Menorah Center COVID-19 Update

March 24, 2023

As of March 17, 2023, the New York State Department of Health (DOH) issued updated guidance to Nursing Homes regarding visitor testing and screening for COVID-19. Specifically, nursing homes are no longer required to verify that visitors have a negative COVID-19 test before entry or conduct active COVID-19 screening. As per DOH guidelines, Menorah will continue to conduct passive screening/protocols, including signage throughout the facility, infection control precautions, use of face coverings, and applicable facility practices.

COVID-19 rapid antigen self-testing will remain available upon request and is strongly encouraged prior to visitation.

January 20, 2023

The City is in the process of replacing water mains in the area around Menorah Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing Care. This is causing occasional disruptions in the water supply. Contingency plans are in place. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience.

April 21, 2022

Dear Menorah Family Member:

I hope this finds you well and enjoying the beginning of the nice spring weather. I am writing to provide you with an update on what is happening here at Menorah in the upcoming months.

The Therapeutic Recreation Department at Menorah continues to provide diverse programming on all floors to include, dance and movement therapy, art therapy, live musicians, spiritual programs and visits, discussions, and games, all to keep your loved one actively engaged and stimulated. Our traveling leisure cart also supports residents in their independent leisure pursuits by providing them with books, word find puzzles, deck of cards, magazines, and select art supplies. The memory care team incorporates specially trained staff to support you and your loved ones in tailored recreational programs. Special events are planned in recognition of a broad range of holidays and celebration for all to enjoy. And our beautifully manicured grounds provide the perfect venue to sit outside with your loved one along the oceanfront. Have a request? We would love to hear it. Please contact Marcy Brennan at 718-368-7960

The leadership and staff at Menorah continue to remain vigilant in following infection control guidelines as the pandemic continues to evolve. Recently, the Centers for Disease Control, (CDC) recommended that individuals 50+, or who are immunocompromised, receive a second COVID-19 booster vaccination. The purpose of the booster is to reduce the likelihood of contracting COVID and, in the event you do, help minimize the symptoms and prevent severe illness requiring the need for hospitalization.

When your loved one becomes eligible to receive either a first or second booster shot, you will receive a phone call asking for consent. We strongly recommend that all eligible residents receive their boosters. Isabella is currently giving booster vaccinations every week. If you have any questions or would like more information about the booster vaccines, please contact Mariana Hernandez at 718-368-7903 and she will ensure your questions are addressed by the appropriate person.

I’d like to express my personal appreciation for your continued cooperation with the screening and testing we offer upon entering the campus. It is essential that we continue to work together to prevent the spread of COVID -19.

Wishing you and your loved ones a happy and healthy Spring and Summer.

Sincerely,

Jessica Wares
Administrator of Record

January 13, 2022

Dear Family Member:

I hope this letter finds you and your loved ones well.  I am writing to provide you with information regarding new guidelines from The New York State Department of Health in response to the current surge in COVID-19 Omicron cases throughout the state.

Effective immediately, all visitors are required to wear a well-fitting non-surgical paper mask or a mask of a higher quality (e.g., surgical mask, KN95 or N95) – at all times – during visits to the facility.  If you wish, you may wear a cloth mask over the paper mask.  As a reminder, the mask must be worn over both the nose and the mouth to be effective and in compliance with the regulations.  Please know, we have masks available for you at the front desk and at the screening tables.

In addition, all visitors, including children, must now show proof that they have recently received a negative COVID test result. If the test result comes from a rapid COVID test, it must have been completed no longer than one day prior to the visit.  If the result comes from a PCR test, it must have been completed no longer than two days prior to the visit. We will not be accepting home test results. All tests must be performed through a certified lab or testing site and must have the visitor’s full name.

Menorah will now be offering supervised, onsite, self-administered rapid COVID testing in the screening area for visitors in need of a test. Please allow 15-30 minutes for testing.

I thank you in advance for your cooperation and for working with us to help contain this highly contagious virus and to help keep everyone safe. Your team at Menorah is working hard to care for your loved ones and we are grateful for your support.

Sincerely,

Jessica Wares
Administrator

December 20, 2021

The Department of Health, in accordance with Governor Hochul’s mandate, has announced that all visitors to nursing homes over the age of two must wear a face mask at all times while inside the building.  The mask requirement applies to everyone – both unvaccinated and vaccinated.

For your convenience, masks will be available at the entrance to the facility. As a reminder, testing is available at Menorah for all visitors. With rising rates of COVID-19 in the community, for the safety of your loved one, we strongly encourage you to take advantage of this testing prior to visiting. We also ask that you follow COVID-19 Infection Control Protocols and facility guidelines.  In addition, while we know you want to visit your loved one, particularly during the holidays, if you have any symptoms of COVID-19, please stay home. And, if you or your loved ones haven’t already, we encourage you to get vaccinated or receive your booster shot.

While at Menorah, we ask that you follow COVID-19 Infection Control Protocols and all facility guidelines.  Flyers and postings are available throughout the campus for your reference.

Best wishes to you and your family for a Happy Holiday Season and a Safe and Healthy New Year.

Thank you for working with us to protect your loved one and all our residents.

Sincerely,

Jessica Wares
Administrator

November 23, 2021

I hope this letter finds you well.

It has been a pleasure seeing so many of you here visiting your loved ones and enjoying your time together. I appreciate your cooperation with the screening and the testing we offer upon entering the campus. As you now, it will take our combined efforts to continue protecting our residents, and one another, from the spread of COVID 19.

As we enter the holiday season, I would like to provide the following update on what’s happening here at Menorah:

• We are currently in the process of providing the COVID-19 booster vaccination. When your loved one becomes eligible to receive the booster shot, you will receive a phone call asking for consent. If you would like more information about the booster vaccines, please contact Debra Boyce Martinez at 718-369-7941 and she will ensure your questions are addressed by the appropriate person.
• We have finished giving flu shots to all residents who agreed to receive it. While the CDC said it was safe to give the flu shot and COVID 19 booster at the same time, we decided to provide an added layer of caution by creating a week of separation between the two vaccinations.
• We are actively planning for the upcoming holiday festivities and look forward to celebrating together. Menorah is preparing a special menu for Thanksgiving Day, which we hope will be enjoyed by all.
• Holiday decorations will start going up shortly and our therapeutic recreation department will be encouraging residents to join in the fun.

Remember, if you are planning to take your loved one out on a pass for the holidays, please contact your social worker in advance. This will give us the necessary time to plan appropriately, so we can ensure your loved one has what they need, especially for overnight visits.

This Thanksgiving, we are so grateful that we have the COVID-19 vaccine to protect our residents and staff, and that is has allowed us to welcome you all back for regular visits.  We are also thankful for your patience and support during the past 18+ months and look forward to celebrating the holidays together.

Best wishes to you and your loved ones for a happy and healthy holiday season.

Sincerely,

Jessica Wares
Administrator

November 16, 2021

Dear Family and Friends,

Good news – the Department of Health and CMS released new guidelines regarding nursing home visitation.  You will no longer need to call and schedule an appointment to visit your loved ones.

With that said, as part of our continued efforts to keep everyone safe, we must keep working together to follow the Core Principles of COVID-19 Infection Prevention.  These principles, as defined by CMS and DOH, include:

1. Visitors who have a positive viral test for COVID-19, symptoms of COVID-19, or currently meet the criteria for quarantine, should not enter the facility. We will continue to screen all visitors prior to entering.
2. Visitors will be asked to maintain proper hand hygiene (use of alcohol-based hand rub).
3. Visitors will be asked to adhere to the signage throughout the facility which will include information about COVID-19 signs and symptoms, infection control precautions, and guidance on the use of face masks and other infection control related information.
4. Visitors who are unable to adhere to the Core Principles of COVID-19 Infection Prevention will not be permitted to visit or will be asked to leave.
5. High touch surfaces in the facility will be cleaned and disinfected frequently.
6. Staff will continue to use Personal Protective Equipment as per guidelines.
7. Effective cohorting of residents (e.g., separate areas dedicated to COVID-19 care) continues.
8. Resident and staff testing continues in accordance with guidelines.

Visitors

1. All visitors will continue to be screened for signs and symptoms of COVID-19.
2. COVID-19 rapid testing for visitors continues to be offered on-site, free of charge, and is strongly encouraged to help avoid exposing your loved ones if you are asymptomatic. Please proceed to the auditorium for your COVID-19 test after you have completed the screening process.
3. When in the facility, visitors must wear a face covering or mask that covers their mouth and nose, practice hand hygiene, and maintain a safe distance of 6 feet from staff and any other residents whom they are not visiting (distancing continues to be recommended among family members, subject to additional options explained below).

Indoor Visitation

1. When you come into the facility to visit, we ask that you go directly to your family member’s room or the designated visitation area. Please do not walk around different floors or throughout the hallways.  This includes the first and fourth floors, which are designated to staff offices and the rehabilitation area.
2. If a resident’s roommate is not vaccinated or is immunocompromised (regardless of their vaccination status), visits, when possible, will not take place in the resident’s room. If a resident is bedbound and cannot leave the room, in-room visits will be permitted while adhering to the core principles of infection prevention.
3. If a resident and all their visitors are fully vaccinated and the resident is not moderately or severely immunocompromised, the resident and their visitors may choose not to wear face coverings or masks and to have physical contact with their visitors. Visitors should always wear face coverings or masks when around other residents or health care personnel, regardless of vaccination status.

Indoor Visitation during an Outbreak Investigation

An outbreak investigation begins when “a new nursing home onset of COVID-19 occurs” – meaning a new case of COVID-19 among residents or staff.  Visitors will be informed via posted signs and through the daily COVID update hotline 718-368-7900. While it is safer not to enter the facility during an outbreak investigation, you will still be permitted to visit and be asked to adhere to the core principles of infection prevention.  If you choose to visit during an outbreak investigation period, you will be required to wear a face covering or mask during visits, regardless of vaccination status, and visits will take place in your resident’s room as per guidelines.

Outdoor Visitation

Outdoor visitation remains available at this time as the preferred means of visitation. The outdoor tent will be heated.

