and staff. But a Friday release from facility administrator Jamie Aurand said, “Unfortunately, the Omicron Variant has recently taken its toll.” The home release said the facility has taken a broad based approach to testing under the Department of Health’s ‘outbreak’ guidelines, which means all residents and staff are tested every three to seven days. This approach to testing helps to identify positive cases sooner and hopefully limits the spread of the virus.”

Since Jan. 1, there have been 50 staff and 34 residents who have tested positive. Per the release: “When a resident tests positive they are moved to a ‘Red’ Unit for their quarantine period. Thankfully almost all residents are fully vaccinated and the majority of them have either been asymptomatic or had mild symptoms. When a staff member tests positive they are removed from work for the required quarantine period.”

Susque-View’s Administrator Aurand said, “Although we’ve been managing to keep the staffing levels at acceptable levels with our existing staff, the staff quarantines have placed incredible strains on the healthy staff.

We reached out through the PA Department of Health’s LTC RISE (Long-Term Care Resiliency, Infrastructure Supports, and Empowerment) Program for some staffing assistance. The LTC RISE Program contacts the PA National Guard and PEMA to access the situation. I’m thankful to say that PEMA has provided several contracted staff for the next several days to help alleviate some of the pressure on our dedicated staff. They will reassess the situation in a few days and determine whether continued staff support is warranted.”

The facility is still open to visitors. The Susque-View release said please do not visit if you are not feeling well. If you are coming to visit, please be aware that there is the potential that you will be exposed to COVID-19.