Vaccination Status

If you or your loved one is unvaccinated, we strongly recommend that you reconsider vaccination.  The data shows that vaccinated people are protected from severe illness and death due to COVID-19.  Unvaccinated people are at the greatest risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death.  In fact, most hospitalizations and death from COVID-19 are now happening among those who are unvaccinated.

The CDC continues to recommend vaccination for all eligible persons, including those previously infected with COVID-19.  Substantial immunologic evidence and a growing body of epidemiologic evidence indicate that vaccination after infection significantly enhances protection and further reduces the risk of reinfection.

Our security staff will ask your vaccination status, as permitted by guidelines.  However, you are not required to be tested or vaccinated (or show proof of such) as a condition of visitation.  If you chose not to disclose your vaccination status, you will be required to wear a face covering or mask at all times.

Risks

There are still risks associated with visitation and COVID-19.  However, the risks are reduced by strictly adhering to the core principles of COVID-19 infection prevention.

Communal Dining and Activities

We are pleased to be fully resuming communal dining and other activities, while adhering to the core principles of COVID-19 infection prevention.

Thank you for working together with us for the safety of your loved ones and everyone here at Menorah.

Sincerely,

Jessica Wares
Administrator

September 1, 2021

Dear Family and Friends,

It’s been nice to reconnect with so many of you in person over the past few months.  Most importantly, it has been great for our residents.

As you are aware, the Delta variant of COVID-19 is spreading quickly and as a result, COVID-19 cases are on the rise again. If your loved one is unvaccinated, we strongly recommend that you reconsider. The data shows that vaccinated people are protected from severe illness and death due to the COVID-19 Delta variant, underscoring the need to be vaccinated. Unvaccinated people are at the greatest risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death. In fact, most hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19 are now happening among those who are unvaccinated.

If, at any time, you change your mind and would like to have your loved one vaccinated, please contact (718) 368-7903 or speak to your family member’s physician or Nurse Manager.

As part of our effort to continue keeping our residents safe, we must keep working together and strictly follow infection control guidelines. Please continue to follow the protocol listed below:

Visitors

• Each resident may have up to two visitors at each visit (at least one visitor must be 18 years of age or older).
• All visitors will be screened for signs and symptoms of COVID-19.
• COVID-19 testing for visitors continues to be offered on-site, free of charge and is strongly encouraged. While scheduling your visits, you will be encouraged to receive a COVID-19 test before seeing your loved one. Please proceed to the auditorium for your COVID-19 test after you have completed the screening process.
• When in the facility, visitors must wear a face covering or mask that covers their mouth and nose, practice hand hygiene, and maintain a safe distance of 6 feet from every other person.

Visits

• Visits must be scheduled in advance. Visits will be scheduled for one (1) hour periods 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and at 7:00 pm, 7 days per week. Visits cannot exceed the (1) hour period to allow for others to safely visit as well. If you are running more than an hour late, your visit will need to be rescheduled.
• Visits may be conducted outdoors or indoors in designated visitation areas. Once the location of the visit is confirmed, the location can only be moved in the event weather conditions change.

Wearing of Mask/Close Contact While Visiting:

While we strongly recommend that both residents and visitors voluntarily agree to mask during visits, given the highly contagious nature of the Delta variant, the following three scenarios currently remain available:

• Scenario 1: If both the resident and the visitor are fully vaccinated (proof of vaccination will be required), meeting in a private area or able to socially distance from others by at least 6ft, both resident and visitor can meet without wearing masks and can have close contact.
• Scenario 2: If a resident is fully vaccinated and the visitor is not, the resident can choose to have close contact, including touching, with their visitors provided the visitor wears a close-fitting mask and performs hand hygiene before and after.
• Scenario 3: If both the resident and visitor are unvaccinated both the resident and visitor must wear masks and remain 6ft feet apart for the duration of the visit.

How to Schedule Your Visit

Residents living on units: 1 North, 2 North, 2 South, 3 North, 3 South, or 4 North

Please call 718-368-7964 – Monday thru Friday during the Hours of 9:00am- 5:00pm.

Patients staying on units: 2 East, 2 West, 3 East, 3 West, 4 South, or 4 West

Please call 718-368-7333 – Monday thru Friday during the hours of 9:00am-5:00pm.

For your convenience Menorah has also created an email address for you to use to set up visits.  It is [email protected] . To request a visit by email address please provide your family members full name and Room# (if you know it), your name, contact number with the requested date and time of the visit.  Someone will get back to you via email to confirm the scheduling of your visit.  Again, the email address is: [email protected]

Outbreak Testing

As we continue routine staff and resident COVID testing, we may continue to see positive cases in the facility. The new DOH guidance allows us to resume visitation when a new COVID case is identified, on a particular unit or units, after a first round of Outbreak Testing is negative and no new cases are identified.  Should another new COVID case be identified during Outbreak Testing, the testing and visitation procedures will be as outlined in previous communication dated March 26^th, 2021 also available on the Menorah website.

Thank you in advance for your understanding and compliance with the guidelines put in place for the safety of your loved one as well as all of our residents and staff.

The Hotline, set up by Menorah to make it easier to check on how your loved one is doing, remains available at 718-368-7333. The Hotline is reachable seven days a week from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.

After six years at Menorah as Assistant Administrator, it is my honor to be the new Administrator of Record.  I look forward to ensuring that your loved ones continue to receive the best possible care and support.

Sincerely,

Jessica Wares
Administrator

March 26, 2021

Dear Family and Friends,

Great News! We are pleased to announce that the New York State Department of Health has released new guidelines for nursing home visitation. Based on Menorah’s current COVID testing statistics, we expect to be able to schedule visits beginning shortly.

Visitors

• Each resident may have up to two visitors at each visit (at least one visitor must be 18 years of age or older).
• COVID testing for visitors will be offered on-site, free of charge, and is strongly encouraged.
• All visitors will be screened for signs and symptoms of COVID.
• Visitors must wear a face covering or mask that covers their mouth and nose, practice hand hygiene, and maintain a safe distance of 6 feet from every other person.

Visits

• Visits will be scheduled for one (1) hour periods between the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., 7 days per week. Evening visits are available upon request.
• Visits may be conducted outdoors or indoors in designated visitation areas.
• If a resident is fully vaccinated, they can choose to have close contact, including touching, with their visitors while wearing a close-fitting mask and performing hand hygiene before and after.

How to Schedule Your Visit

Please contact the hotline at 718-368-7333 to schedule your visit.

Outbreak Testing

As we continue routine staff and resident COVID testing, we may continue to see positive cases in the facility. The new DOH guidance allows us to resume visitation when a new COVID case is identified, on a particular unit or units, after a short first round of Outbreak Testing. When a new COVID case is identified, the testing and visitation procedures will be as follows:

• When a positive case among residents or staff is identified, the facility will immediately begin Outbreak Testing and temporarily suspend visitation. The first round of Outbreak Testing takes approximately 7 days.
• If the first round of Outbreak Testing reveals no additional COVID cases on other units in the facility, then visitation may resume for all units that have no positive cases.
• If the first round of Outbreak Testing reveals one or more additional COVID cases on other units in the facility, then all visitation must be suspended until the facility meets the criteria to discontinue Outbreak Testing.

Results from our ongoing testing are returned to the facility by the lab 24 hours a day.  If a positive case is identified, we may need to suspend visitation on short notice and begin outbreak testing.  We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work within DOH and CMS guidelines to move toward a COVID-free facility.

If you are planning to visit your loved one, we strongly urge you to get vaccinated. While we have taken tremendous steps in reducing the prevalence of the virus at Menorah, the new variants are extremely contagious. Being vaccinated is the best way to help keep your loved one safe. And, to make getting vaccinated easier, Menorah will be conducting a vaccination clinic for family members. Please call Administration at 718-368-7903 to schedule your vaccination.

We look forward to welcoming you back. Thank you in advance for your understanding and compliance with the guidelines put in place for the safety of your loved one as well as all of our residents and staff.

Sincerely,

Natalie Yakovleva
Administrator

March 24, 2021

Dear Family Members:

I hope this letter finds you well.  It’s hard to imagine that it has already been a full year of facing the COVID-19 pandemic together. I want to personally thank you for your patience, your support and for allowing us to care for your loved one.

As we mentioned in the OneCall phone messages you received last week, and then again on Sunday, the leadership and staff at Menorah are committed to the care and safety of our residents and to you, their families. With this commitment in mind, we are pleased to announce that Menorah will be offering vaccinations to family members who plan to visit their loved ones regularly once visitation is permitted. To be vaccinated, you will need to meet New York State eligibility criteria which thankfully, continues to expand. It is our hope that this will provide one more level of safety, peace-of-mind, and preparation in anticipation of DOH adopting CMS guidelines that would further relax the restrictions governing visits.

If you are interested in being vaccinated, please contact Administration at 718-368-7903 to learn more. We would appreciate your calling as soon as possible, so that we can request a sufficient supply of vaccine and schedule appointments.

We are looking forward to hearing from you and welcoming you back to Menorah.

Sincerely,

Natalie Yakovleva
Administrator

March 10, 2021

Dear Residents/Family Members:

I am writing today to follow up on the phone call you received from Menorah, after the New York State Department of Health (“DOH”) revised guidelines on February 22^nd, regarding the resumption of visitation.  As we shared at that time, DOH continues to require that a nursing home be in full compliance with numerous conditions before resuming limited visitation. One of these conditions is that the facility have no new onset of COVID-19 cases, among either residents or staff, during the prior 14 days. We know you are eager to see your loved one and we look forward to welcoming you back. Once we are eligible, you will receive another phone call to immediately advise that we will be resuming in-person visits.

An important note: consistent with DOH guidelines, when weather permits all visits should occur outdoors since outdoor visits pose a lower risk of transmission.  During inclement weather, visits will take place inside the facility.  All visits will be scheduled in advance by appointment. Following are some of the guidelines that are being implemented so that you know what to expect when limited visitation resumes:

• When weather permits, all visit will occur outdoors consistent with DOH guidelines. There will be exceptions made for bedbound residents.
• Each resident may have up to two visitors. If a visitor is under the age of 16, they must be accompanied by an adult.
• Visitors must fill out a form with their name, home address, phone number and email at every visit.
• Visitors will be screened for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and will need to answer screening questions at each visit. Please note, there may be restrictions if you are visiting from out of state or have travelled recently. Please check with the facility prior to arrival. Only individuals who are symptom-free and pass the screening questions may visit.
• Visitors will be tested onsite, using a rapid test provided by Menorah, per DOH guidelines
• Visitors will be required to wear a face mask and must demonstrate appropriate hand hygiene. Menorah will provide masks for visitors who do not have one, and hand sanitizer will be available.
• Visits will occur in half hour blocks and social distancing during the visit will be required.
• Visitors will be guided directly to the designated visitation area and will not be permitted to walk around the facility.
• All high touch areas will be cleaned in-between residents visits as per infection control guidelines.
• As per regulations, the number of visitors to the facility at any given time must not exceed 20% of our daily census. Visits will be arranged by appointment so that we can safely accommodate as many people as permitted.
• Compassionate care and end-of-life visits are not affected by the 14-day requirement and will continue, per DOH guidelines.

As you may be aware, CMS issued new visitation guidance to all state health departments on 3/10. It is important to note that this new guidance has not yet been adopted by the New York State Department of Health, so it does not yet apply to residents of Isabella or any other nursing homes in New York State. We will let you know as soon as DOH changes the requirements.

As a reminder, you will receive a follow up phone call when in-person visits resume.  In the meantime, we continue to provide window visits and video calls, which can be scheduled by contacting the hotline at (718) 368-7333.

We look forward to welcoming families back to Menorah.

Sincerely,

Natalie Yakovleva
Administrator

December 24, 2020

Great news. CVS notified us that they are planning to be onsite at Menorah on Saturday, January 9^th to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to all our residents. As noted in my earlier letter, vaccination is a two-dose process. The second dose will be administered in approximately 3 weeks. Consent is required.

Shortly, we will be calling family members to obtain consent for their loved ones to be vaccinated. To support your decision making, Pfizer has provided the below fact sheet about the vaccine that will be administered. This has also been sent to your home.

Menorah supports the CDC and Department of Health in strongly recommending that your loved one be vaccinated for their safety. Research demonstrates that the benefits of the vaccine far outweigh the risks for most people.

If you have any questions about having your loved one vaccinated, please call Debra Boyce-Martinez, Director of Social Work, at (718) 368-7941. In the event your question requires input from our Medical Director, she will be able to facilitate that discussion.

FACT SHEET FOR RECIPIENTS AND CAREGIVERS

EMERGENCY USE AUTHORIZATION (EUA) OF THE PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE TO PREVENT CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19) IN INDIVIDUALS 16 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER

You are being offered the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine to prevent Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2. This Fact Sheet contains information to help you understand the risks and benefits of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, which you may receive because there is currently a pandemic of COVID-19.

The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is a vaccine and may prevent you from getting COVID-19. There is no U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved vaccine to prevent COVID-19.

Read this Fact Sheet for information about the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. Talk to the vaccination provider if you have questions. It is your choice to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is administered as a 2-dose series, 3 weeks apart, into the muscle. The Pfizer-BioN Tech COVID-19 Vaccine may not protect everyone.

This Fact Sheet may have been updated. For the most recent Fact Sheet, please see www.cvdvaccine.com.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GET THIS VACCINE?

WHAT IS COVID-19?
COVID-19 disease is caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. This type of coronavirus has not been seen before. You can get COVID-19 through contact with another person who has the virus. It is predominantly a respiratory illness that can affect other organs. People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported, ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms may include: fever or chills; cough; shortness of breath; fatigue; muscle or body aches; headache; new loss of taste or smell; sore throat; congestion or runny nose; nausea or vomiting; diarrhea.

WHAT IS THE PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE?
The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is an unapproved vaccine that may prevent COVID-19. There is no FDA-approved vaccine to prevent COVID-19.
The FDA has authorized the emergency use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine to prevent COVID-19 in individuals 16 years of age and older under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).

For more information on EUA, see the “What is an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA)?” section at the end of this Fact Sheet.

WHAT SHOULD YOU MENTION TO YOUR VACCINATION PROVIDER BEFORE YOU GET THE PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE?
Tell the vaccination provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
 have any allergies
 have a fever
 have a bleeding disorder or are on a blood thinner
 are immunocompromised or are on a medicine that affects your immune system
 are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
 are breastfeeding
 have received another COVID-19 vaccine

WHO SHOULD GET THE PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE?
FDA has authorized the emergency use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine in individuals 16 years of age and older.

WHO SHOULD NOT GET THE PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE?
You should not get the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine if you:
 had a severe allergic reaction after a previous dose of this vaccine
 had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient of this vaccine.

WHAT ARE THE INGREDIENTS IN THE PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE?
The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine includes the following ingredients: mRNA, lipids ((4-hydroxybutyl)azanediyl)bis(hexane-6,1-diyl)bis (2 hexyldecanoate), 2 [(polyethylene glycol)-2000]-N,N-ditetradecylacetamide, 1,2-Distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, and cholesterol), potassium chloride, monobasic potassium phosphate, sodium chloride, dibasic sodium phosphate dihydrate, and sucrose.

HOW IS THE PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE GIVEN?
The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine will be given to you as an injection into the muscle. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine vaccination series is 2 doses given 3 weeks apart. If you receive one dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, you should receive a second dose of this same vaccine 3 weeks later to complete the vaccination series.

HAS THE PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE BEEN USED BEFORE?
The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is an unapproved vaccine. In clinical trials, approximately 20,000 individuals 16 years of age and older have received at least 1 dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE?
In an ongoing clinical trial, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine has been shown to prevent COVID-19 following 2 doses given 3 weeks apart. The duration of protection against COVID-19 is currently unknown.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF THE PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE?

Side effects that have been reported with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine include:
 injection site pain
 tiredness
 headache
 muscle pain
 chills
 joint pain
 fever
 injection site swelling
 injection site redness
 nausea
 feeling unwell
 swollen lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy)

There is a remote chance that the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine could cause a severe allergic reaction. A severe allergic reaction would usually occur within a few minutes to one hour after getting a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. Signs of a severe allergic reaction can include:
 Difficulty breathing
 Swelling of your face and throat
 A fast heartbeat
 A bad rash all over your body
 Dizziness and weakness

These may not be all the possible side effects of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. Serious and unexpected side effects may occur. Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19. Vaccine is still being studied in clinical trials.

WHAT SHOULD I DO ABOUT SIDE EFFECTS?
If you experience a severe allergic reaction, call 9-1-1, or go to the nearest hospital. Call the vaccination provider or your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away. Report vaccine side effects to FDA/CDC Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). The VAERS toll-free number is 1-800-822-7967 or report online to https://vaers.hhs.gov/reportevent.html. Please include “Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine EUA” in the first line of box #18 of the report form.

In addition, you can report side effects to Pfizer Inc. at the contact information provided below.

Website Fax number Telephone number
www.pfizersafetyreporting.com 1-866-635-8337 1-800-438-1985

WHAT IF I DECIDE NOT TO GET THE PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE?
It is your choice to receive or not receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. Should you decide not to receive it, it will not change your standard medical care.

ARE OTHER CHOICES AVAILABLE FOR PREVENTING COVID-19 BESIDES PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE?
Currently, there is no approved alternative vaccine available for prevention of COVID-19. FDA may allow the emergency use of other vaccines to prevent COVID-19.

CAN I RECEIVE THE PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE WITH OTHER VACCINES?
There is no information on the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine with other vaccines.

WHAT IF I AM PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING?
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss your options with your healthcare provider.

WILL THE PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE GIVE ME COVID-19?
No. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine does not contain SARS-CoV-2 and cannot give you COVID-19.

KEEP YOUR VACCINATION CARD
When you get your first dose, you will get a vaccination card to show you when to return for your second dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. Remember to bring your card when you return.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
If you have questions, visit the website or call the telephone number provided below.

Global website Telephone number
www.cvdvaccine.com
1-877-829-2619
(1-877-VAX-CO19)

HOW CAN I LEARN MORE?
 Ask the vaccination provider.
 Visit CDC at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
 Visit FDA at https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/covid-19-vaccines
 Contact your local or state public health department.

WHERE WILL MY VACCINATION INFORMATION BE RECORDED?
The vaccination provider may include your vaccination information in your state/local jurisdiction’s Immunization Information System (IIS) or other designated systems. This will ensure that you receive the same vaccine when you return for the second dose. For more information about IISs visit: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/iis/about.html.

WHAT IS THE COUNTERMEASURES INJURY COMPENSATION PROGRAM?
The Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program (CICP) is a federal program that may help pay for costs of medical care and other specific expenses of certain people who have been seriously injured by certain medicines or vaccines, including this vaccine. Generally, a claim must be submitted to the CICP within one (1) year from the date of receiving the vaccine. To learn more about this program, visit www.hrsa.gov/cicp/ or call 1-855-266-2427.

WHAT IS AN EMERGENCY USE AUTHORIZATION (EUA)?
The United States FDA has made the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine available under an emergency access mechanism called an EUA. The EUA is supported by a Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) declaration that circumstances exist to justify the emergency use of drugs and biological products during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine has not undergone the same type of review as an FDA-approved or cleared product. FDA may issue an EUA when certain criteria are met, which includes that there are no adequate, approved, available alternatives. In addition, the FDA decision is based on the totality of scientific evidence available showing that the product may be effective to prevent COVID-19 during the COVID-19 pandemic and that the known and potential benefits of the product outweigh the known  and potential risks of the product. All of these criteria must be met to allow for the product to be used in the treatment of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The EUA for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is in effect for the duration of the COVID-19 EUA declaration justifying emergency use of these products, unless terminated or revoked (after which the products may no longer be used).

Manufactured by
Pfizer Inc., New York, NY 10017
Manufactured for
BioNTech Manufacturing GmbH
An der Goldgrube 12
55131 Mainz, Germany
LAB-1451-1.0
Revised: December 2020

December 10, 2020

Dear Family Members:

As promised in our last letter, following is a status update on the COVID-19 vaccination program.  As you know, our elected officials have prioritized nursing homes. As a result, Menorah residents and staff will be among the first to be vaccinated. The purpose of this letter is to provide you with the latest information we have on the process. Because of the scale and unprecedented nature of this project, details are evolving rapidly and could change.

What We know

The federal government is overseeing a centralized system to order, distribute, and track COVID -19 vaccines. This is being done through a platform called The Pharmacy Partnership for Long Term Care Program which will provide complete oversight of all stages of the vaccination program. Our clinical staff will work directly with CVS Pharmacy to vaccinate both staff and residents.

CVS Pharmacy will be scheduling a set of dates when they will be on site to vaccinate our residents and staff against this virus. While we do not currently know when they will come to Menorah, the current plan is for CVS to begin administering the vaccine at long-term facilities before the end of December. The COVID-19 vaccination process requires two doses, with the second vaccination administered approximately three weeks after the first.

What’s Next

A member of the Menorah staff will be reaching out to you soon to discuss the process for giving consent for your loved one to be vaccinated. We will also keep you informed should there be new information about the vaccine, timing or process as well as letting you know the actual dates CVS will be coming to the Menorah campus.

The Importance of Vaccination

The Centers for Disease Control Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted to make nursing homes a top priority for immunization because of the importance of protecting both residents and staff. We strongly encourage to follow their lead and provide consent for your loved one to be vaccinated. This is an important step in protecting all nursing home residents and stopping the spread of this virus.

Questions and Answers

We realize that you may have questions about the vaccine, its safety and how it works. Please read the Q&As prepared by AMDA/The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine.  You can also visit the cdc.gov website for additional information.

We remain vigilant in practicing strict infection control guidelines and in testing our residents and staff regularly.  We are now asking for your help in working together to keep us all safe by being vaccinated.

If you have any questions, please call Debra Boyce-Martinez, Director of Social Work, at 718 368-7941.

Natalie Yakovleva, Administrator

DATE: November 24, 2020

TO: Nursing Homes and Adult Care Facilities

Health Advisory: Holiday Guidance for Nursing Homes and Adult Care Facilities

Please distribute immediately to:
Administrators, Infection Preventionists, Medical Directors, Nursing Directors, Risk Managers, and Public Affairs Personnel.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment and efforts to support New York State’s (NYS) response to COVID-19. New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) wants to ensure that the health, safety, and quality of life of nursing home residents is maintained this holiday season. During the holiday season, residents and families may want to spend more time together. Facilities must continue to ensure that all visitors adhere to all visitation guidelines and facility policies and strictly adhere to infection prevention and control measures such as social distancing and face covering requirements.

Additionally:

• Facilities are encouraged to find creative and innovative ways to celebrate the holidays without having parties, including staff parties, or social gatherings that could increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Examples may include virtual visitation, virtual parties, seasonal music, in-room holiday book and movie options, and festive
• NYSDOH and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recommend against residents leaving nursing homes for home or family visitation or other social outings during the holiday season. Data has shown that small family gatherings contribute to COVID-19 spread. The CDC and NYSDOH recommend that individuals at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 avoid in-person gatherings with individuals with whom they do not
• Please refer to the September 17, 2020 Revised Skilled Nursing Facility Visitation which can be found at https://health.ny.gov/facilities/nursing/docs/2020-09-pdf.
• NYSDOH recommends that facilities promote and increase virtual communications during the holiday
• Nursing home and adult care facility staff should educate the families who are contemplating taking a resident out of a facility for the holidays, as well as the residents about the risks of leaving the facility and the alternative virtual communication options available.
• If a resident leaves for home or family visitation or for a social outing, the following requirements must be met for the resident’s return to the facility for the safety of other residents and staff:
• If a resident leaves for home or family visitation or for a social outing, the following requirements must be met for the resident’s return to the facility for the safety of other residents and staff:
  • Nursing home and Adult Care Facility staff should remind residents to follow all recommended infection prevention and control measures outside the facility, including:
    • Limiting close contact with others (maintaining physical distancing of six feet or more), avoiding large gatherings and keeping gatherings as small as possible, and use of technology to engage with others remotely
    • Wear facemasks or cloth face covering to the extent possible
    • Performing frequent hand hygiene
    • Avoiding sharing of communal food or drinks
  • Residents who leave a facility must:
    • Quarantine or minimize contact to the extent safely possible prior to their return to the
    • Be quarantined on transmission-based precautions upon return to the facility for 14
    • Test negative immediately (within 24 hours) prior to return to the
    • Be tested at least three times during the 14-day quarantine period at the facility, including on the first day (upon return) and the last day that a resident must be quarantined.
  • Facilities must:
    • Develop a plan for the return of residents leaving for home or family visits for social outings. The plan should include a cohorting plan for returning residents, estimating the space, staff, and PPE
    • Notify families taking residents out of the facility that residents will not be permitted to return until they present a negative COVID-19 diagnostic test result within the preceding 24
    • Certify as required by Executive Order 202.77, and Executive Order 202.30 that they have the ability to implement transmission-based precautions for such residents for fourteen days upon return in compliance with NYSDOH guidance and CMS
    • Require the leaving resident and a family or friend to attest in writing that they:
  • Are aware of the risks involved with taking the resident out of the facility;
  • Will follow masking, social distancing, and hand hygiene practices pursuant to CDC and DOH directives;
  • Will notify the facility if the resident becomes ill within one week of leaving the facility;
  • Will notify the facility if anyone with whom the resident socialized tests positive for COVID-19 or influenza or exhibits symptoms of COVID-19 and influenza within 14 days of the resident’s return to the facility;
  • Will communicate with the facility about a return date for the resident to the facility in accordance with the facility’s policy; and
  • Will quarantine or minimize contact (or assist the resident to do so) to the extent safely possible prior to return to a nursing

• Screen and increase monitoring for signs and symptoms of illness upon resident return.
• Test residents for COVID-19 and influenza if the resident develops signs or symptoms of COVID-19 or influenza or if the resident had a confirmed or

possible exposure to COVID-19 or influenza while outside a nursing home or adult care facility.

Questions regarding this advisory should be emailed to [email protected]. or [email protected] Thank you for your ongoing commitment to resident health and safety during this Public Health Emergency.

November 24, 2020

Dear Family/Friends:

I am writing to wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving and to let you know the steps we are taking to ensure that your loved one has a joyful, celebratory and safe holiday.

Bela Rabinovich, our Director of Food Services, has planned special holiday menus, while our therapeutic recreation and social work staff have created special events complete with holiday decorations. Our residents will enjoy a range of festivities including music, arts and crafts and special surprise activities.

Throughout the pandemic, the recreation team has reinvented and modified “traditional” activities that support wellness, engagement and relaxation while aligning with regulatory guidance and safety protocols. Our daily schedule is filled with a full range of diversified recreation programs to meet everyone’s needs. Menorah’s recreation and creative arts therapists are providing programs such as dance and movement, singing and songwriting as well as holiday and seasonal craft making. Our music staff conducts bedside visits during which they play the guitar, keyboard, and violin. Residents are also offered books, magazines, word puzzles and crafts, for their independent use, and we provide a movie – or relaxing DVD – daily on our in-house TV channel. In addition, Kingsborough college students engage in virtual video chats, which allow our residents to share their life stories with the students.

The leadership and staff at Menorah remain committed to bringing holiday cheer to your loved one and to keeping them connected with you and your family. This includes continuing window visits, video chats and phone calls.  Please call our family hotline at 718-368-7333 to schedule a window visit or video chat.

Also, for your safety, the safety of your family and our community, please remember to comply with the Governor’s Executive Order limiting at-home gatherings to 10 persons or fewer. This COVID control measure is intended to minimize outbreaks of COVID as a result of Thanksgiving and other holiday celebrations. We realize that many people have lost patience with being separated from their loved ones…and might think it’s safe if the people they are gathering with are all family. Sadly, this is not the case. We encourage you to celebrate Thanksgiving with people currently living under your own roof, limit large gatherings and remember to social distance if non-household members are attending.

As I’m sure you’re aware, cases of COVID-19 are rising significantly and we need to be more vigilant than ever. Menorah remains committed to keeping your loved one safe. While we understand the emotional toll separation during the pandemic has had on you and your loved one, Menorah will continue to follow state and federal guidelines for infection control, which includes strictly enforcing safety protocols as COVID rates rise. We are all encouraged by the potential availability of a safe and effective vaccine. Until that time, extra safety precautions and vigilance are essential.

If you have any questions or need assistance in obtaining information, please call Debra Boyce-Martinez, Director of Social Work, at 718-368-7941. Remember, your team at Menorah is always here for you and your loved one.

Best wishes to you and your family.

Natalie Yakovleva
Administrator of Record

September 23, 2020

Dear Families:

On September 15, 2020, the New York State Department of Health (“DOH”) issued revised guidance to nursing homes regarding the resumption of limited visitation.  The DOH requires a nursing home to be in full compliance with numerous conditions in order to resume limited visitation. DOH has also changed one condition and added an additional requirement for visitors themselves. These new and changed conditions are:

1. The nursing home must have had no new onset of COVID-19 cases among either residents or staff for 14 days; and
2. All visitors must produce a verified negative COVID-19 test result within 7 days of each visit.

Menorah has submitted its visitation plan to DOH. Given a recent positive test result for a staff member, we are on track to begin limited outdoor visits on October 5^th. Please understand that this date may change again should any resident or staff member test positive. Outdoor visitation will be conducted Monday through Friday in the garden area in 30-minute blocks. In the event of inclement weather, visitation may be moved to the auditorium. Visitation in resident rooms is still strictly prohibited by DOH except in very limited circumstances.

Here are some general guidelines of what to expect once limited outdoor visitation begins:

• Each resident may have up to two visitors. If a visitor is under 18, they must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older.
• Visitors must show a negative COVID-19 test performed in the last 7 days and must fill out a form with their name, home address, phone number, and email at each visit.
• Visitors will also be screened for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and will need to answer screening questions at each visit regarding symptoms and travel.
• Only visitors who produce a verified negative test result performed in the past 7 days, and exhibit no COVID-19 signs or symptoms, and pass the screening questions, will be allowed to visit.
• Visitors must wear a face covering and must demonstrate appropriate hand hygiene. Menorah will provide masks for visitors who do not have one, and hand sanitizer will be made available.
• During each 30-minute visitation block, we will accommodate the number of residents, visitors, and staff who can safely fit in the garden area (or the auditorium, during inclement weather) while maintaining social distancing requirements.

Please call (718) 368-7333 to schedule your visit.

Please note, we are updating our files and would like to know if you prefer to receive updates regarding the pandemic via phone call or email? If you prefer emails, please email Debra Boyce-Martinez in the social work office at [email protected] to provide your email address. Please include your name and the patient/resident’s name.

We look forward to welcoming you back to Menorah and being a part of your family’s reunion.

Sincerely,

Natalie Yakovleva
Administrator of Record

Updated April 30, 2020

I would like to share the following COVID-19 update.

As I’m sure you’re aware, Menorah is a 436-bed not-for-profit center for rehabilitation and nursing care located in Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn. We have always cared for the most frail, elderly and at-risk members of our community. Most of our residents are in their mid-80s or older and often have multiple health issues. Together, this makes the residents that Menorah cares for the absolute most vulnerable to catching and succumbing to the COVID-19 virus.

Given that New York City is at the epicenter of this health crisis, like virtually all nursing homes across the five boroughs, Menorah has sadly experienced COVID-related deaths. The leadership of Menorah cares deeply about every loss and our deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of the residents who have passed.

Each day, our selfless employees put themselves at-risk to lovingly care for our vulnerable residents. And for the members of the staff, who cared for any of our longtime residents who passed away, it has also been a very painful loss.

The numbers that will be announced over the next few days about COVID-related deaths at Menorah will be disturbing. As you know, Menorah has been following state and federal guidelines for infection control, which so far have helped contain the virus. Unfortunately, nursing homes in New York City have not been given access to widespread and consistent inhouse testing to quickly diagnose our residents and staff. Sadly, this has hampered our ability to further limit loss of life by swiftly separating anyone with the virus.

The leadership and staff at Menorah Center take our commitment to caring for your loved one very seriously. We will continue to follow state and federal guidelines, and do all that we can, to help ensure the safety and well-being of our residents and staff in the face of this unprecedented crisis. This includes offering family members daily updates on COVID-19 activity at Menorah Center.

Please call your social worker at 718-368-7941 any questions.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of all who have been lost. We will be hosting a memorial service, to honor the lives of loved ones lost to this horrific virus, once it is safe for the Menorah community to come together again.

Natalie Yakovleva
Administrator

COVID-19: What to do if you are ill

COVID-19: Stop the spread of germs

COVID-19: Fact Sheet

September 1, 2021

Dear Family and Friends,

It’s been nice to reconnect with so many of you in person over the past few months.  Most importantly, it has been great for our residents.

As you are aware, the Delta variant of COVID-19 is spreading quickly and as a result, COVID-19 cases are on the rise again. If your loved one is unvaccinated, we strongly recommend that you reconsider. The data shows that vaccinated people are protected from severe illness and death due to the COVID-19 Delta variant, underscoring the need to be vaccinated. Unvaccinated people are at the greatest risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death. In fact, most hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19 are now happening among those who are unvaccinated.

If, at any time, you change your mind and would like to have your loved one vaccinated, please contact (718) 368-7903 or speak to your family member’s physician or Nurse Manager.

As part of our effort to continue keeping our residents safe, we must keep working together and strictly follow infection control guidelines. Please continue to follow the protocol listed below:

Visitors

• Each resident may have up to two visitors at each visit (at least one visitor must be 18 years of age or older).
• All visitors will be screened for signs and symptoms of COVID-19.
• COVID-19 testing for visitors continues to be offered on-site, free of charge and is strongly encouraged. While scheduling your visits, you will be encouraged to receive a COVID-19 test before seeing your loved one. Please proceed to the auditorium for your COVID-19 test after you have completed the screening process.
• When in the facility, visitors must wear a face covering or mask that covers their mouth and nose, practice hand hygiene, and maintain a safe distance of 6 feet from every other person.

Visits

• Visits must be scheduled in advance. Visits will be scheduled for one (1) hour periods 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and at 7:00 pm, 7 days per week. Visits cannot exceed the (1) hour period to allow for others to safely visit as well. If you are running more than an hour late, your visit will need to be rescheduled.
• Visits may be conducted outdoors or indoors in designated visitation areas. Once the location of the visit is confirmed, the location can only be moved in the event weather conditions change.

Wearing of Mask/Close Contact While Visiting:

While we strongly recommend that both residents and visitors voluntarily agree to mask during visits, given the highly contagious nature of the Delta variant, the following three scenarios currently remain available:

• Scenario 1: If both the resident and the visitor are fully vaccinated (proof of vaccination will be required), meeting in a private area or able to socially distance from others by at least 6ft, both resident and visitor can meet without wearing masks and can have close contact.
• Scenario 2: If a resident is fully vaccinated and the visitor is not, the resident can choose to have close contact, including touching, with their visitors provided the visitor wears a close-fitting mask and performs hand hygiene before and after.
• Scenario 3: If both the resident and visitor are unvaccinated both the resident and visitor must wear masks and remain 6ft feet apart for the duration of the visit.

How to Schedule Your Visit

Residents living on units: 1 North, 2 North, 2 South, 3 North, 3 South, or 4 North

Please call 718-368-7964 – Monday thru Friday during the Hours of 9:00am- 5:00pm.

Patients staying on units: 2 East, 2 West, 3 East, 3 West, 4 South, or 4 West

Please call 718-368-7333 – Monday thru Friday during the hours of 9:00am-5:00pm.

For your convenience Menorah has also created an email address for you to use to set up visits.  It is [email protected] . To request a visit by email address please provide your family members full name and Room# (if you know it), your name, contact number with the requested date and time of the visit.  Someone will get back to you via email to confirm the scheduling of your visit.  Again, the email address is: [email protected]

Outbreak Testing

As we continue routine staff and resident COVID testing, we may continue to see positive cases in the facility. The new DOH guidance allows us to resume visitation when a new COVID case is identified, on a particular unit or units, after a first round of Outbreak Testing is negative and no new cases are identified.  Should another new COVID case be identified during Outbreak Testing, the testing and visitation procedures will be as outlined in previous communication dated March 26^th, 2021 also available on the Menorah website.

Thank you in advance for your understanding and compliance with the guidelines put in place for the safety of your loved one as well as all of our residents and staff.

The Hotline, set up by Menorah to make it easier to check on how your loved one is doing, remains available at 718-368-7333. The Hotline is reachable seven days a week from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.

After six years at Menorah as Assistant Administrator, it is my honor to be the new Administrator of Record.  I look forward to ensuring that your loved ones continue to receive the best possible care and support.

Sincerely,

Jessica Wares
Administrator

March 26, 2021

Dear Family and Friends,

Great News! We are pleased to announce that the New York State Department of Health has released new guidelines for nursing home visitation. Based on Menorah’s current COVID testing statistics, we expect to be able to schedule visits beginning shortly.

Visitors

• Each resident may have up to two visitors at each visit (at least one visitor must be 18 years of age or older).
• COVID testing for visitors will be offered on-site, free of charge, and is strongly encouraged.
• All visitors will be screened for signs and symptoms of COVID.
• Visitors must wear a face covering or mask that covers their mouth and nose, practice hand hygiene, and maintain a safe distance of 6 feet from every other person.

Visits

• Visits will be scheduled for one (1) hour periods between the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., 7 days per week. Evening visits are available upon request.
• Visits may be conducted outdoors or indoors in designated visitation areas.
• If a resident is fully vaccinated, they can choose to have close contact, including touching, with their visitors while wearing a close-fitting mask and performing hand hygiene before and after.

How to Schedule Your Visit

Please contact the hotline at 718-368-7333 to schedule your visit.

Outbreak Testing

As we continue routine staff and resident COVID testing, we may continue to see positive cases in the facility. The new DOH guidance allows us to resume visitation when a new COVID case is identified, on a particular unit or units, after a short first round of Outbreak Testing. When a new COVID case is identified, the testing and visitation procedures will be as follows:

• When a positive case among residents or staff is identified, the facility will immediately begin Outbreak Testing and temporarily suspend visitation. The first round of Outbreak Testing takes approximately 7 days.
• If the first round of Outbreak Testing reveals no additional COVID cases on other units in the facility, then visitation may resume for all units that have no positive cases.
• If the first round of Outbreak Testing reveals one or more additional COVID cases on other units in the facility, then all visitation must be suspended until the facility meets the criteria to discontinue Outbreak Testing.

Results from our ongoing testing are returned to the facility by the lab 24 hours a day.  If a positive case is identified, we may need to suspend visitation on short notice and begin outbreak testing.  We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work within DOH and CMS guidelines to move toward a COVID-free facility.

If you are planning to visit your loved one, we strongly urge you to get vaccinated. While we have taken tremendous steps in reducing the prevalence of the virus at Menorah, the new variants are extremely contagious. Being vaccinated is the best way to help keep your loved one safe. And, to make getting vaccinated easier, Menorah will be conducting a vaccination clinic for family members. Please call Administration at 718-368-7903 to schedule your vaccination.

We look forward to welcoming you back. Thank you in advance for your understanding and compliance with the guidelines put in place for the safety of your loved one as well as all of our residents and staff.

Sincerely,

Natalie Yakovleva
Administrator

March 24, 2021

Dear Family Members:

I hope this letter finds you well.  It’s hard to imagine that it has already been a full year of facing the COVID-19 pandemic together. I want to personally thank you for your patience, your support and for allowing us to care for your loved one.

As we mentioned in the OneCall phone messages you received last week, and then again on Sunday, the leadership and staff at Menorah are committed to the care and safety of our residents and to you, their families. With this commitment in mind, we are pleased to announce that Menorah will be offering vaccinations to family members who plan to visit their loved ones regularly once visitation is permitted. To be vaccinated, you will need to meet New York State eligibility criteria which thankfully, continues to expand. It is our hope that this will provide one more level of safety, peace-of-mind, and preparation in anticipation of DOH adopting CMS guidelines that would further relax the restrictions governing visits.

If you are interested in being vaccinated, please contact Administration at 718-368-7903 to learn more. We would appreciate your calling as soon as possible, so that we can request a sufficient supply of vaccine and schedule appointments.

We are looking forward to hearing from you and welcoming you back to Menorah.

Sincerely,

Natalie Yakovleva
Administrator

March 10, 2021

Dear Residents/Family Members:

I am writing today to follow up on the phone call you received from Menorah, after the New York State Department of Health (“DOH”) revised guidelines on February 22^nd, regarding the resumption of visitation.  As we shared at that time, DOH continues to require that a nursing home be in full compliance with numerous conditions before resuming limited visitation. One of these conditions is that the facility have no new onset of COVID-19 cases, among either residents or staff, during the prior 14 days. We know you are eager to see your loved one and we look forward to welcoming you back. Once we are eligible, you will receive another phone call to immediately advise that we will be resuming in-person visits.

An important note: consistent with DOH guidelines, when weather permits all visits should occur outdoors since outdoor visits pose a lower risk of transmission.  During inclement weather, visits will take place inside the facility.  All visits will be scheduled in advance by appointment. Following are some of the guidelines that are being implemented so that you know what to expect when limited visitation resumes:

• When weather permits, all visit will occur outdoors consistent with DOH guidelines. There will be exceptions made for bedbound residents.
• Each resident may have up to two visitors. If a visitor is under the age of 16, they must be accompanied by an adult.
• Visitors must fill out a form with their name, home address, phone number and email at every visit.
• Visitors will be screened for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and will need to answer screening questions at each visit. Please note, there may be restrictions if you are visiting from out of state or have travelled recently. Please check with the facility prior to arrival. Only individuals who are symptom-free and pass the screening questions may visit.
• Visitors will be tested onsite, using a rapid test provided by Menorah, per DOH guidelines
• Visitors will be required to wear a face mask and must demonstrate appropriate hand hygiene. Menorah will provide masks for visitors who do not have one, and hand sanitizer will be available.
• Visits will occur in half hour blocks and social distancing during the visit will be required.
• Visitors will be guided directly to the designated visitation area and will not be permitted to walk around the facility.
• All high touch areas will be cleaned in-between residents visits as per infection control guidelines.
• As per regulations, the number of visitors to the facility at any given time must not exceed 20% of our daily census. Visits will be arranged by appointment so that we can safely accommodate as many people as permitted.
• Compassionate care and end-of-life visits are not affected by the 14-day requirement and will continue, per DOH guidelines.

As you may be aware, CMS issued new visitation guidance to all state health departments on 3/10. It is important to note that this new guidance has not yet been adopted by the New York State Department of Health, so it does not yet apply to residents of Isabella or any other nursing homes in New York State. We will let you know as soon as DOH changes the requirements.

As a reminder, you will receive a follow up phone call when in-person visits resume.  In the meantime, we continue to provide window visits and video calls, which can be scheduled by contacting the hotline at (718) 368-7333.

We look forward to welcoming families back to Menorah.

Sincerely,

Natalie Yakovleva
Administrator

December 24, 2020

Great news. CVS notified us that they are planning to be onsite at Menorah on Saturday, January 9^th to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to all our residents. As noted in my earlier letter, vaccination is a two-dose process. The second dose will be administered in approximately 3 weeks. Consent is required.

Shortly, we will be calling family members to obtain consent for their loved ones to be vaccinated. To support your decision making, Pfizer has provided the below fact sheet about the vaccine that will be administered. This has also been sent to your home.

Menorah supports the CDC and Department of Health in strongly recommending that your loved one be vaccinated for their safety. Research demonstrates that the benefits of the vaccine far outweigh the risks for most people.

If you have any questions about having your loved one vaccinated, please call Debra Boyce-Martinez, Director of Social Work, at (718) 368-7941. In the event your question requires input from our Medical Director, she will be able to facilitate that discussion.

FACT SHEET FOR RECIPIENTS AND CAREGIVERS

EMERGENCY USE AUTHORIZATION (EUA) OF THE PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE TO PREVENT CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19) IN INDIVIDUALS 16 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER

You are being offered the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine to prevent Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2. This Fact Sheet contains information to help you understand the risks and benefits of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, which you may receive because there is currently a pandemic of COVID-19.

The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is a vaccine and may prevent you from getting COVID-19. There is no U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved vaccine to prevent COVID-19.

Read this Fact Sheet for information about the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. Talk to the vaccination provider if you have questions. It is your choice to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is administered as a 2-dose series, 3 weeks apart, into the muscle. The Pfizer-BioN Tech COVID-19 Vaccine may not protect everyone.

This Fact Sheet may have been updated. For the most recent Fact Sheet, please see www.cvdvaccine.com.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GET THIS VACCINE?

WHAT IS COVID-19?
COVID-19 disease is caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. This type of coronavirus has not been seen before. You can get COVID-19 through contact with another person who has the virus. It is predominantly a respiratory illness that can affect other organs. People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported, ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms may include: fever or chills; cough; shortness of breath; fatigue; muscle or body aches; headache; new loss of taste or smell; sore throat; congestion or runny nose; nausea or vomiting; diarrhea.

WHAT IS THE PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE?
The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is an unapproved vaccine that may prevent COVID-19. There is no FDA-approved vaccine to prevent COVID-19.
The FDA has authorized the emergency use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine to prevent COVID-19 in individuals 16 years of age and older under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).

For more information on EUA, see the “What is an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA)?” section at the end of this Fact Sheet.

WHAT SHOULD YOU MENTION TO YOUR VACCINATION PROVIDER BEFORE YOU GET THE PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE?
Tell the vaccination provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
 have any allergies
 have a fever
 have a bleeding disorder or are on a blood thinner
 are immunocompromised or are on a medicine that affects your immune system
 are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
 are breastfeeding
 have received another COVID-19 vaccine

WHO SHOULD GET THE PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE?
FDA has authorized the emergency use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine in individuals 16 years of age and older.

WHO SHOULD NOT GET THE PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE?
You should not get the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine if you:
 had a severe allergic reaction after a previous dose of this vaccine
 had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient of this vaccine.

WHAT ARE THE INGREDIENTS IN THE PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE?
The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine includes the following ingredients: mRNA, lipids ((4-hydroxybutyl)azanediyl)bis(hexane-6,1-diyl)bis (2 hexyldecanoate), 2 [(polyethylene glycol)-2000]-N,N-ditetradecylacetamide, 1,2-Distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, and cholesterol), potassium chloride, monobasic potassium phosphate, sodium chloride, dibasic sodium phosphate dihydrate, and sucrose.

HOW IS THE PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE GIVEN?
The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine will be given to you as an injection into the muscle. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine vaccination series is 2 doses given 3 weeks apart. If you receive one dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, you should receive a second dose of this same vaccine 3 weeks later to complete the vaccination series.

HAS THE PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE BEEN USED BEFORE?
The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is an unapproved vaccine. In clinical trials, approximately 20,000 individuals 16 years of age and older have received at least 1 dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE?
In an ongoing clinical trial, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine has been shown to prevent COVID-19 following 2 doses given 3 weeks apart. The duration of protection against COVID-19 is currently unknown.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF THE PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE?

Side effects that have been reported with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine include:
 injection site pain
 tiredness
 headache
 muscle pain
 chills
 joint pain
 fever
 injection site swelling
 injection site redness
 nausea
 feeling unwell
 swollen lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy)

There is a remote chance that the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine could cause a severe allergic reaction. A severe allergic reaction would usually occur within a few minutes to one hour after getting a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. Signs of a severe allergic reaction can include:
 Difficulty breathing
 Swelling of your face and throat
 A fast heartbeat
 A bad rash all over your body
 Dizziness and weakness

These may not be all the possible side effects of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. Serious and unexpected side effects may occur. Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19. Vaccine is still being studied in clinical trials.

WHAT SHOULD I DO ABOUT SIDE EFFECTS?
If you experience a severe allergic reaction, call 9-1-1, or go to the nearest hospital. Call the vaccination provider or your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away. Report vaccine side effects to FDA/CDC Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). The VAERS toll-free number is 1-800-822-7967 or report online to https://vaers.hhs.gov/reportevent.html. Please include “Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine EUA” in the first line of box #18 of the report form.

In addition, you can report side effects to Pfizer Inc. at the contact information provided below.

Website Fax number Telephone number
www.pfizersafetyreporting.com 1-866-635-8337 1-800-438-1985

WHAT IF I DECIDE NOT TO GET THE PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE?
It is your choice to receive or not receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. Should you decide not to receive it, it will not change your standard medical care.

ARE OTHER CHOICES AVAILABLE FOR PREVENTING COVID-19 BESIDES PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE?
Currently, there is no approved alternative vaccine available for prevention of COVID-19. FDA may allow the emergency use of other vaccines to prevent COVID-19.

CAN I RECEIVE THE PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE WITH OTHER VACCINES?
There is no information on the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine with other vaccines.

WHAT IF I AM PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING?
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss your options with your healthcare provider.

WILL THE PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE GIVE ME COVID-19?
No. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine does not contain SARS-CoV-2 and cannot give you COVID-19.

KEEP YOUR VACCINATION CARD
When you get your first dose, you will get a vaccination card to show you when to return for your second dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. Remember to bring your card when you return.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
If you have questions, visit the website or call the telephone number provided below.

Global website Telephone number
www.cvdvaccine.com
1-877-829-2619
(1-877-VAX-CO19)

HOW CAN I LEARN MORE?
 Ask the vaccination provider.
 Visit CDC at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
 Visit FDA at https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/covid-19-vaccines 
 Contact your local or state public health department.

WHERE WILL MY VACCINATION INFORMATION BE RECORDED?
The vaccination provider may include your vaccination information in your state/local jurisdiction’s Immunization Information System (IIS) or other designated system. This will ensure that you receive the same vaccine when you return for the second dose. For more information about IISs visit: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/iis/about.html.

WHAT IS THE COUNTERMEASURES INJURY COMPENSATION PROGRAM?
The Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program (CICP) is a federal program that may help pay for costs of medical care and other specific expenses of certain people who have been seriously injured by certain medicines or vaccines, including this vaccine. Generally, a claim must be submitted to the CICP within one (1) year from the date of receiving the vaccine. To learn more about this program, visit www.hrsa.gov/cicp/ or call 1-855-266-2427.

WHAT IS AN EMERGENCY USE AUTHORIZATION (EUA)?
The United States FDA has made the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine available under an emergency access mechanism called an EUA. The EUA is supported by a Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) declaration that circumstances exist to justify the emergency use of drugs and biological products during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine has not undergone the same type of review as an FDA-approved or cleared product. FDA may issue an EUA when certain criteria are met, which includes that there are no adequate, approved, available alternatives. In addition, the FDA decision is based on the totality of scientific evidence available showing that the product may be effective to prevent COVID-19 during the COVID-19 pandemic and that the known and potential benefits of the product outweigh the known  and potential risks of the product. All of these criteria must be met to allow for the product to be used in the treatment of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The EUA for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is in effect for the duration of the COVID-19 EUA declaration justifying emergency use of these products, unless terminated or revoked (after which the products may no longer be used).

Manufactured by
Pfizer Inc., New York, NY 10017
Manufactured for
BioNTech Manufacturing GmbH
An der Goldgrube 12
55131 Mainz, Germany
LAB-1451-1.0
Revised: December 2020

December 10, 2020

Dear Family Members:

As promised in our last letter, following is a status update on the COVID-19 vaccination program.  As you know, our elected officials have prioritized nursing homes. As a result, Menorah residents and staff will be among the first to be vaccinated. The purpose of this letter is to provide you with the latest information we have on the process. Because of the scale and unprecedented nature of this project, details are evolving rapidly and could change.

What We know

The federal government is overseeing a centralized system to order, distribute, and track COVID -19 vaccines. This is being done through a platform called The Pharmacy Partnership for Long Term Care Program which will provide complete oversight of all stages of the vaccination program. Our clinical staff will work directly with CVS Pharmacy to vaccinate both staff and residents.

CVS Pharmacy will be scheduling a set of dates when they will be on site to vaccinate our residents and staff against this virus. While we do not currently know when they will come to Menorah, the current plan is for CVS to begin administering the vaccine at long-term facilities before the end of December. The COVID-19 vaccination process requires two doses, with the second vaccination administered approximately three weeks after the first.

What’s Next

A member of the Menorah staff will be reaching out to you soon to discuss the process for giving consent for your loved one to be vaccinated. We will also keep you informed should there be new information about the vaccine, timing or process as well as letting you know the actual dates CVS will be coming to the Menorah campus.

The Importance of Vaccination

The Centers for Disease Control Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted to make nursing homes a top priority for immunization because of the importance of protecting both residents and staff. We strongly encourage to follow their lead and provide consent for your loved one to be vaccinated. This is an important step in protecting all nursing home residents and stopping the spread of this virus.

Questions and Answers

We realize that you may have questions about the vaccine, its safety and how it works. Please read the Q&As prepared by AMDA/The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine.  You can also visit the cdc.gov website for additional information.

We remain vigilant in practicing strict infection control guidelines and in testing our residents and staff regularly.  We are now asking for your help in working together to keep us all safe by being vaccinated.

If you have any questions, please call Debra Boyce-Martinez, Director of Social Work, at 718 368-7941.

Natalie Yakovleva, Administrator

DATE: November 24, 2020

TO: Nursing Homes and Adult Care Facilities

Health Advisory: Holiday Guidance for Nursing Homes and Adult Care Facilities

Please distribute immediately to:
Administrators, Infection Preventionists, Medical Directors, Nursing Directors, Risk Managers, and Public Affairs Personnel.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment and efforts to support New York State’s (NYS) response to COVID-19. New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) wants to ensure that the health, safety, and quality of life of nursing home residents is maintained this holiday season. During the holiday season, residents and families may want to spend more time together. Facilities must continue to ensure that all visitors adhere to all visitation guidelines and facility policies and strictly adhere to infection prevention and control measures such as social distancing and face covering requirements.

Additionally:

• Facilities are encouraged to find creative and innovative ways to celebrate the holidays without having parties, including staff parties, or social gatherings that could increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Examples may include virtual visitation, virtual parties, seasonal music, in-room holiday book and movie options, and festive
• NYSDOH and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recommend against residents leaving nursing homes for home or family visitation or other social outings during the holiday season. Data has shown that small family gatherings contribute to COVID-19 spread. The CDC and NYSDOH recommend that individuals at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 avoid in-person gatherings with individuals with whom they do not
• Please refer to the September 17, 2020 Revised Skilled Nursing Facility Visitation which can be found at https://health.ny.gov/facilities/nursing/docs/2020-09-pdf.
• NYSDOH recommends that facilities promote and increase virtual communications during the holiday
• Nursing home and adult care facility staff should educate the families who are contemplating taking a resident out of a facility for the holidays, as well as the residents about the risks of leaving the facility and the alternative virtual communication options available.
• If a resident leaves for home or family visitation or for a social outing, the following requirements must be met for the resident’s return to the facility for the safety of other residents and staff:
• If a resident leaves for home or family visitation or for a social outing, the following requirements must be met for the resident’s return to the facility for the safety of other residents and staff:
  • Nursing home and Adult Care Facility staff should remind residents to follow all recommended infection prevention and control measures outside the facility, including:
    • Limiting close contact with others (maintaining physical distancing of six feet or more), avoiding large gatherings and keeping gatherings as small as possible, and use of technology to engage with others remotely
    • Wear facemasks or cloth face covering to the extent possible
    • Performing frequent hand hygiene
    • Avoiding sharing of communal food or drinks
  • Residents who leave a facility must:
    • Quarantine or minimize contact to the extent safely possible prior to their return to the
    • Be quarantined on transmission-based precautions upon return to the facility for 14
    • Test negative immediately (within 24 hours) prior to return to the
    • Be tested at least three times during the 14-day quarantine period at the facility, including on the first day (upon return) and the last day that a resident must be quarantined.
  • Facilities must:
    • Develop a plan for the return of residents leaving for home or family visits for social outings. The plan should include a cohorting plan for returning residents, estimating the space, staff, and PPE
    • Notify families taking residents out of the facility that residents will not be permitted to return until they present a negative COVID-19 diagnostic test result within the preceding 24
    • Certify as required by Executive Order 202.77, and Executive Order 202.30 that they have the ability to implement transmission-based precautions for such residents for fourteen days upon return in compliance with NYSDOH guidance and CMS
    • Require the leaving resident and a family or friend to attest in writing that they:
  • Are aware of the risks involved with taking the resident out of the facility;
  • Will follow masking, social distancing, and hand hygiene practices pursuant to CDC and DOH directives;
  • Will notify the facility if the resident becomes ill within one week of leaving the facility;
  • Will notify the facility if anyone with whom the resident socialized tests positive for COVID-19 or influenza or exhibits symptoms of COVID-19 and influenza within 14 days of the resident’s return to the facility;
  • Will communicate with the facility about a return date for the resident to the facility in accordance with the facility’s policy; and
  • Will quarantine or minimize contact (or assist the resident to do so) to the extent safely possible prior to return to a nursing

• Screen and increase monitoring for signs and symptoms of illness upon resident return.
• Test residents for COVID-19 and influenza if the resident develops signs or symptoms of COVID-19 or influenza or if the resident had a confirmed or

possible exposure to COVID-19 or influenza while outside a nursing home or adult care facility.

Questions regarding this advisory should be emailed to [email protected]. or [email protected] Thank you for your ongoing commitment to resident health and safety during this Public Health Emergency.

November 24, 2020

Dear Family/Friends:

I am writing to wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving and to let you know the steps we are taking to ensure that your loved one has a joyful, celebratory and safe holiday.

Bela Rabinovich, our Director of Food Services, has planned special holiday menus, while our therapeutic recreation and social work staff have created special events complete with holiday decorations. Our residents will enjoy a range of festivities including music, arts and crafts and special surprise activities.

Throughout the pandemic, the recreation team has reinvented and modified “traditional” activities that support wellness, engagement and relaxation while aligning with regulatory guidance and safety protocols. Our daily schedule is filled with a full range of diversified recreation programs to meet everyone’s needs. Menorah’s recreation and creative arts therapists are providing programs such as dance and movement, singing and songwriting as well as holiday and seasonal craft making. Our music staff conducts bedside visits during which they play the guitar, keyboard, and violin. Residents are also offered books, magazines, word puzzles and crafts, for their independent use, and we provide a movie – or relaxing DVD – daily on our in-house TV channel. In addition, Kingsborough college students engage in virtual video chats, which allow our residents to share their life stories with the students.

The leadership and staff at Menorah remain committed to bringing holiday cheer to your loved one and to keeping them connected with you and your family. This includes continuing window visits, video chats and phone calls.  Please call our family hotline at 718-368-7333 to schedule a window visit or video chat.

Also, for your safety, the safety of your family and our community, please remember to comply with the Governor’s Executive Order limiting at-home gatherings to 10 persons or fewer. This COVID control measure is intended to minimize outbreaks of COVID as a result of Thanksgiving and other holiday celebrations. We realize that many people have lost patience with being separated from their loved ones…and might think it’s safe if the people they are gathering with are all family. Sadly, this is not the case. We encourage you to celebrate Thanksgiving with people currently living under your own roof, limit large gatherings and remember to social distance if non-household members are attending.

As I’m sure you’re aware, cases of COVID-19 are rising significantly and we need to be more vigilant than ever. Menorah remains committed to keeping your loved one safe. While we understand the emotional toll separation during the pandemic has had on you and your loved one, Menorah will continue to follow state and federal guidelines for infection control, which includes strictly enforcing safety protocols as COVID rates rise. We are all encouraged by the potential availability of a safe and effective vaccine. Until that time, extra safety precautions and vigilance are essential.

If you have any questions or need assistance in obtaining information, please call Debra Boyce-Martinez, Director of Social Work, at 718-368-7941. Remember, your team at Menorah is always here for you and your loved one.

Best wishes to you and your family.

Natalie Yakovleva
Administrator of Record

September 23, 2020

Dear Families:

On September 15, 2020, the New York State Department of Health (“DOH”) issued revised guidance to nursing homes regarding the resumption of limited visitation.  The DOH requires a nursing home to be in full compliance with numerous conditions in order to resume limited visitation. DOH has also changed one condition and added an additional requirement for visitors themselves. These new and changed conditions are:

1. The nursing home must have had no new onset of COVID-19 cases among either residents or staff for 14 days; and
2. All visitors must produce a verified negative COVID-19 test result within 7 days of each visit.

Menorah has submitted its visitation plan to DOH. Given a recent positive test result for a staff member, we are on track to begin limited outdoor visits on October 5^th. Please understand that this date may change again should any resident or staff member test positive. Outdoor visitation will be conducted Monday through Friday in the garden area in 30-minute blocks. In the event of inclement weather, visitation may be moved to the auditorium. Visitation in resident rooms is still strictly prohibited by DOH except in very limited circumstances.

Here are some general guidelines of what to expect once limited outdoor visitation begins:

• Each resident may have up to two visitors. If a visitor is under 18, they must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older.
• Visitors must show a negative COVID-19 test performed in the last 7 days and must fill out a form with their name, home address, phone number, and email at each visit.
• Visitors will also be screened for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and will need to answer screening questions at each visit regarding symptoms and travel.
• Only visitors who produce a verified negative test result performed in the past 7 days, and exhibit no COVID-19 signs or symptoms, and pass the screening questions, will be allowed to visit.
• Visitors must wear a face covering and must demonstrate appropriate hand hygiene. Menorah will provide masks for visitors who do not have one, and hand sanitizer will be made available.
• During each 30-minute visitation block, we will accommodate the number of residents, visitors, and staff who can safely fit in the garden area (or the auditorium, during inclement weather) while maintaining social distancing requirements.

Please call (718) 368-7333 to schedule your visit.

Please note, we are updating our files and would like to know if you prefer to receive updates regarding the pandemic via phone call or email? If you prefer emails, please email Debra Boyce-Martinez in the social work office at [email protected] to provide your email address. Please include your name and the patient/resident’s name.

We look forward to welcoming you back to Menorah and being a part of your family’s reunion.

Sincerely,

Natalie Yakovleva
Administrator of Record

Updated April 30, 2020

I would like to share the following COVID-19 update.

As I’m sure you’re aware, Menorah is a 436-bed not-for-profit center for rehabilitation and nursing care located in Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn. We have always cared for the most frail, elderly and at-risk members of our community. Most of our residents are in their mid-80s or older and often have multiple health issues. Together, this makes the residents that Menorah cares for the absolute most vulnerable to catching and succumbing to the COVID-19 virus.

Given that New York City is at the epicenter of this health crisis, like virtually all nursing homes across the five boroughs, Menorah has sadly experienced COVID-related deaths. The leadership of Menorah cares deeply about every loss and our deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of the residents who have passed.

Each day, our selfless employees put themselves at-risk to lovingly care for our vulnerable residents. And for the members of the staff, who cared for any of our longtime residents who passed away, it has also been a very painful loss.

The numbers that will be announced over the next few days about COVID-related deaths at Menorah will be disturbing. As you know, Menorah has been following state and federal guidelines for infection control, which so far have helped contain the virus. Unfortunately, nursing homes in New York City have not been given access to widespread and consistent inhouse testing to quickly diagnose our residents and staff. Sadly, this has hampered our ability to further limit loss of life by swiftly separating anyone with the virus.

The leadership and staff at Menorah Center take our commitment to caring for your loved one very seriously. We will continue to follow state and federal guidelines, and do all that we can, to help ensure the safety and well-being of our residents and staff in the face of this unprecedented crisis. This includes offering family members daily updates on COVID-19 activity at Menorah Center.

Please call your social worker at 718-368-7941 any questions.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of all who have been lost. We will be hosting a memorial service, to honor the lives of loved ones lost to this horrific virus, once it is safe for the Menorah community to come together again.

Natalie Yakovleva
Administrator

COVID-19: What to do if you are ill

COVID-19: Stop the spread of germs

COVID-19: Fact Sheet

November 24, 2020

Dear Family/Friends:

I am writing to wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving and to let you know the steps we are taking to ensure that your loved one has a joyful, celebratory and safe holiday.

Bela Rabinovich, our Director of Food Services, has planned special holiday menus, while our therapeutic recreation and social work staff have created special events complete with holiday decorations. Our residents will enjoy a range of festivities including music, arts and crafts and special surprise activities.

Throughout the pandemic, the recreation team has reinvented and modified “traditional” activities that support wellness, engagement and relaxation while aligning with regulatory guidance and safety protocols. Our daily schedule is filled with a full range of diversified recreation programs to meet everyone’s needs. Menorah’s recreation and creative arts therapists are providing programs such as dance and movement, singing and songwriting as well as holiday and seasonal craft making. Our music staff conducts bedside visits during which they play the guitar, keyboard, and violin. Residents are also offered books, magazines, word puzzles and crafts, for their independent use, and we provide a movie – or relaxing DVD – daily on our in-house TV channel. In addition, Kingsborough college students engage in virtual video chats, which allow our residents to share their life stories with the students.

The leadership and staff at Menorah remain committed to bringing holiday cheer to your loved one and to keeping them connected with you and your family. This includes continuing window visits, video chats and phone calls.  Please call our family hotline at 718-368-7333 to schedule a window visit or video chat.

Also, for your safety, the safety of your family and our community, please remember to comply with the Governor’s Executive Order limiting at-home gatherings to 10 persons or fewer. This COVID control measure is intended to minimize outbreaks of COVID as a result of Thanksgiving and other holiday celebrations. We realize that many people have lost patience with being separated from their loved ones…and might think it’s safe if the people they are gathering with are all family. Sadly, this is not the case. We encourage you to celebrate Thanksgiving with people currently living under your own roof, limit large gatherings and remember to social distance if non-household members are attending.

As I’m sure you’re aware, cases of COVID-19 are rising significantly and we need to be more vigilant than ever. Menorah remains committed to keeping your loved one safe. While we understand the emotional toll separation during the pandemic has had on you and your loved one, Menorah will continue to follow state and federal guidelines for infection control, which includes strictly enforcing safety protocols as COVID rates rise. We are all encouraged by the potential availability of a safe and effective vaccine. Until that time, extra safety precautions and vigilance are essential.

If you have any questions or need assistance in obtaining information, please call Debra Boyce-Martinez, Director of Social Work, at 718-368-7941. Remember, your team at Menorah is always here for you and your loved one.

Best wishes to you and your family.

Natalie Yakovleva
Administrator of Record

September 23, 2020

Dear Families:

On September 15, 2020, the New York State Department of Health (“DOH”) issued revised guidance to nursing homes regarding the resumption of limited visitation.  The DOH requires a nursing home to be in full compliance with numerous conditions in order to resume limited visitation. DOH has also changed one condition and added an additional requirement for visitors themselves. These new and changed conditions are:

1. The nursing home must have had no new onset of COVID-19 cases among either residents or staff for 14 days; and
2. All visitors must produce a verified negative COVID-19 test result within 7 days of each visit.

Menorah has submitted its visitation plan to DOH. Given a recent positive test result for a staff member, we are on track to begin limited outdoor visits on October 5^th. Please understand that this date may change again should any resident or staff member test positive. Outdoor visitation will be conducted Monday through Friday in the garden area in 30-minute blocks. In the event of inclement weather, visitation may be moved to the auditorium. Visitation in resident rooms is still strictly prohibited by DOH except in very limited circumstances.

Here are some general guidelines of what to expect once limited outdoor visitation begins:

• Each resident may have up to two visitors. If a visitor is under 18, they must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older.
• Visitors must show a negative COVID-19 test performed in the last 7 days and must fill out a form with their name, home address, phone number, and email at each visit.
• Visitors will also be screened for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and will need to answer screening questions at each visit regarding symptoms and travel.
• Only visitors who produce a verified negative test result performed in the past 7 days, and exhibit no COVID-19 signs or symptoms, and pass the screening questions, will be allowed to visit.
• Visitors must wear a face covering and must demonstrate appropriate hand hygiene. Menorah will provide masks for visitors who do not have one, and hand sanitizer will be made available.
• During each 30-minute visitation block, we will accommodate the number of residents, visitors, and staff who can safely fit in the garden area (or the auditorium, during inclement weather) while maintaining social distancing requirements.

Please call (718) 368-7333 to schedule your visit.

Please note, we are updating our files and would like to know if you prefer to receive updates regarding the pandemic via phone call or email? If you prefer emails, please email Debra Boyce-Martinez in the social work office at [email protected] to provide your email address. Please include your name and the patient/resident’s name.

We look forward to welcoming you back to Menorah and being a part of your family’s reunion.

Sincerely,

Natalie Yakovleva
Administrator of Record

Updated April 30, 2020

I would like to share the following COVID-19 update.

As I’m sure you’re aware, Menorah is a 436-bed not-for-profit center for rehabilitation and nursing care located in Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn. We have always cared for the most frail, elderly and at-risk members of our community. Most of our residents are in their mid-80s or older and often have multiple health issues. Together, this makes the residents that Menorah cares for the absolute most vulnerable to catching and succumbing to the COVID-19 virus.

Given that New York City is at the epicenter of this health crisis, like virtually all nursing homes across the five boroughs, Menorah has sadly experienced COVID-related deaths. The leadership of Menorah cares deeply about every loss and our deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of the residents who have passed.

Each day, our selfless employees put themselves at-risk to lovingly care for our vulnerable residents. And for the members of the staff, who cared for any of our longtime residents who passed away, it has also been a very painful loss.

The numbers that will be announced over the next few days about COVID-related deaths at Menorah will be disturbing. As you know, Menorah has been following state and federal guidelines for infection control, which so far have helped contain the virus. Unfortunately, nursing homes in New York City have not been given access to widespread and consistent inhouse testing to quickly diagnose our residents and staff. Sadly, this has hampered our ability to further limit loss of life by swiftly separating anyone with the virus.

The leadership and staff at Menorah Center take our commitment to caring for your loved one very seriously. We will continue to follow state and federal guidelines, and do all that we can, to help ensure the safety and well-being of our residents and staff in the face of this unprecedented crisis. This includes offering family members daily updates on COVID-19 activity at Menorah Center.

Please call your social worker at 718-368-7941 any questions.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of all who have been lost. We will be hosting a memorial service, to honor the lives of loved ones lost to this horrific virus, once it is safe for the Menorah community to come together again.

Natalie Yakovleva
Administrator

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